Visiting Etiquette

It is considered impolite to wear shoes inside of someone's house, and every Korean home is a shoe-free zone. Wearing shoes inside a Korean home is not only impolite, but it is also unfortunate and filthy. When you enter, be courteous and take off your shoes.

When you first enter a Korean home, there is a tiny place where you can take off your shoes. It is lower than the rest of the floor, so you can tell. Stepping up into someone's home indicates that you are entering a no-shoe zone, thus you should take off your shoes right away. Depending on the house you're visiting, you might be able to wear the guest slippers.

In Korea, crossing your legs in front of a "superior" is considered impolite. Higher social status in Korea is indicated by either a person's occupation or age. In front of friends and those who share your social status (or lower), crossing your legs is not seen as impolite.

Sitting with your legs straight or slightly apart is preferred. Legs crossed is viewed as being uncoordinated or inconsiderate to the other person. Therefore, you should sit up straight and keep your hands on your lap. Honesty and focus are demonstrated through open body language.