A Deep Dive into Korea’s Most Curious Cultural Habit 📌 Introduction: A Question Foreigners Often Ask If you've ever visited a Korean home—or watched a Korean drama—you might have noticed one thing: nobody wears shoes inside . To Westerners, especially those from countries where keeping your shoes on indoors is the norm, this can be a bit of a surprise. But in Korea, taking off your shoes is more than just a custom. It’s a deeply rooted cultural practice that touches on history, hygiene, and even philosophy. So why do Koreans take off their shoes indoors? In this post, we’ll explore the origins of this tradition, how it’s practiced today, and why it still matters in modern Korean society. 🧭 1. Historical Roots: From Ondol to Clean Living One of the main reasons for this custom dates back to traditional Korean homes known as hanok . Ondol Heating System : Hanoks are built with an underfloor heating system called ondol , where heat flows under the floor. Since Koreans eat, sleep...
Korea , a global epicenter of innovation and cultural influence, has earned global acclaim for its revolutionary beauty industry. Thanks to the Hallyu wave—fueled by K-Pop , K-Dramas, and YouTube influencers— K-beauty has become a defining force in the global cosmetics market. Among the many destinations for beauty shopping in Korea, one name stands out unmistakably: Olive Young Korea . This comprehensive guide is written especially for tourists who want to make the most of their Korean shopping experience. From skincare and cosmetics to health supplements and travel essentials , we’ll explore everything you need to know before stepping into an Olive Young store. What is Olive Young Korea? Olive Young is South Korea’s largest health & beauty (H&B) chain, boasting over 1,300 stores nationwide as of 2024. Often compared to CVS or Boots, it takes things several steps further. Unlike Western drugstores, Olive Young places an intense focus on K-beauty trends , offering curated se...