Living in Korea can be an amazing experience — delicious food, efficient transportation, and a fascinating blend of modern and traditional life. But if you’re new here, you might notice that some everyday habits are quite different from what you’re used to. Understanding and respecting these customs will help you adjust more smoothly and avoid awkward moments. Here are three daily habits to keep in mind.
1. Take Off Your Shoes Indoors
In Korea, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home — and this tradition goes back centuries. Koreans value cleanliness and believe that the indoors should be a space free from outside dirt. Most homes have a small entry area called a 현관 (hyeon-gwan) where you take off your shoes before stepping onto the main floor.
If you’re invited to someone’s house, never walk inside with your shoes on. It’s considered disrespectful. Even when you rent an apartment, landlords generally expect you to follow this rule. Many Koreans keep separate indoor slippers (실내화) for comfort and hygiene. So, remember: shoes off at the door!
2. Rinse, Don’t Soak, When Doing the Dishes
Here’s something that surprises many foreigners — in Korea, people usually don’t fill the sink with water and soap to soak dishes. Instead, they wash each dish with detergent first and then rinse everything thoroughly under running water.
Why? Many Koreans think soaking dishes in soapy water is unhygienic because the dirty water can spread bacteria or leave residue. It’s also part of a broader cultural emphasis on visible cleanliness and freshness. If you’re living with Korean roommates or using a shared kitchen, it’s good manners to follow this practice — it’ll definitely be appreciated!
3. Master the Art of Recycling
Korea takes recycling very seriously. Every neighborhood and apartment complex follows strict recycling rules, often with designated bins for plastic, paper, glass, cans, and general waste. You’ll also see special bins for food waste (음식물 쓰레기), which must be separated from regular trash.
In many apartment buildings, you can only take out recyclables on specific days of the week — and local authorities can even issue fines for improper disposal. It might take a little time to learn what goes where, but you can always use Google or Naver and it’s definitely worth it for the environment. Clear labeling and color-coded bins will help, and neighbors or building managers are usually happy to explain the rules.
Living Mindfully in Korea
Getting used to these habits may take a few weeks, but they’re easy to adopt and show respect for local customs. From leaving your shoes at the door to sorting your recyclables correctly, these small actions will help you blend into Korean daily life — and make your stay smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
Welcome to your new home in Korea, where good manners truly start at the doorstep.
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