Drama Unfolds As Guest Refused Taking Off Her Shoes Before Entering A Korean Home

In Korea, entering someone's house while wearing shoes can swiftly transform a cordial greeting into a chilly one. Many Koreans become enraged if their indoor space is invaded by shoes because this seemingly insignificant act carries a great deal of cultural significance.

In Korean culture, taking off shoes before entering a house is not just a necessary precaution but also a deeply rooted custom that shows respect for the property and its occupants. The way Koreans interact with their living surroundings has been shaped by this cultural tradition, which has been passed down through the years.

Wooden flooring and floor-based activities like eating, sleeping, and sitting are common in traditional Korean homes. It became common practice to take off shoes before entering these residences in order to preserve hygiene and cleanliness.

So when entering a Korean home, taking off one's shoes is a sign of respect for the home and its occupants. It acknowledges the limits between the private haven of the home and the outside world, signifying humility and respect for the area.

The OP is British but ethnically Korean. OP was brought up to always take her shoes off indoors, as it is a big part of Korean culture not to wear shoes indoors.

OP knows that not everyone does that in their own homes, but in her home, you don't wear shoes. This turned out to be a problem for one of her guest,s and the full story lies below.

The OP kicks off her story saying...

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A guest said her shoes were part of her outfit and she wouldn't be taking them off

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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the AH:

Hello. The action I took that should be judged is insisting a guest in my home remove her shoes even though she didnt want to. The reason i might be the AH is maybe I shouldnt be telling people what to do and what to wear

We've gathered some of the most upvoted comments from other Redditors for you to read through below

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You don't want all those nasty particles in your home

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This Redditor says that the guest is weird

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OP's friend is definitely the AH here

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In the comments, the OP went ahead to give more details on how she does things

A number of people have said this. However, i tell all my guests about my rule days in advance, so its not a surprise and they can be ready. And I offer fresh socks and/or slippers to anyone who wants them

More comments to check out below...

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A good guest would respect house rules

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Why would the guest abhor a normal thing?

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The OP ought to provide a slipper of some sort

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Now we know that in Korea, it is customary to remove shoes at the door before entering a house. In fact, failing to do so is disrespectful.

A dirty floor can be viewed as unpleasant by Koreans, who have a unique bond with the floor on which they sit and frequently sleep. Redditors understood this, and their comments reflected it.