Korean Job Discussion Forums

ashshea · Joined: 02 Jun 2007

A few people have told me that it's rude to show your feet without socks in Korea and, thus, flip-flops and sandals are considered rude. Is this true? I know they don't want me to wear flip-flops to my school, but what about out in town? Would it be rude to wear flip-flops? I'm leaving in a week and trying to figure out what to pack, so I would appreciate your advice. By the way, I'm going to Daegu which I know is more conservative than Seoul. Thanks in advance for your help.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Wearing flip-flops in a working environment is generally a no-no. But walking about town with them is okay.

happiness · Joined: 04 Sep 2010

yes, ive was told showing legs is kind of rude for a teacher, but i rock 3/4 pants from uniqlo, and get away with it, but i always put on ankle socks (footies?)

i just cant get over how guys dont wear shorts in the summer, but they get used to sweating it out with those uniforms in school and in the military, not me, out of work, into shorts and sandals. whew

Triban · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Location: Suwon Station

In public I see Koreans wear sandals all the time...although it is the ones with like 4 straps and not a thong.

You're safe. I've worn them to work a couple times with no complaints, although I haven't tried the shorts ever.

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

You'll be fine. People here wear sandals and flip flops all the time. Wearing them at work will probably be against your school's dress policy, but wearing them on your own time will be fine.

I've never heard that it is rude for teachers to show their legs. I wear skirts and capris to work all the time. I guess if anyone is offended by my pasty white legs, it's a year too late to worry about it now.

sadguy · Joined: 13 Feb 2011

OP, you've been a member since 2007 and you're finally making it out to korea?

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

I don't want to see people's feet, but apparently that's just me.

Of course, no telling if your boss will be the same kind of crazy that I am.

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

Yeah, you generally aren't supposed to show bare foot at school, but I do. I really hate socks in the summer, even those footies, so I just keep some under my desk in case anybody ever makes me wear them. BTW, I've been given footies as impromptu gifts... heheh. It's not that I mean to be a rebel, or one of those people who openly disregards obvious hints, but it's just that I take my socks off when I'm deskwarming and forget to put them back on. Oopsies. I know there's a no bare feet rule, but I'm going to wait until I'm "reminded" of it before following it again.

When I first came to Korea, I worried a bit about wearing the right thing when walking around town and stuff, but it really doesn't matter. Wear whatever you want, really. Sandals of all kinds are popular, and more people are wearing sleeveless tops too, which I think used to be less common.

wishfullthinkng · Joined: 05 Mar 2010

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

nathanrutledge · Joined: 01 May 2008 Location: Marakesh

PastorYoon · Joined: 25 Jun 2010 Location: Sea of Japan

ashshea · Joined: 02 Jun 2007

Thanks for your help. This clears things up a bit for me.

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

DIsbell · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

It really depends on the workplace. I work at a fairly well-known chain in Mokdong (with some notoriously picky mothers, no less) and the dress-code is very, very lax. In this hot and humid season now shorts and flip-flops are fine for the guys.

But in general I do notice that a lot of Korean guys are still wearing jeans/pants out and about. I guess maybe growing up in this kind of weather and wearing pants through it you just get used to it.