English Post (영어 포스트)/Lost in Translation (문화차이)6 Footwear Aside: Welcome to Korea’s Indoor Culture (신발은 문 앞에: 한국의 실내 문화) In Korea, shoes come off at the door. Always.This isn’t just a custom for home. you’ll find this rule in certain traditional restaurants, some offices, temples, and even some specific types of cafes. The moment you see slippers neatly lined up, you know the rules have changed.The Moment of HesitationFor newcomers, this can be an unexpected hurdle. You might hesitate, glancing down at your footwe.. 2025. 11. 11. "Too Close for Comfort" - Korean Personal Space (너무 가까워: 당신이 오해하는 한국의 개인 공간) In Korea, personal space operates by a different set of rules than what many foreigners are used to.The Shrinking BubbleYou’ll encounter this feeling of reduced space everywhere. On the subway, someone sits right next to you even when half the car is empty. In line at the bank or coffee shop, the person behind you stands so close you can feel their breath—or their shopping bag touching your leg... 2025. 10. 23. "Why Is Everyone Staring?" - It's Not What You Think (왜 다들 쳐다보지? 당신이 오해하는 한국의 시선) In Korea, people will look at you. A lot. This sustained, direct eye contact can be one of the most unsettling experiences for new arrivals.The Unsettling GazeOn the subway. In restaurants. Walking down a quiet street. You might feel a constant, sometimes prolonged, gaze. Sometimes you’ll even hear hushed conversations directed your way.For many foreigners, this raises an alarm: Am I doing somet.. 2025. 10. 9. "Ppalli Ppalli": The Rush That Never Ends ("빨리빨리": 끝나지 않는 한국의 속도) In Korea, everything happens fast. Really fast. The driving force behind this is one simple phrase you’ll hear everywhere: “Ppalli, ppalli!” (Quickly, quickly!)The Speed of LifeFrom mundane tasks to major construction, Korea operates at maximum velocity.Servers rush to your table before you’re fully seated. Before you can ask, the side dishes are refilled. Even major road work moves fast: asphal.. 2025. 9. 30. How Old Are You? Korea’s Age Question Explained (나이가 어떻게 되세요? 한국인이 나이를 묻는 진짜 이유) When Koreans ask your age, they're not being nosy. They’re trying to figure out how to speak to you politely.The Question That Stops ConversationsIt happens within minutes of meeting someone new. "How old are you?"For many foreigners, this feels like an instant privacy violation. In most Western cultures, asking a stranger’s age is simply rude—a big conversational stop sign.A common reaction sha.. 2025. 9. 29. Did You Eat? Korea’s Most Caring Greeting, Explained (밥 먹었어요? 한국의 가장 다정한 인사, 그 의미) Did You Eat? Korea’s Most Caring GreetingWhen a Korean asks, “Did you eat?” they're not asking about your lunch menu. They’re offering you a small gift of attention.The Question That Follows YouYou’ll hear this question everywhere—elevators, office break rooms, on the street, even from taxi drivers. For many foreigners, the frequency is baffling. Foreigners often wonder: Why are Koreans so obses.. 2025. 9. 28. 이전 1 다음
