What are Indoor Shoes?

So today I'm going to talk about shoes. 

One of my first lessons in Korea was the importance of removing my shoes inside. Now, I don't have to do this everywhere (stores, certain restaurants, movie theater, etc) but I do take off my shoes in my own apartment, school, others homes, and I have removed my shoes at certain restaurants. Why?

Found this perfect picture at Eat Your Kimchi (fantastic website and funny vlogs)

It is considered impolite to leave outdoor shoes on when entering a home or certain buildings. Near the door there is usually an area to change into your indoor shoes/slippers called a 'hyeon gwan' (현관). Compared to Western society, it's much more common for Koreans to eat while sitting on the floor at a low table or even sleep on the floor. Thus, keeping the floor clean is incredibly important. Who knows what you stepped in with your outdoor shoes?

I bought my first pair of indoor shoes on my second day in Gwangju. During our first visit to  the school we were offered visitor indoor shoes- which were super uncomfortable- and made the idea of buying my own ugly pair of shoes more appealing. There are separate areas in shoe stores dedicated to indoor shoes- not a large variety but more than enough to accommodate to different styles. 

What makes it an indoor shoe?
They tend to be made of softer rubber material and really comfortable. Imagine rubber sandals and Crocs everywhere. The great thing about wearing indoor shoes is that I can wear my sneakers to school (it's a 30 minute walk) and generally not care at all about matching shoes to outfits.

I'm the black sandals at the top. Posing with all of my co-teachers.

Additionally, most people (like me) buy house slippers for walking around the home and bathroom shoes. Bathroom shoes are the norm and are can be bought in couple packs (1 blue pair, 1 pink pair).

I can't believe I just wrote a blog about shoes.

Peace.