What Do Koreans Call Slippers? A Guide for Irish Travellers

Have you ever stepped into a home in Dublin and felt the casual comfort of kicking off your shoes? In Ireland, we tend to keep our boots on unless there’s a serious leak or mud situation. But if you are planning a trip to South Korea, that habit is about to change completely. The question "what do Koreans call slippers?" isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding a cultural shift that happens the moment you cross the threshold of a Korean home.

In Korea, removing your shoes is mandatory. It’s not a suggestion; it’s the rule. And what you wear inside-those specific indoor shoes-is central to daily life. For an Irish visitor, used to pubs in Galway or hiking the Cliffs of Moher in sturdy boots, this can feel strange at first. Let’s break down exactly what these shoes are called, why they matter, and how to navigate them without embarrassment.

The Word You Need: Jachima

If you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about, the word you need is Jachima (the Korean term for general indoor slippers or house shoes). This is the catch-all term for the soft, flat shoes you wear inside a home or office.

However, language in Korea is nuanced. Just as we might distinguish between a 'sneaker' and a 'boot' in Ireland, Koreans have different words based on context:

• Jachima: The standard indoor slipper. Think of the fuzzy ones provided by hotels or the plastic ones given to guests in a private home.
• Gwisan: These are more formal indoor shoes, often made of leather or fabric, worn in offices or traditional hanok houses.
• Pajamasu: Borrowed from English, this refers specifically to open-toed sandals or flip-flops used indoors or in locker rooms.

When you are staying in a guesthouse in Busan or visiting a friend in Seoul, asking for "jachima" will get you exactly what you need. It shows respect for the local custom.

Why Shoes Come Off: Cleanliness and Tradition

To understand why jachima exists, you have to look at the floor. In many Irish homes, we sit on sofas. In Korea, people sit on the floor. Traditional heating systems (ondol) warm the floors, making them the most comfortable place to be. If everyone is sitting on the floor, the floor must be clean.

This isn’t just about dirt from the street. It’s about hygiene and respect. Bringing outdoor shoes inside is considered rude, similar to walking into someone’s kitchen with muddy wellies after a walk in the Wicklow Mountains. The boundary between 'outside' (dirty) and 'inside' (clean) is strictly enforced at the door.

Even in modern high-rises in Gangnam, the entryway (genkan) is designed for shoe removal. You’ll see rows of shoes neatly lined up. If you are invited to a home, always wait for the host to tell you where to put your shoes. Usually, you leave them facing outward so you can slip them on easily when leaving.

Types of Indoor Footwear You’ll Encounter

Not all jachima are created equal. Depending on where you are, you’ll encounter different types. Knowing the difference helps you avoid awkward moments.

In summer, you might find yourself wearing open-toed pajamasu in a noraebang (karaoke bar) or a restaurant. In winter, especially during those cold snaps that remind you of a damp Dublin evening, thick, insulated jachima are essential because ondol heating makes the floors warm, but drafts can still chill your feet.

Etiquette Tips for Irish Visitors

Coming from Ireland, where we are generally relaxed about dress codes, Korean footwear rules can seem strict. Here are some practical tips to help you blend in.

1. Never wear outdoor shoes inside. This includes sneakers. Even if your Nikes are spotless, they are 'outside shoes'. Always switch to jachima.
2. Don’t point your feet at people. When sitting on the floor, try to keep your feet tucked away. Pointing your soles at someone is seen as disrespectful, much like interrupting someone in conversation.
3. Check for cleanliness. If you are wearing your own slippers, make sure they are clean. Some hosts provide disposable plastic ones for guests who don’t want to use shared footwear. This is common in public baths (jjimjilbang).
4. Wear socks. Even if you wear slippers, wearing socks underneath is hygienic and polite. It prevents sweat from getting onto the shared slippers.

If you are staying in a hanok (traditional house), you might be asked to remove even your slippers before stepping onto the heated floor area. Listen carefully to instructions. Hosts appreciate effort, even if your pronunciation of 'jachima' isn’t perfect.

Buying Slippers in Korea vs. Ireland

In Ireland, you might grab a pair of slippers from Dunnes Stores or Penneys (Primark) for €10-€15. In Korea, the market is vast. You can find incredibly cheap plastic slippers for ₩1,000 (about €0.70) at convenience stores like GS25 or CU. On the other hand, luxury brands sell designer jachima for hundreds of euros.

If you plan to stay in Korea for more than a week, consider buying your own pair. Hotel slippers are often single-use or low quality. Local department stores like Shinsegae or Lotte have entire sections dedicated to home goods, including stylish, durable indoor shoes. Look for brands that offer non-slip soles, which are crucial for safety on smooth tiled floors.

For tourists, sticking to hotel-provided slippers is usually fine. Just remember to throw them away upon departure-they are rarely meant to be taken home or reused.

Navigating Public Spaces

It’s not just homes. Many Korean businesses require shoe removal. This includes:

• Jjimjilbang (Public Baths): You’ll be given special socks or slippers to wear while walking around the facility. These are color-coded or designated for men and women areas.
• Traditional Tea Houses: Sitting on cushions requires bare feet or clean socks/slippers.
• Some Restaurants: Especially those with floor seating. Look for signs saying 'shoes off' or observe what others are doing.

In contrast, most cafes and bars in Seoul allow regular shoes. This is a big relief for anyone tired of carrying extra footwear. However, always check the entrance. If there’s a row of shoes, follow suit.

Final Thoughts for the Traveler

Understanding what Koreans call slippers-and why they matter-is a small but significant step into their culture. It’s about respecting boundaries, cleanliness, and comfort. For an Irish traveller, it’s a chance to slow down, take off the weight of the day, and embrace a different way of living.

Next time you pack for Seoul, leave room for a comfortable pair of socks. And remember: when in doubt, take off your shoes. It’s the easiest way to show respect and fit in.