Remove your shoes as soon as you step into the entryway (hyungwan), the slightly lower area just past the front door, before stepping up onto the main floor.
Line your shoes up neatly facing the door rather than leaving them scattered — a small thing, but hosts notice it. Socks or bare feet are both fine; slippers are often offered by the host and fine to accept.
- This applies everywhere, not just formal visits — a quick drop-by at a friend’s place still means shoes off, no “I’ll only be a minute” exception.
- The rule extends past homes — many traditional restaurants, temples, and some clinics or studios with ondol-style flooring expect the same; look for a shoe rack or a raised floor at the entrance as the cue.