For lunch breaks in a Korean office, it's customary to slip on your slippers and head over to brush your teeth afterward.
Freshening Up at Work: The Korean Way
Ever wondered why your Korean colleagues seem to be obsessed with oral hygiene at work? Well, it's more than just being clean-cut. It's a cultural norm! [GETTY IMAGES]
Brushing Teeth After Lunch: A Sign of Respect
In many Korean workplaces, it's common to see people brushing their teeth after lunch. [GETTY IMAGES] This practice stems from the value placed on cleanliness and professionalism in Korean society. Brushing teeth is seen as a way to maintain good hygiene and show respect towards colleagues. [1] Some offices even have designated toothbrush lockers to make it easy for employees to follow this habit.
Stepping into Comfort: Indoor Slippers 🧦
And it's not just oral hygiene that gets attention in Korean offices. Indoor slippers are a must-have too! [SCREEN CAPTURE] If you've ever shopped on Coupang, you'll know what I mean. There's a whole section dedicated to office slippers!
Blurring the Lines: Hoesik Culture
But work is not just work in Korea. The line between work and personal life often blurs, thanks to the hoesik culture. [SBS] Hoesik, translated to 'eating and drinking together', is a traditional Korean custom where colleagues socialize over meals. This can sometimes lead to late-night office gatherings, blurring the boundaries between work and life.
hoesik So, next time you're in a Korean office, don't be surprised if you see people brushing their teeth or wearing slippers. It's just part of the Korean workplace culture!
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- Athletes hate Korea's stadiums. Why aren't they getting better? - Find out why Korean sports venues don't meet international standards and what efforts are being made to improve them.
[1] Lee, J. (2019, March 18). Why do Koreans brush their teeth after lunch? Korea Herald. Retrieved from https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190318000726
- Korean workplaces can be intriguing, as they exhibit unique traditions like the practice of brushing teeth after lunch to demonstrate respect and maintain good hygiene.
- In addition to oral hygiene, Korean offices also emphasize comfort with the use of indoor slippers, a common item in Korean workplaces and online shopping platforms like Coupang.
- The line between work and personal life in Korea is often blurred, thanks to the hoesik culture, a traditional Korean custom where colleagues socialize over meals, sometimes leading to late-night office gatherings.
- The arts and fashion also play a significant role in Korean lifestyle, with a vast array of related content available in various international publications and online platforms.
- The Korean obsession with cleanliness, professionalism, and respect extends beyond work, reaching into aspects of daily life such as home and garden, where the pursuit of perfection is a cultural norm.
- For those interested in understanding the intricacies of Korean culture, exploring topics such as the significance of food, the influence of family-owned conglomerates, and the challenges faced in improving international sports venues can provide valuable insights.
