Discover the Sock Culture in Seoul

Barack Obama socks? Korean boy-band socks? Instant ramen socks? Matching socks for couples? Socks for pets? If you can imagine it, you can find socks in Seoul to match. Socks are fun and affordable and make perfect souvenirs to warm your toes or to bring home to friends.

Most character socks cost less than the equivalent of one US dollar, though they sometimes do fall behind when it comes to durability. As teens become adults, most transition to more mature, one-color socks, but many continue to wear slip-ons in the workplace, carrying on the importance of socks well into adulthood. In recent years, sock boutiques have popped up all over Seoul, catering to zany footwear needs with unique designs and much higher quality materials.

Crazy for Socks in Seoul

You don’t have to be in South Korea for long to understand how it’s become one of the world’s leading exporters in the knit socks and hosiery industry. There are sock sets sold at department stores, socks bundled up by rubber bands in markets, and socks for unimaginable hosiery emergencies available at every convenience store. It’s customary to take off your shoes in homes and many restaurants and businesses in South Korea, and showing bare feet in public can even be considered impolite. Even on the hottest summer day, it’s hard to spot a Seoulite in flip-flops.

Character socks, featuring popular cartoon characters, figures, or logos, are especially favored by middle- and high-school students who spend long hours in private after-schools, preparing for South Korea’s rigorous College Scholastic Ability Test. To ease the stress of these high-pressure study sessions, teens opt for comfortable socks with slip-ons, as most students wear mandatory school uniforms during the day. Socks have thus become a canvas for students to express their fashion identities.

Character Socks

Socks that feature easily recognizable characters, logos, or symbols—commonly known as ‘character socks’—are a staple in South Korea. You’ll find socks adorned with Star Wars characters, Disney princesses, Pokémon, and political figures, available in almost every shopping district and underground mall. Some convenience stores even carry them!

One of the best spots for character sock shopping is Myeongdong, a vibrant neighborhood in central Seoul famed for its bright shopping streets. Here, character socks are sold in kiosks or small shops managed by elderly ladies. These shops usually have a sign outside boasting ‘Made in Korea’ and are packed with hundreds of socks. Myeongdong is also a hotspot for K-pop-themed socks featuring faces of famous group members. Most vendors offer 11 pairs of socks for ₩10,000 (US$8.75), encouraging cash payments although cards are accepted at some outlets.

Children’s Socks

The best prices for socks can be found at Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul’s largest traditional markets. While carts are stacked with plain white socks for adults, Namdaemun also offers a wide selection of clothing and accessories for children. The Children’s Clothing Shopping Center near Exit 6 of Hoehyeon Station is an excellent place for smaller sizes. Here, vendors specialize in socks for babies and kids under ten. Unfortunately, there are limited options for gender-neutral socks, with many marketed towards girls featuring ribbons and lace. A standout option for all genders is Shop, Socks, located at Namdaemun Market 8-gil 17, known for vibrant colors and comfy textures perfect for young children.

Hipster Socks

While plain white socks remain popular among many adults, an expanding range of fashionable options is emerging. Seoul’s premier design sock store, MSMR (also known as Ladies and Gentlemen), offers high-quality socks crafted from premium materials like angora. Visitors can also check out Åland, a Korean store with multiple locations featuring an appealing assortment of socks designed by local creators at reasonable prices. For longer stays, those in search of new and trendy socks may turn to the online market; the sock brand Sockstaz showcases distinctive designs and pop-up locations through their Instagram at @sockstaz_official.

Pet Socks

With the increasing trend of pet ownership in South Korea, there has been a surge in clothing and accessories for pets. Doggy socks have gained popularity as a solution to prevent slipping on hardwood floors, particularly during the colder months. Pet boutiques like Dorothy Pet Shop (22 Yanghwa-ro 18an-gil, Seogyo-dong) typically offer a variety of doggy socks, which are also found in the pet sections of many Daiso stores—South Korea’s version of a dollar store.

South Korean Sock and Shoe Etiquette

While most Seoulites are understanding, grasping some basics of foot-iquette can enhance your experience. In numerous restaurants, teahouses, temples, and smaller guesthouses, especially in homes, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes before entering. Usually, a dedicated shoe shelf—known as a sinbaljang (신발장)—is available near the door, and sometimes slippers are provided. In many Buddhist temples, you’ll be required to take off your shoes outside the main entrance.

It’s wise to wear fresh and clean socks as a courtesy, offering a good excuse for a shopping trip in Myeongdong. Carrying an extra pair of socks is advisable, as going barefoot can be seen as disrespectful. If you plan to visit several temples or partake in a templestay, you should also consider packing slip-on shoes, as you’ll frequently be taking them on and off. Furthermore, it’s essential to avoid placing your feet on furniture or public transport seats and to keep the soles of your feet hidden as much as possible.