Shoe size conversion

Korean shoe sizes show foot length in millimeters, such as 230, 240 or 270. They usually come in 5-millimeter steps, so 235 is meant for a foot about 23.5 centimeters long. The same number can fit differently depending on the brand and style, so trying shoes on is best.

As a rough guide, US women's 6 is about 230, 7 about 240 and 8 about 250 in Korean millimeter sizing. Half sizes fall on the 5-millimeter steps in between. This is only approximate and varies by brand, so try shoes on in the store before deciding.

Roughly, US men's 8 is about 260, 9 about 270 and 10 about 280 in Korean sizing. Sneakers and dress shoes may feel different even at the same size. Treat this as approximate and check the multi-country size labels printed on the shoe box.

As a rough guide, EU 38 is about 240, EU 40 about 250, EU 42 about 265 to 270 and EU 44 about 280. European sizing varies a lot between brands, so conversion charts may not be exact. Measuring your foot length in millimeters is the most reliable way to compare.

Mostly. Japan's JIS sizing shows foot length in centimeters, like 24.0 or 24.5, while Korea shows the same length in millimeters, like 240 or 245, so you can usually convert by moving the decimal point. Some brands' box labels may not match actual foot length, though, so try shoes on before buying.

Stand on a sheet of paper, mark the back of your heel and the tip of your longest toe, then measure the distance in millimeters. Use the longer of your two feet. Feet swell slightly later in the day, so measuring and trying shoes on in the afternoon or evening is a good idea.

In Korean, foot width is called "balbol," and some shoes are specifically marketed for wide feet. Ask in the store, "balbol neolbeun sinbal isseoyo?" (Do you have shoes for wide feet?). If width rather than length is the problem, finding a wider model is usually better than simply going up a size.

Sneaker boxes and inside labels often show US, UK, EU and Korean or Japanese sizes together. Korean sizes are in millimeters and Japanese in centimeters, so find the system you know and compare from there. Each brand's conversion may differ slightly, so try the shoes on when you can.

Children's shoes also use foot length in millimeters, such as 130, 150 or 180. Many parents leave roughly 10 millimeters of toe room, but fit varies by shoe, so trying them on matters. Kids' feet grow fast, so measure often and press the toe area to check the space after trying them on.

Most shoe stores let you try shoes on freely, and staff often bring your size from the back. Wearing socks is convenient, and some stores may ask you not to try shoes barefoot. Walk around a little and check that the heel and toes feel comfortable.

In Korea, people take off their shoes at home and in some restaurants and guesthouses, so easy-on, easy-off shoes are practical. Laceless sneakers, slip-ons and shoes with foldable heels are common as a result. If you plan to visit floor-seating restaurants or hanok stays, such shoes are handy.

Heel height is usually given in centimeters, and stores or online listings often state it in the product details. Higher heels can make the toe area feel tighter even at your usual size. If you plan to walk a lot, check both heel height and cushioning before buying.

Many people add an insole or stick-on heel grips to adjust a slightly loose fit. Insoles and pads are easy to find at shoe stores and household goods shops. If the difference is large, exchanging for another size is better for your feet.

Sandals and slippers sometimes come in millimeter sizes, but they are often shown as S, M, L or as a range like 230 to 240. Ranges are only approximate, so try them on. Make sure your toes and heels do not hang over the edges.

Try hiking boots on with thick hiking socks, then check that your toes have room to move and your heel stays secure. Rather than simply sizing up by a fixed amount, go by fit. Make sure your toes do not hit the front on downhill slopes, and tell store staff how you plan to use them.

Product pages often say whether a shoe runs true to size or half a size big, and buyer reviews can help too. Measure your foot length and width beforehand to make choosing easier. Exchanges can be difficult with overseas shipping, so if you are unsure, try them on in a store first.

UK sizes are usually numbered lower than US sizes, so roughly UK men's 8 is around 270 and UK women's 5 around 240 in Korean sizing. Brands vary considerably, so conversions may not be exact. Measure your foot length in millimeters and compare directly.

Small shoe repair and shoeshine booths can be found on streets and near subway stations around Seoul. They handle simple jobs such as replacing heel tips, reinforcing soles and stretching shoes. Ask the booth directly about how long it will take and the cost.

Just say the millimeter number, for example "ibaeksasip isseoyo?" (Do you have 240?). For a slightly larger pair, say "o miri keun geo isseoyo?" (one 5 mm bigger), and for smaller, "o miri jageun geo isseoyo?" You can also type the number on your phone and show it.

Yes. Korean shoes use foot length in millimeters for everyone, so the same number means the same length regardless of gender. Unlike US sizing, there is no separate men's and women's scale, which makes comparison easy. Men's and women's designs may still differ in width and shape.