Koreans often wear disposable gloves when eating chicken for a combination of reasons: hygiene, heat protection, and convenience.
Here's a breakdown:
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Hygiene: Gloves provide a barrier between hands and the greasy chicken, preventing sticky fingers and the spread of germs. This is especially important in social settings where sharing food is common.
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Heat Protection: Freshly fried chicken can be very hot. Gloves, especially when doubled, offer a degree of insulation, allowing for more comfortable handling.
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Convenience: Using gloves eliminates the need to constantly wash or wipe hands, allowing for a more uninterrupted and enjoyable eating experience. It's simply easier to peel off the gloves when done than to deal with messy hands.
Some Koreans even use specialized finger gloves (only covering the thumb and forefinger) specifically designed for eating saucy or fried chicken, further emphasizing the importance of convenience and cleanliness.
