Korean Job Discussion Forums

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

I was having a problem with something of mine and at the request of the VP one of the other teachers spent practically all day working on it and was able to get it fixed. I guess he called in another guy to help him on it even.

This saved me a HUGE hassle, having to go to Seoul and praying I could get it taken care of with my almost non-existent Korean. I would like to do something nice for the teacher or both of them.

Do you think giving a gift would be good/acceptable? What would you get and would you get something for the guy that was called in or not? Would cash be a good idea?

(I'm newish here and have no idea how this would usually be handled in Korea. Also don't have an oven to bake goodies for them.)

Imrahil · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 1:08 am Post subject:

If they are both men, a nice bottle of whisky. (I am serious)

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

NICE whiskey is really expensive. I want to show my appreciation, but I think it would have cost me about 30k otherwise, so being the tightwad that I am I'm not likely to spend more than that.

Still, thanks for the thought. Might be a possibility.

Imrahil · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 1:20 am Post subject:

A half decent bottle of whisky should only cost between 40,000 - 50,000 won. Plus if you are smart, you might be able to arrange a drinking session with them.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

I could use a little more input...

Stormy · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Location: Here & there

I have done the thankyou gift thing with teachers that have helped me out, but it's always been help on a smaller scale & they were female. I've usually just bought them chocolates. I've also had a thankyou gift of biscuits given to me. On Friday the VP gave me an entire cake for no obvious reason. Shocked

For a guy I would probably buy a bottle of something - maybe a nice bottle of wine? You can get a good Aussie bottle of red at 7-11 for about 15,000 won.
It sounds to me like a thankyou gift would be entirely appropriate and a decent thing to do. I'd only buy something for the guy that was called in though if I knew him or saw him regularly - generosity only stretches so far!

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

How about getting a "thank you" card, and write in it how much you appreciate what he/she did, and saying "if I can do anything for you, please ask".

Some how I think that is nicer then getting a present.

Or of you want to buy something, get a bag of coffee and give it with the card.

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

I think giving something is appropriate ... but it doesn't have to be something big or expensive to be appreciated ... I have found that chocolate always works well ...