Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cazador83]

I'm coming back to Korea in less than a month and wondering what kind of things I should by for my Korean friends? It'll be after Christmas, but there are lots of Christmasy things here (USA).

I'm only planning on getting gifts for a few people. One was my co-workers last year, and she's a middle-aged Korean woman with kids and she lived in the USA for 10 years.

Also... just random young, single Korean friends (girls and guys).

Lastly, the girlfriend. She's not the typical Korean as she's well-traveled and artsy, but I really don't know what to bring back. While I've been gone I'll have missed her birthday and Christmas. I'm not looking at anything like jewelry where I can buy anywhere....but something "American" that I can't get over in Korea.

I've been seeing lots of Christmas packages of cheese, chocolates, etc. but I guess I could get those in Korea, right? Any suggestions?

[stevieg4ever]

dude koreans love chocolate. I get some form home (the UK) when my ma sends stuff to me and it goes literally within seconds and that is what ill be doing for this christmas.

it should be remembered that gifts are giving spontaeneously throughout the year in Korea. people will just bake things, bring in fruit or, most often, ddok randomly so sometimes gifts dont always have the same meaning as they do back home because they are more frequent here.

[littlelisa]

How about something really local? I'm from Montreal, and I'd probably bring over some good bagels right before I left. Heh.

Local artists are good for things too. I know a local jewlery maker back in Montreal who makes some awesome artsy stuff. Expensive, but worth it. In Montreal ice wine is local and good, and so I would bring that as a gift for some people. Maybe you can find some local artisans back home? Think more local than just "America" and you might come up with some better ideas.

Really, if it's specific people, you should go with their personalities/what they would like over where you can or can't get it. If they'd really love chocolates, but you could get that anywhere, well, just get them chocolates. My 2 cents.

Edit: Just thought of something! How about a local chocolate maker? Find one and get chocolates from them. Local and delicious!

[pkang0202]

Local things are the best. I'm from Virginia so I brought back a crapton of gourmet Virginia peanuts. Koreans loved them.

[cazador83]

Well I'm from Texas...I wonder if they'll enjoy hot sauce? haha just kidding.

actually i know someone who brought back about 50 taco bell hot sauce packets and gave that a gift and said they loved it

[princess]