Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SeoulShakin]

Well after two years in Korea, I'm going home to Canada on March 2nd. I may end up in Seoul again, but for a while, I'll be home. I need a break, and have tons of weddings I have to attend.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions of what I can bring home for family and friends that is "Korean"?

I've been to Insadong, and got some of those scroll paintings, some small pottery, handmade necklaces, tea, etc. But does anyone else have any more unique suggestions? Keep in mind that I don't want anything too huge to ship or pack, and I don't want to break the budget either. Basically I'm looking for big bang for the buck. Something that looks Korean and impressive, but not too expensive.

Any ideas?
I'd greatly appreciate it!

[NightSky]

Do you like those lacquer boxes, for putting trinkets and jewelry in?

If you go to a temple, sometimes the temple gift shops have really cool stuff--handmade paintings, bracelets, etc. for not too much. You can get paintings of your Chinese horoscope animal.

[Corky]

Korean handmade paper is a winner for craft-minded friends.

[PainterJane]

You mentioned that you have a lot of weddings to attend... you could get some of the "marriage ducks" (I don't know the proper name for them). That would be a unique gift that is "Korean". You can get hand-painted ones in Insadong done by some famous artist for only 30,000 won and they're not too big, so they can be easily shipped or packed.

When I went home I took some of those squishy pigs (you know, the ones that you throw and they flatten and then go back to their original shape) and strangely enough they were the most popular gift. Kimchi chocolates because of their "fear factor" were also pretty popular.

[supernaut]

[SeoulShakin]

Thanks for the great suggestions so far!

The chocolates are a great idea. I sent home a box of the red pepper chocolates and they were a huge hit. This time I think I'm going to get some of the cactus ones and some kimchi ones. We'll see how those go over.

Supernaut - thanks for the compliment, however I fear unless you are super bendy and packable, and very light (luggage weight restrictions and all), it will be pretty difficult to pull off.

If you've got any more ideas, bring'em on!

[nomad-ish]

where did you find cactus and kimchi chocolates??

[SeoulShakin]

I've seen them at the airport, which is where I am going to get mine before I take off.

You can get the jeju orange chocolates, jeju cactus chocolates (purple in the middle), kimchi chocolates, hot pepper chocolates, ginseng chocolates, ginger chocolates. Crazy combinations. The hot pepper ones are apparently very good according to everyone at home.

[nomad-ish]

[SuperFly]

A really easy thing to carry and something that people really like is the white paper with black ink - Chinese characters that people frame and hang on their walls...pretty cheap and you can fold or roll them up for easy transport.

[SeoulShakin]

No problem!

Anyone else have any ideas?