Korean Job Discussion Forums

prickley_pete · Joined: 09 Jul 2009

My co-teacher in a 24 year old female. She has been really nice and kind and has helped me a great deal. I want to get her something small but cannot really think of anything. Are there traditional gifts for this situation. I don't want her to think I'm trying to hook up, just a friendly gesture of thanks. Any ideas?

yoja · Joined: 30 May 2008

You should give her a d!ck in a box. Just kidding. I love that sketch, though--google it if you haven't seen it. Always makes me laugh.

Any kind of brand-name cosmetics (or hand creams) seem to go over well. Some women like plants or flowers-in-a-pot (they're not "romantic" like cut flowers).

I wish more places offered gift certificates/gift cards, but it seems to be kind of rare in Korea. Gift certificates to nicer department stores also usually go over well.

Or you could go with alcohol, as it seems to be the generic gift that's appreciated by almost everyone.

gaffe · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Location: N.C.

Soju. The expensive kind in the green bottle.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:07 am Post subject:

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Perhaps a good TESOL book or ESL one from Amazon.com or something? Something career or personal study related?

roadwork · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Location: Goin' up the country

Perhaps, nothing? That's her job to help you. Not sure if you know or not, but the Korean teachers get some FAT bonuses for Chuseok and Lunar New Year. They may not make as much as you monthly, but annually they make pooploads more than you.

Darkray16 · Joined: 09 Nov 2008

You don't have to surprise her, it's not like a gift for your girlfriend or wife. Ask her what she likes. If it's diamonds or expensive flowers, ask her what else she likes. Then buy it for her. Problem solved.

I got my coteacher a nice box of chocolates from Lotte Dept Store. Not the greatest gift but it's a coworker and like the other poster said, it's her JOB to help you. She gets plenty already.

If she's hot, then forget everything I said and put a lot of effort into it.

crouchy · Joined: 05 Nov 2008

oldtactics · Joined: 18 Oct 2008

Starbucks giftcard.

WendyRose · Joined: 10 Dec 2008 Location: hanam-si, seoul

A thank you gift given at the end of your contract is one thing, but something like an expensive bottle of lotion on a wednesday at 2pm for no reason may be a little weird?

I've found that it's best to give small things every once in a while instead of something big randomly. An apple, a peach, a cup of coffee, a choco-pie. My co-teacher does this for me, and I for her. Small things are perfect -- perhaps something extra you had on hand anyway.

Good luck though, and it's a kind gesture. Smile

DrugstoreCowgirl · Posted: Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject:

My teacher said she loves the color purple so I went to Home Plus and bought her a little thing with fake lavender in it. She has it on her desk now. I think your teacher would like anything you give to her, it's a gift and she won't be expecting anything.