Korean Job Discussion Forums

aimeecate · Joined: 03 Sep 2006

So...are you giving your principal or director a gift for Chuseok? If so what are you giving?

PS teachers does anyone know if there is some traditional gift for the principal? Honey?

I always gave my hagwon director liquor but I'm thinking that type of gift might not be appropriate for a principal at a public school. I don't want to offend anyone.

steveinincheon · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Location: in The Shadows of Gyeyangsan

It depends on how much contact you have with your principal. The only time I have ever got gifts for my public school P and VP was when I first started here - but I hardly ever see either one of them. If you have very little contact with the principal getting a gift is probably not necessary, but if you are new it can help you win points down the road. When I first started I got my Principal a bottle of Johnnie Walker and he certainly seemed appreciative.

tenchu77491 · Joined: 16 Mar 2009

I got a huge box of Nivea shampoo, conditioner, lotions, soaps, etc.

I work in a public school for a private company.

halfmanhalfbiscuit · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

No. Why would you effectively return money to your director (that word makes me cringe a bit) or Principal. Sure they'd be appreciative. They just got some free booze whereas they gave you a towel or school umbrella.

As for schools it seems doubly nonsensical as the KTs get Chuseok bonuses.

So, no bonus plus shell out for a bottle of whiskey?

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

vincentmiser · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Location: Everywhere

My director doesn't drink.
At all.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

They should gift you. Not the other way around.

mmstyle · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: wherever

No. no. no. no. no. no. You give me a towel....you get nothing. And by the way, I like this school. Still....nothing. Xuanzang is right.

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

Goon-Yang · Joined: 28 May 2009 Location: Duh

It's part of Korea culture. Older/senior people give stuff to their juniors. Bosses give stuff to their team/subordinates. Principles give stuff to their teachers (trust me...it's not costing him a won out of his pocket).

During Sat I'll be forced to give $$ to my nieces and nephews and my wife's parents will be forced to fork over some cash to us as well.

What yu guys are doing is technically wrong in the eyes of Koreans.
What Korean male wouldn't be happy with a free bottle of booze.

Learn how things work.

kiknkorea · Joined: 16 May 2008

I won't get anything for my principle since I'm not in contact enough for him for it to really matter. Could be wrong, but I don't think so.

I will get something basic (15,000 won or so) for my co-teacher.