Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Johnysuth]

So were doing a Secret Santa at my school and I need to get a gift for a Korean male (he's gay if that would impact your suggestion). I'm stumped any suggestions?

[2000zerozero]

I had a similar issue with a 40 year-old lady receptionist.

I walked in with a cup of coffee, and in the course of chatting, asked her which coffee shop she thought had the best coffee in Korea. Then I tried to play it off by saying, "Really? I think I like (not the coffee shop she said) a little better." To which she politely replied, "Maybe."

Then I went and bought her some "free coffee" coupons at the coffee shop she named - they didn't have gift cards or I would have just done that.

Even if she realized what I was doing, I think she appreciated my asking and was amused I tried to throw her off the scent by disagreeing. Plus she didn't feel obligated to ask me there with her since it's not my favorite. Maybe not the best gift in the world, and certainly not the most thoughtful, but I know she'll use it.

Good luck!

[conrad2]

Troll. Everybody knows there are no gay Korean men.

[lovebug]

i'm also doing secret santa at my school and find the korean design stores (like the first floor of art square in hongdae, which is that crazy shaped gray building on the parking lot street) or the shop called "BOOK" (they are everywhere, at least 2 in hongdae) has lots of fun, genderless, gifts that are unique and not too expensive. lots of office-y things, which are always good. i bought 2 cups that look like latte cups but come with seeds and you grow herbs in them. these places have loads of nice day planners, journals, etc.
added bonus, it's a trend here for u. students to get travel-themed things, which is a nice thing for korean teacher gifts because it surreptitiously encourages them to travel...

[curiousaboutkorea]