Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hockeyguy109]

Can anyone tell me where the best/inexpensive place is to buy a promise ring in Seoul?

I actually don't even know what a promise ring looks like. I'm pretty broke and can only budget around 100,000 to 200,000 won.

Situation:
I'm getting it for a 25 year old American English Teacher (if that makes a difference). We've only been dating for 5 months, but I'm headed home to America soon and want her to know I'm up for the wait (she gets home in September, sucks I know!)


She's not the type of girl who will go appraising it or really care all that much about the price tag, but I would like to get something that's nice.

Thanks for any advice.

[pkang0202]

I don't think the ring is the way to go. Use your money and do something really special for your gf that make her want to wait until Sept for you.

What's her favorite romance movie? Maybe you could try and re-enact a scene from it. A friend of mine did some boombox thing with his gf. I guess it worked cuz they got married.

Buy a box of tea candles at costco, get creative.

A ring doesn't do much. Do something to prove to her that you went though a LOT of effort to arrange something special. American girls are putty for guys who go the extra mile. Don't worry if nothing goes as planned. She'll still appreciate all your efforts.

[probablylauren]

Aww, I'm sure the OP knows what his gf likes. Personally I'd love a token like that.

As he said it's not about the cost of it, but all my jewelery has been given to me by grandmothers, friends, family for various reasons and its something I can look at and think about them. When people ask, its a nice story to tell and makes you feel special.

The promise ring sounds like a good idea to me. But obviously everyone has different ideas.

Unfortunately I'm no help on the where to find it....someone else should stumble upon this soon and help you!

[KevinLS]

I went to an American University in London where much of the student population was made of American students (mostly female) studying abroad. Every semester a large portion of the women came with cheap rings on their fingers from boyfriends who proposed practically the night before they left, after facing the prospect of being separated and forgotten for four to five months.

Let's be honest about it. The ring is so she'll always be wearing it, and when she's out, maybe drinking 'with the girls', maybe getting flirty with some guys, maybe being charmed by exotic men, whatever... she'll remember she has a ring on her finger and will resist any befouling.

It's a tried method, but it's far from true. I can say that from my observations it's definitely not a 100% guaranteed method. But still, if you can get the same deal with only a 'promise' and not an engagement, and spend just 100-200k Won, you would be getting a pretty good deal. Honestly, though, it's probably better to be realistic, suspend the relationship but continually stay in contact with her until she comes back, and tell her you want to start again from then.

You were actually looking for opinions and advice about your relationship, not advice where to buy a ring, right?

[Illysook]

Promise rings are usually silver w/o any stones and may have a knot design, but are not claddah rings. They shouldn't cost a lot but are romantic to give and to recieve. Go for it...and while your at it, put a pair of locks up on Seoul Tower, that's romantic too. American women are in love with love and these little gestures go a long way with us.

One of my friends met her guy a few weeks before he was to go home. She had 8 months to go. He gave her a promise ring and now that she's home, they are making plans to marry this summer.

So, sometimes it works out...especially if you are that guy whom she just can't forget.

[Gibberish]

People will stay with you or leave you whether or not you have a piece of metal on your hand. Have you discussed this with her, you know, in person and face to face? Or do you plan on surprising her with a "stay true to me" token?

5 months isn't long enough to devote the rest of your life to someone who you might not end up liking that much.

[CapnSamwise]

Put the relationship on suspension, then pick it up from there. Pining is romantic but boring as all *beep*.

edit- Hey, they auto-censor now!

[hockeyguy109]

Yeah, I understand. I just thought it might be a sweet gesture. We've gotten pretty serious. It's not like I'm asking her to marry me or anything, just my way of saying I'm not going to forget about her.

Anyways, thanks for your advice. Does anyone happen to know a good place in Seoul to buy jewelry such as a promise ring? I imagine places like Itaewan would be more expensive than others. Any thoughts?

[pkang0202]

[eIn07912]

A promise ring?... wth? I thought we graduate middle school already?

[hockeyguy109]

[hellofaniceguy]

[0ju]

aww, that's cute

anyways, what you are looking for is what Koreans call a "couple ring." they come in sets (one for the guy and one for the girl) and range in price from very cheap (30,000 won) to several hundred dollars. you can pick up a pair at almost any dedicated jewelry shop. if you're really stuck on where to buy them, i know that there's at least one shop in COEX mall which carries them.

i think you could get a nice set for 100,000-200,000 won if you stick to silver.

[LosSeoul]

[SeoulnPepe]

Lloyd the Gift store will have what you're looking for.