Korean Job Discussion Forums

[interestedinhanguk]

This is my first Chuseok with a (Korean) girlfriend (I was here last year, but no lady). I'm wondering, in this case, what the proper gifts are.
We've been dating almost 3 months. We're getting along very well. I haven't met her parents. However, I have met her older brother. He's very supportive of us and likes me. Her parents do know about me and seem fine with the idea of us dating. However, I won't actually be with them for Chuseok; we haven't been introduced yet plus her grandfather is old and sick, so I understand not being invited. that's fine.

Question is, should I buy any gifts? Just for my girlfriend? Her brother, too? What about parents? Any gifts would be sent through my girlfriend, surely, probably when I see her this weekend.

Thanks.

[kiknkorea]

If you haven't met the parents, I would skip getting them gifts (especially if you won't see them.) Same with the brother.
You could buy your girlfriend something like a simple (20,000won) cosmetic gift set from a beauty shop, but it's not a necessity.

[kimdeal54]

[J Rock]

A nice bottle of wine wouldn't be a bad idea, it shows that your not a cheap-o and it's a nice thing to do.

[Louis VI]

[UknowsI]

[seoulsucker]

A photocopy of your plane ticket home.

[SeoulNate]

A big box of assorted Spam.

[RMNC]

[ThingsComeAround]

[sojusucks]

There will be plenty of time for Chuseok gifts for everyone after the wedding. Oh, you're not so sure you want to get married? Well, giving Chuseok gifts to the family would send that signal loud and clear. Unless you are already engaged, follow the advice you've already been given and take her out to dinner and a movie.

[jrwhite82]

The first gift I bought for my wife's parents (she was my girlfriend at the time) was long underwear. It was her idea and I thought it was totally ridiculous. But they loved it and it was very well received.

Yeah, don't buy the parents anything if you haven't met them yet and aren't going to meet them for a while.

You can do something nice for your girlfriend though. Perfume, dinner, DVDbang.

[murmanjake]

Ask your girlfriend while you're taking her out to that nice dinner. Family's are different and she'll know what's best.

I'm gonna buy my gf's parents seaweed, or maybe almonds(on her suggestion). Depending on what is on sale.

I buy them gifts because I'm a nice guy, but to also maintain a leg up what I see as our silent battle.

hell if im gonna break the bank for em though.

[engrishprease]

[lalartu]

ive dated and got married to a korean and have never bought anything for the family in my life

we took them out for dinner a few times, but gifts are very specific to every family

if you want to really surprise them, give them a cash envelope. that's the only universally accepted gift in korea