Korean Job Discussion Forums

[daveeslcafe888]

Hi Everyone,

I'm leaving to Korea in about a week and want to make sure everything is set.

1. What are the best gifts for me to give to my employer?

(I'm guessing I could buy some high-quality chocolates from home).

2. Could you guys give me a quick run-down (or link) to learn about Korean etiquette?

(I want to make sure I'm doing the best I can, as I don't want to shock, irritate, or annoy others with my characteristically loud mannerisms).

[sojusucks]

No gifts
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=204521&highlight=gifts

[CtotheB]

I'll be heading over in July, but I can tell you I won't be bringing gifts. We are there to get paid, not work and give them stuff.

I do like the "if you give an inch they'll take a mile" comment though.

[Hokie21]

I asked the head teacher (whose american) what the deal was with teachers bringing gifts over and he said "Don't do it, a girl a few years ago brought a bunch of knick knacks from her hometown in the US and it was really awkward for everyone."

[jinks]

Like everybody else said - don't bring gifts for your employer. Thinking you have to give your new boss gifts is a weird western distortion of the east Asian gift culture. It's like we all know that Asians take their shoes off when they go into people's homes, so the newcomer - wanting to be culturally sensitive - takes off his or her shoes before going in the boss' office. It is embarrassing for everybody.

However, do bring gifts from home so you can give them to people at work who have gone the extra mile for you personally and helped you out in ways that are not covered in their job description; it is also useful if you want to grease someone up for a small favour. A gift is a gift, so any strings attached should be optional. Random small gifts may grease the wheels of cooperation, but there is no guarantee.

[chrisinkorea2011]

dude from reading all your postings, you are not even here and already trying so hard to it seems "force assimilate".

like other posters have said on your postings, dont really try or do anything until you get here. you might get here and after a week hate it, after a month like, then 2 months later, hate it again. it really depends on the person. But usually you either really like this place or you hate it. As far as gift giving, i DID buy and give gifts to the principal and vice principal as well as my co-teacher, but that is because im korean, raised that way, and they knew that i have korean roots, so it was something that they actually expected.

However unless you are korean (which i assume NO because of the numerous postings you have place on this forum) then dont think too much about it. Just get here and wear some nice clothes the first time for greetings and etc. see the environment, atmosphere, whatever. Be nice and try to be a nice person even if some of the people you work with are @$$es.

[SeoulNate]

disagree with the above posters.

Every time that I go home for a visit and come back here I always bring something with me for the other teachers and students (usually candy that is unusual for them) it is always appreciated and it usually gets a good laugh as well. For example, last time I brought back Fire Balls and it was fun seeing their reactions.

However, DO NOT spend a lot of money on it. Buy something that you can bring 100 of and give one to everyone.

[freddy teacher]

I usually buy things that are specific to the place i went/am from.

When I first came this year I brought some Canadian honey, Crown Royal, and Maple Syrup for my boss and co-teacher.

There's no sense in getting something for them that they can get themselves at emart...

[Ramen]

they usually buy things for me.

tell your boss that you're expecting a gift from them.

[yeti08]

AAAAAAHHHHH

I usually don't get mad about reposting, but this one grates on me. Why and when do you ever buy gifts for someone you've never met?!!?!?!

If they turn out to be a good person, get them a gift for Christmas or when you leave. Most likely though you'll bow while thinking "jerk" and leave.

[tiger fancini]

Can't wait to see what the OP's next question will be. Something like, "Which line should I wait in at the immigration section at Incheon airport when I arrive, and approximately how long will it take?"

OP, you say you have characteristically loud mannerisms. My first piece of advice to you is to walk everywhere, and never use public transport.

[jinks]

[Hokie21]

Yeah being from Philly I think I'm going to bring a dozen cheesesteaks, but I'm going to take your advice and wait a few weeks till I find 12 people I like.

[jinks]