Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blunder1983]

Hi guys, its coming up to my mums bday and I wanna get her something typically Korean. Neideas on what might be a nice gift? I need it by monday really. Ideally under 50k I'm poor!

Ta!

Chris

[wwidgirl]

How about one of those white signs that have korean script on them. you can have them put something nice in korean on it. I think you can get them in insadong or namdaemoon market. Not sure though. or buy her some korean dvds from yesasia.com and have them sent to her (free shipping).

[Hater Depot]

A cheap gift that thrilled my mom was a woven thimble for sewing. It was pretty, blue with the taeguk symbol. I bought it in Insa-dong for 1000 won, you could get one for every finger if she likes sewing. I also like the cards they sell that have a little paper doll wearing hanbok.

[simone]

Those little tea cups in Insadong with the ceramic layer that acts as a filter.

They cost about 6,000 won usually, and with a packet of green tea, make a nice gift. Breakable though.

Ginseng is good too. I like the honeyed ginseng.

[Saunagukin]

How about one of those Korean tassle(norigae)? They're pretty, colorful and nice ones start at like 20,000. Insadong is a good place to get them. They look nice hanging on the wall or from the ceiling. I've given them to several friends/family members ad they've all loved them.

Another idea is Korean silk slippers. I've given those before, too. They're about 8,000won.

[Hater Depot]

Or if you go to a temple, you should be able to buy some Buddhist bracelets and things.

[Kimchieluver]

My mom got a kick out of those dissolvable ginseng tea packets. Go to the best ginseng store in town, the box looks real snazzy and will impress anyone that likes a hot beverage with someone.

[sheba]

I bought a laquered jewellery box for 30,000 from the museum. It had traditional paua designs on the top. My mum loved it.

[peppermint]

Yup, the jewelry boxes are nice, and you can get them in Insadong. Actually, just walk around that area and you'll get tons of ideas, and find something that fits your budget and that your mother will love.

I'm leaning towards getting my own mother one of those wooden and paper lamps. Apparently it's quite easy to replace the korean plug with one to fit north american sockets

[joe_doufu]

My mom has been nuts about kimchee since her sister, the Army nurse, first brought some home to the States. The thought of that rotten pickled cabbage gives me chills but I know I've got to bring some for Mom if ever I return home.

Maybe your mom doesn't like kimchi, but I bet a look around your local supermarket would turn up a few items that she'll be pleased with, if only for their novelty. I'd suggest VITA-500 but it's probably to heavy to ship home efficiently.

[I_Am_Wrong]

celadon pottery

[blunder1983]

I'm going exploring round Insadong on sat and picking up nething that takes my fancy. Neone able to tell me which station i need to get off at there? I know its in the city hall/ganghwamun area....



Thanks for all your responses. I'm overwhelmed with ideas now!

Oh and whats ginseng? A root or something, or a drink?

[matthewwoodford]

Ginseng is a root that they make tea out of. Korea's ginseng is the most prized in Asia.


For Insadong, you can get off at Chonggak station and make a left at Tapgol park. Or you can go to Jongno3ga station, take exit 5, signposted Insadong, and go under the bridge. Or, get off at Anguk station, which is what most people recommend.


The pottery and lacquered boxes are fantastic there and very cheap. I'm sure they'd cost a fortune in most other countries.

[ajuma]

My mom loved the "baby Buddhas". You can get them doing all kinds of things: sweeping, carrying water, praying. They're really cute, cheap and probably won't break because they're so small.

Hey! Don't forget to add in the postage to your 50,000 limit! Mailing stuff is pricey!!

[little mixed girl]

one of those black boxes with a stone decoration on top?

i would have bought one for my mom...but...whatever///