Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Becka]

...to send home to my empty-nester parents in Canada.

We've been in the ROK for a few months now, and we've seen lots of tourist-trappy stuff, but I'd like to find something to send home that wasn't all masky-flaggy-shoey*. Ideas?

I've already decided that my favourite baby present to send home is a one-year celebration hanbok. Those things are too freaking adorable.



*not meant as a cultural slam, just looking for something different. My folks have more of this stuff than they know what to do with, from the time my sister was over here.

[Hater Depot]

My mom sews a lot and really liked the thimbles they sell in Insadong.

[heydelores]

I've sent family members really nice sets of chop sticks, and they've been a big hit. You can also find matching chop sticks and spoons.

[Son Deureo!]

I'm a big fan of miniature shamanistic totem poles



the grandfather stones of Chejudo:



and baby buddhist monks:



Souvenirs from the DMZ and other places you've visited in Korea, plus Korean ramen and soju or other traditional boozes along with clay shot glasses are often big hits within certain sets. Real organic green tea along with celadon tea mugs/diffusers often go over well, too.

[RACETRAITOR]

I got my mom some 6000 won earrings from Insadong and she loved them until one went missing.

[mindmetoo]

Those colorful Korean fans make good gifts. All my whitey friends love to hang them on their walls. Korean pillow covers are nice too. My mom loves them.

[RACETRAITOR]

[Becka]

[periwinkle]

Insadong is your best bet. They sell nice pottery from the Ichon pottery village. I really recommend going to the pottery village, as well- they sell a lot more than pottery (some really, really nice incense, tea, handcrafted jewellery, etc.). The pottery there is fantastic, of course. Really nice day trip.... Oh, you can manage to bargain with the pottery village people. Unlikely to haggle at Insadong and make any headway... The Ichon people are friendlier, too!