Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Lukychrm42]

My coworkers just invited themselves over this weekend for a so-called housewarming, though I think we all know it's more out of nosiness then a chance to actually get to know each other/me. They hint that they want me to make Korean food, but as they eat Korean food every day, I don't care what they think, because I'm not making special Korean food.
Plus I'm vegetarian, so they'll have to cut me more slack if they expect any food.
Do you have any advice on etiquette for such a party? I have no extra tables, I don't (really) drink and some of them are "christians" but some do, and my flat is nice but tiny! I guess I don't know what to do at a Korean party- do you sit around and socialize, then eat, and then socialize some more like I'm used to? Or is it more "get in" and "get out?"
I'm not flush at the moment (having just wired $$ and joined a gym), and I'd really like to avoid spending too much money on one tedious night.

Thanks, and stay warm!

[Freakstar]

Why don't you make it BYOB. Or make it a potluck - have each of them bring something to eat or drink.

[Draz]

Weird! I can't imagine how I would let myself be talked into that. How many are coming?

[Ultimo Hombre]

^^
I know right?
Tell them you are tired and you got shit to do and just go out to dinner with them instead. No way in hell would I let them railroad me into throwing them a party.

BYOB is the next best option.

[T-J]

If they are really coming for a Korean house warming (집들이). Then the expectation is that, yes you provide the food and beverages, but they bring gifts.

These can range from paper towels to dish / laundry detergent etc. on the traditional side to rice cookers, microwave ovens etc. on the more contemporary side.

The host usually comes out way ahead on this deal.

I would take the opportunity to get as much out of it both culturally and monetarily as you can.

Invite one or two over early to help you prepare, and let them know what you really need for gifts.

Have fun! Let us know how it works out.

[ckub]

OP, same thing happened to me, but in the end, it was great! I got enough toilet paper for six months and other random stuff! We became good friends too. If you need something like a rice cooker or anything else, don't be shy to say it. Koreans would do the same in this situation.

Good luck and have fun (hopefully!)

[Lukychrm42]

Well, last week they mentioned a Thanksgiving at my place and at first, I thought it might be fun, so I said yeah maybe, and then today they said "How about Saturday?" And I didn't want to be rude and dither too long, and I agreed before i really thought about it. Now it would seem rude to back out! So I guess I want to just make it the best possible and hope I get some nice plants out of it.