Korean Job Discussion Forums

nizpaz · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Some advice needed on christmas gifts. I know a lot of posters will tell me not to bother brown nosing and all that, but I have decided Christmas is the time westerners do give gifts and as I've received so many, I want to do something in return.

So at PS there are always those "rules" we never know, is there gift ettiquette? Can the gifts all be the same, or should they reflect rank? Eg should the principal get 12 apples, VP 10 and CT's office 8, or can they all get the same box o chocolates?

Also my P and VP do drink (and then some) but is it bad form to buy them booze? Any ideas about what anyone is planning to do, post them!

EuroFunk · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: jobless in Busan

I'm guessing same gifts for the teachers, while a lil sumthing sumthing for the head honcho. I'm going to arrive around the 20th in December and won't be buying presents.

booze is probably okay (or maybe a 2L soju bottle)

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Ah, Christmas gifts. I suggest giving something small to the friendly Korean teachers, but don't spend a lot of money. I'm talking a large Hershey bar, TOPS. That way, if anyone else doesn't have a present for you, then you won't cause them to lose face. Wink

Others on here will tell you to buy a case of imported scotch for every Korean you know. You'll see. Rolling Eyes

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

Chamchiman · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave

Korean society is hierarchical, and presumably it applies when giving gifts.

I gave my principal some food from back home (honey, maple syrup, smoked salmon), a little less to the VP, and a little less to my co-teacher. But then I gave a "let's keep this quiet" bonus gift to the CT - a hooded sweatshirt - because after all, she's the one who works her tail off to help me out. (Wouldn't have wanted the principal or the VP to know about that though.)