Korean Job Discussion Forums

[minnesota]

Hey everyone! I would love to hear some fantastic gift ideas for meeting your boss and co-workers. Even perhaps other administrative workers at the school.

Of course, no one wants to spend hundreds of dollars of these formalities, but I've heard it's important and makes a good impression to give a gift.

With that said, I have a couple different ideas. Let me know what you think:

-Fine wine. (studied in Florence, Italy, have a bunch left collecting dust) I've heard it's hard to find suitable gifts for middle aged Korean men, but one thing they all have in common: drinking?

-SPAM? I've heard SPAM is popular in South Korea...could someone validate this? If so, I was thinking of some SPAM products or gift sets. Since I'm from Minnesota where it originated, it would be a cheap/easy pickup.

Any other ideas would be great!! Thanks in advance!

[alphakennyone]

yes, spam gift sets are a very generic gift (i received one myself for christmas) in korea. tuna gift sets as well. but if it's cheap for ya, go for it. those spam gift sets run at least $50 in Korea (for 6 or so small cans and a bottle of cooking oil)

i'd choose a bottle of decent whiskey (a well known brand name especially) over wine. wine is more of a lady thing in korea it seems. whiskey is 2x (sometimes 3x) as expensive in korea, so just make sure you buy a whiskey that is well recognizable (johnny walker or something like that) and they'll think you did them a huge favor. if it's a great whiskey, but one they've never heard of, they will be less grateful.

[cruisemonkey]

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

The whiskey will be a display item at home.

If it pays off and you don't have to desk warm then it's been a good investment.

[cruisemonkey]

[Lukychrm42]

I might argue against bringing alcohol.... I brought a special bottle of wine from home and found out that most of my school, particularly my boss's family, are Christian (which means no alcohol, apparently)...of course, there's surely not a gift that will please everyone, but since Christianity is growing stronger and stronger here, you never know who you might offend.


How about some English books/children's stories for the school, too?

[cruisemonkey]

Even if he is Christian (non-catholic) - I still haven't figured this one out - he won't be offended. Don't worry.

As I said - bring nothing. Practice a slight bow and the formal term of address. These will get you farther than any gift.

[PigeonFart]

Surprise your boss by not bringing anything at all.

Just a nod and a half smile. Unconsciously let your boss know that you're the real boss. Yes, you're a guest in his/her country...but he's/she's a guest in YOUR world.

[minnesota]

Thanks for all the replies! This is a lot of good advice. The whiskey idea is great, I know he likes to drink. I'll find out more from one of my co-teachers before I go.

As a side not, and I probably shouldn't have neglected to leave this information out, I'll be teaching at a Christian International School. I was worried about what he (50 yr-old korean man) thought of drinking. But I heard from a co-worker that he bought him shots and took him to the spa (hopefully not in that order)...so I'm hoping whiskey is a safe bet.

Keep the advice coming if you think of anything! Thanks again!

[weebil]

i never would have thought to bring a gift to my boss/principal, is this a standard practice? and what else is there to give besides alcohol or spam?

[cruisemonkey]

How about a lazer-evgraved whacking stick?

[ChinaBoy]

It'll be a cold day in hell before I buy a present for my tormentors.

[hagwonnewbie]

Get him a bottle of lube. Hopefully he'll use it when he screws you over down the road.

Actually, I wouldn't get him anything. The best gift is to make yourself presentable and cause as few problems as possible.

[AgentM]

Would something like chocolates be a good idea?

[cruisemonkey]