Korean Job Discussion Forums

gmarthews · Joined: 20 Sep 2005

I'm coming back to Korea next week (after 4 years away) and I want to bring some gifts for my Principal, co-teachers etc. I would bring booze but it's heavy, breakable and expensive so I'm wondering what else would go down well.

I'm Brisitsh so feel that some traditionally British stuff would be most appropiate, shortbread perhaps? Or what about Branston pickle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branston_pickle for those of you who haven't had the pleasure) as the Koreans certainly love pickle and it would be cool to give them some Englishee pickle?

On the other hand, when I lived there before the best loved gift I ever gave my boss was a big seaweed gift set. Shocked

Do you guys think it might just be better to pick up some of those Spam/Nescafe/seaweed box sets for them as they're so conservative in their tastes? It's a rural location too so I doubt they'll be very cosmopolitan in their tastes.

This leads me on to the second part of my question; What's the best/funniest thing you've ever been given from a Korean? Mine has to be a big box set of horrible instant coffee, two mugs and some milk powder. Milk powder FFS! Laughing

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Surprisingly, Koreans don't like branston pickle. But if you are going to bring some back, I will gladly take them off your hands Razz

I normally bring tea in novelty tins. You know those you can get from Oxford Street in the shape of a double decker or something like that.

The weirdest thing I've received, though not according to Koreans, is a set of 5 granny style knickers with floral prints. Not only were they granny in style, they were also granny in size - 100 (which is like a size 14). I am a size 8 according to M&S... needless to say, those went straight to the clothes collection box for charity....

gmarthews · Joined: 20 Sep 2005

Lol, granny pants! That's such a personal gift to give someone, I wouldn't even give my friends undies for a present!!

So, no Branston then? Damn them and their oh so particular tastes. Very Happy

I just thought of maybe bringing some shot glasses with little pictures of something English on? They can't argue with that can they? They definitely love soju.

ETA- I like the novelty tea tins idea, thanks!