Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dereklee003]

Christmas (or Hanukkah or kwanzaa) is right around the corner, and I'm looking to send some gifts back home to my family in the states. Since I'm in Korea, I want to send them things that can only be found here. Or at least things that can't be found in the states.

Any ideas?

[complex303]

A few years ago I sent everyone mink blankets for Christmas. They loved it. This time around I have requests from my friends to send more. I also sent some cool looking jewelry boxes and a few paintings.

It's hard to find gifts that aren't just going to sit on a shelf. This year I'm thinking of sending everyone a box of Pepero. I'm broke and can't really afford much more than that!

[pavement burns]

Hi there,

Recommend the National Museum of Korea gift shop for tasteful gifts, nice Choson Dynasty prints reproductions in various sizes, designer jewelry, mother of pearl inlaid jewelry boxes, etc.

Ichon Station Exit #2
http://www.museum.go.kr/eng/visit/directions.jsp

[gemmab27]

I have sent a number of gifts back home for xmas. Mostly small and light items so the cost of postage would not be too high.

I have sent home some really nice fans and chopstick/spoon sets, some bright and oriental purses and bags etc.

Most of the things I bought were from Insa-dong. There was so much there and very cheap so I ended up buying much more than I planned!!

[Taya]

I'm making sure the things I send are made in Korea and not in China or elsewhere.

I bought a nice bag for my mother. You can get bags for ultra cheap but I splurged and bought one for 35,000 won. I think I will also find a Korean-style scarf for her too. I am buying jewelry boxes for my grandmothers.

My friends will get a fan, a chopsticks set, and maybe a pen each.

I don't know what to get for the men in my family. I want to get something that they will like and not just say, "that's really nice" before shelfing it. I wanted to get a BANC shirt for my brother (you know, the LEGO man block character shirts) but the Large is a little too small and the only XL sizes come in hot pink.

Anybody know of a store that carries American sizes but has "Korean style" mens shirts? Is this asking too much?

Any other good ideas for men?

[definitely maybe]

There are some shops in Insa-dong that sell "handmade" plates, ldishes, lamps, etc., made from pulp. Neat looking stuff ranging in size and price from small and reasonable to large and expensive. My parents and siblings are big fans of the stuff I've sent back to them. I don't recall specific information, but you should be able to find at least one vendor if you wander in and out of enough shops. I'll do some rooting around for the business card and website of the actual store when I have moment.

[definitely maybe]