Korean Job Discussion Forums

[VanIslander]

I did a "search" and came up with many threads about Korean weddings, and some about how much money to give.

But back in Canada I was one of those who resisted the modern habit of just giving money in favour of a meaningful gift (often something they'd like but wouldn't buy for themselves).

To those who know Korean couples please advise: What gift could I get?

It's for my 36-year-old director, who was a good friend before he bought the business, so I'm thinking of spending anywhere from 100,000 to 750,000 Won (if the gift warrants it) with 200,000 W just generous enough for my tastes.

The wedding is nine days away. (I need some ideas guys.)

[schwa]

A couple I knew appreciated a state-of-the-art microwave, but I knew they wanted one. Small appliance stores have lots of nifty gadgets in your price range, maybe a browse would turn up something suitable.

[matthews_world]

How about just getting a gift certificate to one of their favorite stores?

Do Korean folks usually register somewhere or is that a new trend? I've seen online wedding sites but couldn't tell you the name. Just ask if they are registered.

Money is always appreciated.

Plus when you buy something for people, you really don't know they're needs or tastes and they might not be happy with your gift.

[phaedrus]

I would guess luxury items that you can have more than one of.

Maybe a beautiful tea set, some sort of hand crafted gift from your home country (9 days ??), crystal wine glasses.

The problem is keeping it 'useful', desired, and sophisticated.

I love getting expensive, unique, yet 'relatively' useless stuff.

A fridge is useful. Wine glasses have a use, but you can do without, but damn it's nice to have expensive good ones, or several sets of expensive good ones.

[sadsac]

The idea of gift giving is still alien to many Koreans. I would ask your director what he and his intended would appreciate in the form of a gift. It's no different than the gift registers we see at home for couples. At least this will give you a very good indication of what they would like. As he is 36, he probably has a housefull on appliances. Good luck.

[teachingld2004]

Do not give money because I was told that money gifts are usually given to the brides family. Find out what they would love to have (if you can). I also like a gift certificate. That was a good suggeston.

[anae]

If you give the money to the people sitting at the little reception desk, it will (usually) go to the family of the bride or groom, depending on which side you declare yourself a guest, to pay for the wedding expenses. Parents customarily pay for the wedding and provide a house as well as funishings, so it is not that outrageous that the recoup some of that money. There are no wedding showers.

I always gave money to my close friends in Korea, but I always gave it to them personally after pyebek, so that they could put it towards their honeymoon.

[VanIslander]

The money idea is out in this case because he is my director: He gives me 2,000,000 W and I hand him 100,000 W back? It doesn't feel right.

[peppergirl]

Gift certificate seems like a good solution to me... Better than getting them some gift you're not sure they like or will ever use. All the big department stores have gift certificates.

My husband only gives money to people we're not that close to. If the couple are good friends/close family, he asks them what they would like and so we ended up buying one couple a low table, another one a stone grill.

[VanIslander]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I couldn't have done it without ya!

I got them a gift certificate for the Samsung Electronics Store (300,000 W).

He's one of those who always desires the newest and the latest technology but he's too cheap to do so usually. She might want something for herself or for their new apartment.

I'll let you know what they eventually spend it on, if he ever mentions it.

(They're honeymooning on Jeju as I write.)

[schwa]

Good choice! (Heh, I'll laugh if they get a microwave.)

[Crois]

Kimchi condoms!!!