Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HunterORL23]

I am a newbie in the final stage of paperwork and I will arrive in Korea in February. I was wondering if it was considered polite or rude by Koreans to present my boss with a small gift out of kindness when I arrive.

I was thinking of getting something like a small silver alligator pin being that I am from Florida where the alligator symbolizes strength and power and it represents where in the US I come from.

Do you think a korean boss be it male or female would get offended over being presented with a small gift of kindness on the first day? Or will this create drama with my Korean co-workers that I am just being a suck-up or something.

**Kind inquires only please

- Hunter

[rmo1127]

I was just wondering the same thing.... I've read that Koreans are very much into gift giving, but in that situation I don't know whether it's appropriate. Hopefully someone with some experience chimes in.

What kind of school will you be working for? Public, private, hagwon?

[BoholDiver]

I'd say no, it's a bad idea. It may come across as a bribe.

[curlygirl]

^ Disagree. I brought some New Zealand chocolate with me and gave one bar each to the vice principal and my (as she turned out to become) favourite co-worker. They never forgot this gesture and I made a most excellent first impression. Your gift sounds ideal as it is not overly showy and is something unique from your home country.

A bribe is a white envelope of cash - the old hands here know what I mean

[vaticanhotline]

[thoreau]

You've got the right idea. Something small and related to where you are from.

Other ideas are coffee from a local coffee shop, maybe a baseball hat from the local team, a small bottle of whiskey, etc.

[w(oO)t]

[stevieg4ever]

In theory it is a great idea but this is Korea and what is a simple gesture of kindness in our culture can cause massive problems.

There is some unwritten rule about if you give a present that is deemed to be bigger/better/more expensive to those lower down then what you gave to the principle or vice principle then that is considered a massive insult. No bs.

[Xuanzang]

[HunterORL23]

I will be teaching with EPIK in Gangwon-do.

[Mithrae]

Why buy a gift for someone who, most likely, is going to try and rip you off throughout your contracted year? Buying a gift up front only says to him that you 'know your place'. That's an open invitation to him to walk all over you. You don't need to give a gift to anyone. You have a contracted agreement with an employer. It is an exchange of services for a remuneration. Under no circumstances give the impression that you are beneath him. In a Confucianist society if you present yourself as of a lowly position, that's where you'll be located in the group think of the school administration. You are providing a needed service for an agreed payment. If you wish to exchange gifts, that's grand. Under no circumstances give an unreciprocated gift to someone who wants you to 'know your place'.

You might be considering giving the gift out of a sense of generosity, or even gratitude, but 'what a generous person' is not the message that will be received by a principal in a hierarchical society such as Korea. Your gift will reek of subservience. English teachers in Korea need to stand up for themselves. Kowtowing to under-educated, self-important clowns in a suit is in noone's interest.

Give the gift to someone who actually gives a damn about you.

[HunterORL23]

Fiddlesticks. I am sure that a principal who has had many encounters with employees of different cultures (Specifically the Western cultures) would take this as a kind hearted gesture. And 8 out of 10 seem to agree. If I had someone from another culture work for me on their first day I would certainly, for that moment, embrace their meeting rituals.

[scotty12347]

[bobbyhanlon]

yes, bring a present. it won't be considered a 'bribe' or anything like that. gift-giving is pretty big in korea and so it will get you off to a good start if you bring one. like others said, make it alcohol (preferably whisky) or something specific to your hometown or country that he wouldn't otherwise be able to see.

[bixlerscott]

No, because you know nothing about the person you are buying it for and they probably won't understand nor truly appreciate it like you want to imagine they would or could. Often the directors and principals are plenty rich and set in their ways to not even care or feel anything about your generosity. Keep your money and just present yourself as a professional who is direct, concise, and serious about this job when it comes to dealing with him or her. Don't expect them to lighten up or get all warm and buttery just because you are classy and have a sense of humor, because they probably won't understand or pretend not to and just come off as cold, silent, and unwelcoming. Of course in a lucky guess situation, you and your gift may be well received. Like people all over the world, Koreans all have unique personalities, likes, and dislikes too so the ones I dealt with may be very different than the ones you will deal with. It's a toss up on what you gift and if you even do it at all. A small bribe or gift doesn't work with well heeled Koreans like it would in Thailand or Indonesia.

I brought a jar of really good gourmet clover honey from a farm in my home state only for the director to offer it back to me when I fell ill 1 month later!!! I was insulted to say the least. She intentionally did this to say my getting newbie cold, flu, and sore throat after newbie cold, flu, and sore throat was unacceptable even though I didn't take one single day off despite my awful condition during my first 2 months. Screw hagwon directors. Feed em' rotten fish and foul cabbage.