Korean Job Discussion Forums

Zoot · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Location: Bundang

So, I've been dating this Korean dude for about a month and it's looking good so far. His birthday was a couple weeks ago and I bought him a necktie. Clich� - I'm well-aware. He seemed to really like it, even if it was just the thought that he liked.

Christmas is coming fast. What do I get him? I'm almost out of ideas here...

He's mid-twenties, involved in import business.

Any suggestions? Any ideas on things I should avoid?

oneofthesarahs · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Location: Sacheon City

Ugh. Exact same problem here. But I'm only semi-dating him, so I'm trying to decide on how "big" of a gift to get him. I was thinking tie, but I found out that another friend of mine is getting him a tie for Christmas. I want it to be something DIFFERENT.

[Also, sort of off-topic, I think we are in the minority. I've heard of loads of Western guys dating Korean women, but I really don't hear about Western women dating Korean guys all that often. High five for us.]

krats1976 · Joined: 14 May 2003

Can I have a high-5 too? Laughing

Never thought I'd be part of this group (I always thought Korean guys were afraid of me Laughing

), but I am now.

I also have no idea what to get him. I'm horrible at buying gifts anyway, but now I'm really stumped. Confused

Zoot · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Location: Bundang

No kidding about being the minority! I thought they'd be scared of me, too! However, I am finding it a bit of a culture shock. He's always so OVERprotective of me. Doesn't he realize that I've been around long enough to know what's up? He seriously tells me he feels responsible for my safety. It kills me! I'M the black belt in taekwondo, here. I'm sure I'm the one who could take him if necessary.

You girls getting the same thing?

Back to the gift, I was thinking one of those nifty fountain pens... expensive but classy...

riley · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: where creditors can find me

Hope the relationships work out ladies. It seems tougher for the women to date Koreans than the guys. But anyways, I would say that it depends on how well you know him. How close are the two of you. If he's a clothes horse, a good shirt or sweater or even a belt. When my wife and I were dating, she bought me a wallet and tennis shoes at different times.

Does he have an Ipod? Buy a case for it. Look for some sort of accessory for it. Same thing for his cell phone. Buy some type of accessory/dangly thing for it.

Cologne could be a good idea or some form of moisturizer. Remember guys here are more interested in skin conditioners than guys back home. Same goes for soaps and hair gels also.

Anyways, good luck on the shopping, hope that helps.

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

Why not a tie clip to go with his pen? Soaps and smelly stuff from the body shop. Wine or some top shelf liqour goes down a treat. As does imported chocolate and cookies.

But remember girls, packing is every darhling so get your goodies professionally gift wrapped.

Buff · Joined: 07 Apr 2004

Hmm. Food-stuff is usually safe. If he likes to drink, perhaps something nice like Johnny Walker or Bailey's if you can get your hands on any. Or bake him some cookies. If you don't or can't cook, make him a basket of goodies/sweets and throw in a few little non-food items. Some lip balm, a Mach3 Razor, etc.

Guys are so hard to buy for. I think this is because a number of them don't really care what you get them, but we make it difficult because we want to get the perfect gift for someone who's happy with socks.

My husband always tells me not to get him anything for his birthday or for Christmas, but I can't take that seriously, can I? He can't really not want anything . I have to get him something! I'm halfway thinking I should hop over to the supermarket, buy his favorite kimchi and stick a bow on it. And not wear any clothes when I give it to him.

Zoot · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Location: Bundang

Wow... this is really helpful and I like the idea of the gift wrapping.

I have to keep in mind that guys here are a lot more concerned about hygiene than dudes back home... like, seriously.

Socks and smelly stuff sounds good. Kimchi with a bow... at least it would make him smile.

I also wonder about putting a WON limit on the gift giving. I don't want to buy him something for 25,000 won and he buys me something crazy like diamond earrings. Is this a valid concern?

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

one of the first holidays i shared with my husband then-boyfriend i got him some toiletries at the body shop (including massage oil). he seemed to like that. Smile

liquor is a good idea too.
how many won to spend? i wouldn't worry about it. if he buys you something extravagent, just enjoy.

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

For a semi or on again off again boyfriend, I'm giving mine a Gucci belt. I bought it for myself, because I needed a belt, because my jeans are nearly falling off of me. It's waaaaaaaaaaaay to big, so I'll give it to him. Perfect!

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

PimpofKorea · Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2006 11:17 pm Post subject:

Get him a gift certificate to your neighborhood room salon...that should bring you guys closer fo'sho'

oni · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Location: Seoul

I'm getting my K guy tickets for B-Boy Korea. It's a break dancing show by same company that does Nanta and apparently the next big hit. He really wants to see it so at least I know he'll like it!