What kind of return gifts (답례품) are exchanged at Korean weddings, and what etiquette should foreign guests know?
I am from China and got invited to a coworker's Korean wedding. I am not familiar with the 답례품 (return gift) culture — what do guests typically receive, and are there meal vouchers or gift cards in addition?
As a foreign guest, what other etiquette should I observe regarding dress code and the message written on the cash envelope?
1 Answer
Korean weddings center on the meal more than return gifts, so do not worry too much. You give your cash gift at the reception desk, receive a meal ticket, and then eat at a buffet or seated meal, which is the main thing. Return gifts are often skipped these days or are something small like rice cakes, a towel, a handkerchief, or a dessert. For dress code, avoid anything too flashy and especially a white dress that could read as bridal; a neat suit or dress is fine. The cash gift is usually 50,000 to 100,000 won depending on how close you are, and on the envelope you write congratulations on the marriage in Korean, or the Chinese characters for it, on the front and your name on the back. You hand the envelope at the reception desk at the entrance and sign the guest book. As a foreign guest you are very unlikely to commit any real faux pas, so just relax and celebrate.