I keep finding myself in situations where I should give a gift in Korea but I have no idea what is appropriate?
I keep finding myself in situations where I should give a gift in Korea but I have no idea what is appropriate. My Korean friends bring gifts when visiting, give gifts to coworkers, and seem to know exactly what to give and when. What are the rules around gift-giving in Korea?
1 Answer
Gift-giving in Korea is more structured than in many Western cultures, but follow a few principles and you will navigate it well.
Visiting someone's home. Always bring a small gift (선물). Standard choices are fruit (a high-quality boxed fruit set is the most respected, available at any department store or Lotte Mart from 30,000 to 100,000 won), traditional Korean snacks (한과), wine or alcohol if the host drinks, or a cake from a good bakery if a family meal. Avoid empty hands.
First visit to in-laws or important elders. A higher-end gift like ginseng products, hanwoo beef set, holiday gift sets (especially around Chuseok and Seollal), or premium honey is appropriate. Range is 50,000 to 200,000 won.
Coworker gifts. Small token gifts when returning from travel are common, called 출장 선물 or 여행 선물. Boxes of snacks or specialty foods from your destination, distributed to all coworkers, build relationships. Korean coworkers often bring back chocolates from Japan, mochi, or local treats.
Monetary gifts (envelopes). For weddings, funerals, and major birthdays (60th, 70th, 80th), Koreans give cash in white or printed envelopes. Weddings 50,000 to 200,000 won depending on closeness. Funerals 30,000 to 100,000 won. Promotion or move-in (housewarming) celebrations also accept envelopes.
Holiday gifts. Chuseok and Seollal are major gift-giving holidays. Companies send gifts to clients and employees. Common gifts include hanwoo beef sets, fruit boxes, fish gift sets, traditional snacks, ginseng, and high-end household items. Department stores create entire gift centers during these holidays.
Key etiquette. Use both hands when giving and receiving gifts. Wrap gifts neatly (most stores will wrap for free or low cost). Do not give gifts in sets of 4 (number associated with death). Avoid giving shoes to a romantic partner (folk belief they will walk away).
When in doubt, fruit boxes and bakery items are always appropriate.