🎁 Gift Giving in Korea: Dos and Don’ts

Gift giving is an essential part of Korean culture, whether you’re visiting a friend’s house, meeting your in-laws, or simply thanking a coworker. However, certain customs and rules around gifts can surprise foreigners. Let’s explore the unspoken rules of giving gifts in Korea so you can avoid awkward moments and show appreciation the right way.

1. Why Gifts Matter in Korea

Korean culture places strong emphasis on relationships and respect. Giving gifts is seen as a sign of sincerity, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. It helps build social bonds and can often make or break a first impression.

2. Gift Giving: The Dos ✅

🎂 Bring a small gift when invited to someone's home (fruit, wine, or dessert).
📦 Wrap your gift neatly. Presentation matters!
🫱 Always offer and receive gifts with both hands.
💬 Include a handwritten note if possible. It adds a personal touch.
🎁 Common safe gifts: vitamins, imported snacks, department store gift sets.

3. Gift Giving: The Don’ts ❌

🚫 Avoid gifts in sets of 4 (unlucky number associated with death).
⚰️ Do not give shoes to a partner — they might “run away.”Maybe, maybe not
🪒 Avoid sharp objects (like knives or scissors) — they symbolize severing relationships.
💵 Don’t give money without an envelope (봉투 bong-tu). It looks impolite

4. Situational Gift Tips

Business: High-end pens, health products, or a gourmet gift set.
Visiting someone’s home: A box of fruit or baked goods.
Chuseok/Lunar New Year: Gift sets from department stores are popular.

5. 🤔 Did you know?

Korea has one of the world’s fastest-growing gift economy cultures. According to Statista, Koreans spend over 10 trillion KRW (≈7.7 billion USD) annually on gift-related purchases. Digital gifting through apps like KakaoTalk has also surged, with over 100 million Kakao gift coupons sent in 2023 alone!

📘 Practice Korean Culture with Me!

Want to feel more confident in Korean social situations? Book a class with me on italki and explore more about Korean language and etiquette. 🇰🇷✨