|
GIFT GIVING IN SOUTH
KOREA*- Gift Giving Etiquette
BUSINESS GIFT GIVING /
PERSONAL GIFT GIVING
-
Giving gifts to
acquire favors or build relationships is a common practice in the workplace,
and reciprocity is expected.
-
While your gift
will demonstrate your thoughtfulness, where it was made is also of crucial
importance. They will appreciate gifts from your own country or regions.
Avoid items made in the underdeveloped countries, unless they are cultural
icons or souvenirs.
-
Gift-giving is
often practiced in a business setting. Good gifts for a first trip include
office items with your company logo or something that is commemorative of
your home region. Your gift should be of good quality but modestly priced.
-
When you plan to
give a gift to several people within an organization, be sure to give a gift
of greater value to the senior person. The gifts you present to that
person's subordinates may be similar, as long as they are of lesser value
than the one you give their superior. Or, you can give a gift that the whole
team can enjoy.
-
A gift of money
should be put in an envelope. Cash is popular for weddings, holidays [for
children], birthdays, funerals, etc.
-
When visiting a
family, suitable gifts include crafts from your home region, fruit, cake,
chocolates, flowers, imported coffee, etc. Imported liquor and cigarettes
may be given to those who like to drink and smoke.
-
Expect initial
resistance to receiving a gift. This reluctance is considered good manners,
so be persistent.
-
Use both hands when
giving or receiving a gift. Gifts are not opened in the presence of the
giver, unless you are a very good friend. If so, you can ask him/her, 'Do
you want me to open it?'
-
Whenever a person
receives a gift, it is customary for the recipient to give another gift of
similar value in return at a later time. Therefore, when you give a gift,
ensure that it is compatible with the recipient's economic means because if
he or she cannot reciprocate, 'loss of face' will result. Similarly, if you
receive a gift that is far too extravagant and a potential bribe, send it
back, citing your firm's policy not to accept a gift with a certain $
amount. You should be very polite in returning it and express your gratitude
and regret for not being able to accept such generosity.
*Kim Ph.D, Eun Y. South Korea Business
Etiquette - Gift Giving. Executive Planet. 16 Aug. 2004
<http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/133546968117.html>. |
Above: The flag of South Korea
Global Gift Guide
--- Gifts we recommend ---
Old World Pen Set
click here for more...
Limoges
Style Globe Box
click
here for more...
Chocolate Globes
click here for more...
World Tracker Compass
click here for more...
World Cube Paperweight
click here for more... |
