What are some good gift ideas to give to someone in South Korea you are going to meet on a business trip?

Someone suggested alcohol, like a bottle of wine, but I'd prefer not to have carry that over there since it could break. What are some ideas for gifts other than alcohol?





These should be things that are unique to the US, or at least uncommon in Korea. The gift shouldn't be too heavy or too expensive (maybe $10-20 at most). Food is probably ok (especially since it can be shared), but it can't be anything that customs would have a problem with.





Any ideas?

What are some good gift ideas to give to someone in South Korea you are going to meet on a business trip?
Not to sound like Forest Gump, but what about a nice box of chocolates (Godivas or See's)? They can be shared and the box/es are travel-friendly.
Reply:Reading the numerous responses already, they are well-thought of responses.





One point not mentioned, though, and it's a big point here in South Korea; this is true, especially if the gift receiver is senior to you in age. Although it's not spoken, the idea is conveyed to gift-givers that -





the expense of the gift bears a direct relation as to how sincere the gift-giver is.





In short - the more expensive, the more sincere.





The suggestion of Alcohol is the most common gift that is given, especially if it's imported from outside the country.





Believe it or not, Imported vs. domestic also bears a direct relation as to how sincere the gift-giver is.





In short - imported shows more sincerity from the gift-giver.





For example - Johnny Walker Blue Label, when it's available, can be purchased at the Camp Humphreys Class VI store for about $75.00.





Likewise, a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label, imported, could cost around 240 thousand Won in a Korean store (average $242.00).





But, a bottle of imported Wine could cost anywhere on the average of perhaps 70,000 Won for a bottle (average $71.00).





In short, which item shows more "sincerity" from the gift-giver?





Is the gift-receiver a male or female?





Honey was also a good response for gift-giving. But the downside is this; South Korea is still considered a male-dominent society, even though thoughts are slowly changing.





In a male-dominant society, the gift of imported Alcohol vs. a gift of Honey would definitely help your chances when gift-giving to a senior in age male.





When I asked my (Korean) wife, she informed me that a gift of Honey would be considered a female gift; don't give a senior male a female-related gift.





As for gifts of food; I don't suggest that. Simply put, avoid problems with Airport Customs on your way in.





Canned-type food; I don't suggest that either. Korean people is notoriously picky when eating foreign foods, not including imported meats.





Hopefully my knowledge will assist you for your business trip.
Reply:Big Blair gave you some great ideas.. honey goes a long way here. But try not to give that generic, supermarket honey.. It is more appreciated if it is a flavored, boutique-looking honey. Even better, ANY OF US over here would like to get a large container of maple syrup.. You can find it in decorative pouring tins in the grocery store. Koreans appreciate maple syrup and it is very expensive here.


Jelly is a good idea, but Koreans have their own, high-end and particular tastes with jellies, so the syrup or honey is a lot safer.


If you end up doing chocolates, do not go with Godiva or Toblerone as we can get those on any flight, duty-free and are common in the higher end groceries here. Go with something local to your area.


You didn't say where you are from.. Are you British? because a nice set of loose teas would be greatly appreciated, or anything in a Harrod's box.


Also, VERY popular here, a set of butters. If you are coming in the fall, you could find a small jar of pumpkin butter, apple butter, etc. Any of those are lovely on toast, which is also becoming very popular here. (Singapore Toast just opened their first few franchises in Seoul)
Reply:Alcohol is definitely the best gift, even for non-drinkers (re-gifting is not rude in Korea), but if that is a non-starter, believe it or not a big bottle of jelly or honey goes over very well. A large jar of Jelly might be hard to find in a plastic container, but you should be able to find a plastic container of honey, I think there are even a few shaped like a bear. As long as it is commercial honey (ie. you buy it in a grocery store), you shouldn't have a problem getting it through customs.