Any Asia travelers out there?

[theoconbrio]

I am going to Korea for work in a few days. The people who are hosting me have really made a big effort to help me out, given that I am going by myself and don't speak a word of Korean. I want to make sure they understand how much I appreciate their hospitality. I know that it is important to give gifts to anyone who hosts you or helps you out in a significant way. What I'm not sure is what kind of gift is appropriate, or how much to spend. I don't want to be cheap, but I also have heard that giving something too expensive is considered uncool (embarrasses the host).

Has anyone here done business in Korea? Any advice on what would be appropriate? I need to buy gifts for my host, her boss, her boss's boss, the director of another business I'll be visiting, the secretary who's arranging the trip, and my translator. I really don't want to mess up!

[Dad of Toby]

No idea on what's appropriate....just want to say have a safe and enjoyable trip.

[imported_eastcoastmom]

Do you mean people who are Asian who happen to be travelling? Or people travelling TO Asia? ???

Kidding, have a safe journey, what a great adventure!

[JollyMolly]

http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/...es/Page619.htm

http://www.seoulsearching.com/culture/etiquette.html

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Gifts express a great deal about a relationship and are always reciprocated.
. It is inconsiderate to give someone an expensive gift if you know that they cannot afford to reciprocate accordingly.
. Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.
. Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
. The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.
. Giving 7 of an item is considered lucky.
. Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.
. Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.
. Do not sign a card in red ink.
. Use both hands when offering a gift.
. Gifts are not opened when received

from this website: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/reso...y-profile.html

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.

From this website:http://www.1worldglobalgifts.com/sou...getiquette.htm

[theoconbrio]

Do you mean people who are Asian who happen to be travelling? Or people travelling TO Asia? ???

D'oh! Yes, I are a editor. : Fixed.

Thanks, Laurie--great Googlers think alike! I had actually found both of those sites. I'm struggling with what might be nice and have a bit of personal touch, given that I know absolutely nothing about these people. I don't want to just get them an engraved pen or something crappy like that.

[zoesmom]

Great sites, Laurie.

Nathan, have a great trip..I'm too tired to think right now, but I'll try to come up w/something.

Maybe Sunjin can help too

I'm thinking if you come to Hawaii..could you bring some salami (the good stuff...starts w/an "M" ???) :P thanks in advance.

your pal,
Linda

***a thought...I usually take things that are made/come from Hawaii. Are Ghiradelli (sp?) chocolates made in San Francisco? Do they have them in Korea? ...Hey, how about a box or 2 of Rice-a-
Roni? :P)

[Mia&Buddy]

Rice a roni! ha!!

Does your university have anything appropriate with the school emblem on it? When my term on the alumni board was finished, I received a small crystal candy dish with my university's emblem etched on the inside of the bowl, on the bottom. It's nice without being pretentious.

Sees? A starbucks mug from SF? (Maybe not cool, but I love my collection. You should see the one that my daughter bought me in Cyprus!)

[amazongold]

Nathan, I work for a Japanese company and every visitor from Asia brings a gift. 99.9% of the time, it is a food item that can be found only in Japan and can be shared with the office staff. These are usually a type of Japanese confection, or packets of rice cookies, crackers, dried fish, etc. The other .1% is people from China, who give an item that can be displayed in the office. We have received a small painting, a sort of plaque with two Chinese children on it, a hand-painted good luck sign on a pretty background, and a large glass plate with koi fish in it (that was for the grand opening, considered a very large good luck gift). I would go with boxes of chocolates, each box individually wrapped - like the Russell Stover boxes you can get in drugstores.

[kaytris]

Something west coast.. smoked salmon maybe?

[sawyersammy]

Have a great time Nathan, and be safe.