If I were to throw a party for a group of Korean's celebrating a new business venture, how would I impress them?
Cassius
Boston, USA
First of all, always remember the Foreigner Rule: Koreans generally do not expect non-Koreans to know anything about Korea. This means demonstrating even just a little bit of familiarity about Korean language and customs go a long way toward impressing Koreans. Including Korean food in the party, for example, is always a good idea.
It is also common to give gifts to a new business owner. Don't get so hung up on the "cultural" thing here. As always, the best gift is a thoughtful one that addresses the need, regardless of culture. But if you want to show off your familiarity with Korean customs, a flower pot or a bouquet is usually the gift of choice for a new business owner. Usually bouquets are given on a large stand, with a well-wishing messages printed on the ribbons. Like this:
This is a bouquet sent from Freestyle (a rap group) to Haha
(former co-host of Infinite Challenge) to celebrate the opening of
Haha's new restaurant. The ribbon says, from the right:
"Screw your business, I got my own stuff to worry about."
"Congratulations for the Release."
"The Seventh Album from Freestyle is available everywhere."
This is obviously a joke. Please do not try with your Korean business partner.
(source)
Alternatively, an orchid is also rather popular. For those who are horticulturally challenged, a typical orchid given as gifts in Korea looks like this:
If you live in Korea, you might have seen
these plants a lot in offices.
(source)
Of course, Korean lettering on the ribbons would make the gift all the more impressive. With that, best of luck for all the new business owners.
Got a question or a comment for the Korean? Email away at askakorean@gmail.com.
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If he really wants to get traditional he can set the bouquets on either side of an altar containing a smiling hog's head, mouth stuffed with money.
ReplyDeleteIt's still quite a common practice in Seoul, even among new technology ventures.
TK, Haha is back on "Infinite Challenge" as a regular member.
ReplyDeleteI know you don't like people picking on your grammar, but you might want to fix the phrase "flower of pot" (in the middle of the second paragraph) because I believe you mean something substantially different.
ReplyDeleteWanda, the Korean LOVES it when people point out grammatical errors in the post. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteHaha is a regular on Running Man also!
ReplyDelete"If you life in Korea, you might have seen
ReplyDeletethese plants a lot in offices."
Maybe you meant say live instead of life.
Yes. Thanks. Correction made.
ReplyDeleteIf I (who cannot read or write Korean) tried to copy a phrase that I knew to be correct in Hangul, would the results be acceptable or insulting? I assume it would look like a small child had written it. But would the intent be clear and understandable or would it turn out that I had written 'your mother looks like a dog' or something worse?
ReplyDeleteTrue. lol
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