Gift for Korean friend?

[Anonymous]

Is she Korean Korean or Korean American? I really don't understand why you can't just get something off the registry, or why her ethnicity matters if she's getting married here in the US to an American.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My Korean friend married a black man during the pandemic earlier this year and I’ll see her for the first time since 2020, on Friday. What is a little gift I can give her/them that is appropriate in her culture? She’s a rich lawyer and I’m … not. It’s more important that it’s symbolic than expensive. I just want her to feel my support, partly because her parents won’t acknowledge him, and partly because they chose to just get married at city hall, no celebration or anything. Thank you!

Let me assure you, that's not the reason why they don't acknowledge him

This reminds me of the Youtube channel about the Korean guy's mom refusing to meet with his non-Korean wife and her grandchild. So sad!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My Korean friend married a black man during the pandemic earlier this year and I’ll see her for the first time since 2020, on Friday. What is a little gift I can give her/them that is appropriate in her culture? She’s a rich lawyer and I’m … not. It’s more important that it’s symbolic than expensive. I just want her to feel my support, partly because her parents won’t acknowledge him, and partly because they chose to just get married at city hall, no celebration or anything. Thank you!

Let me assure you, that's not the reason why they don't acknowledge him

This reminds me of the Youtube channel about the Korean guy's mom refusing to meet with his non-Korean wife and her grandchild. So sad!

It is but it runs deep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My Korean friend married a black man during the pandemic earlier this year and I’ll see her for the first time since 2020, on Friday. What is a little gift I can give her/them that is appropriate in her culture? She’s a rich lawyer and I’m … not. It’s more important that it’s symbolic than expensive. I just want her to feel my support, partly because her parents won’t acknowledge him, and partly because they chose to just get married at city hall, no celebration or anything. Thank you!

Let me assure you, that's not the reason why they don't acknowledge him

Nobody said it was. OP said this is why she wants to show her support. Reason 1: parents won't acknowledge him. Reason 2: they chose to get married at city hall.

[Anonymous]

OP I think it might be too sensitive to give a traditional gift that her parents maybe should've given.

[Anonymous]

Korean American here married to a non Korean. We really don’t have anything in our house that is Korean decor. I don’t think you should try to buy them a Korean gift. Koreans usually give cash as a wedding gift. I was surprised how many people just gave me an envelope of cash without even a card!

Is she Korean American or Korean from korea? Either way I would not try to gift something korean. If she is korean from korea, she does not need something korean from a non korean. If she is korean American, she likely is very Americanized and doesn’t want or need korean gifts.

When I got married, Dh and I went to korea together. I bought all these beautiful plates and bowls. I got one pretty set that I believe you are supposed to put Banchan (side dishes). I have literally never used any of these plates or bowls. They just take up some cabinet space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Korean American here married to a non Korean. We really don’t have anything in our house that is Korean decor. I don’t think you should try to buy them a Korean gift. Koreans usually give cash as a wedding gift. I was surprised how many people just gave me an envelope of cash without even a card!

Is she Korean American or Korean from korea? Either way I would not try to gift something korean. If she is korean from korea, she does not need something korean from a non korean. If she is korean American, she likely is very Americanized and doesn’t want or need korean gifts.

When I got married, Dh and I went to korea together. I bought all these beautiful plates and bowls. I got one pretty set that I believe you are supposed to put Banchan (side dishes). I have literally never used any of these plates or bowls. They just take up some cabinet space.

OP here, and thank you for your advice. Is there a number that symbolizes love or luck or something like that, appropriate for a newly married couple? I am picking up a card tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Korean American here married to a non Korean. We really don’t have anything in our house that is Korean decor. I don’t think you should try to buy them a Korean gift. Koreans usually give cash as a wedding gift. I was surprised how many people just gave me an envelope of cash without even a card!

Is she Korean American or Korean from korea? Either way I would not try to gift something korean. If she is korean from korea, she does not need something korean from a non korean. If she is korean American, she likely is very Americanized and doesn’t want or need korean gifts.

When I got married, Dh and I went to korea together. I bought all these beautiful plates and bowls. I got one pretty set that I believe you are supposed to put Banchan (side dishes). I have literally never used any of these plates or bowls. They just take up some cabinet space.

OP here, and thank you for your advice. Is there a number that symbolizes love or luck or something like that, appropriate for a newly married couple? I am picking up a card tomorrow.

DP but also a Korean American married to a non Korean. I echo all that was said above! Don't try to gift something Korean!
There isn't a number that symbolizes love that I'm aware of. Just stay away from the number 4.

[Anonymous]

I think something Korean would be lovely! She probably is so hurt right now that she would truly appreciate it. What about a Korean kimono outfit for the bride and groom? And maybe some Korean fans? You could also give them some Korean china and bring takeout from a Korean restaurant. How lovely!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think something Korean would be lovely! She probably is so hurt right now that she would truly appreciate it. What about a Korean kimono outfit for the bride and groom? And maybe some Korean fans? You could also give them some Korean china and bring takeout from a Korean restaurant. How lovely!

I assume the above was sarcasm. I mean, clearly. But the above is an exaggerated example of why you should NOT try to gift something Korean. If you lack the knowledge and familiarity of a culture, why try to assume it for gift giving? OP, just give what you would normally give any married couple. Koreans are people, too. They like cash, dinners, household items, gifts off the registry. Let their close friends and family gift what is culturally appropriate. That is not your role here. Just give cash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My Korean friend married a black man during the pandemic earlier this year and I’ll see her for the first time since 2020, on Friday. What is a little gift I can give her/them that is appropriate in her culture? She’s a rich lawyer and I’m … not. It’s more important that it’s symbolic than expensive. I just want her to feel my support, partly because her parents won’t acknowledge him, and partly because they chose to just get married at city hall, no celebration or anything. Thank you!

Let me assure you, that's not the reason why they don't acknowledge him

Nobody said it was. OP said this is why she wants to show her support. Reason 1: parents won't acknowledge him. Reason 2: they chose to get married at city hall.

You don't understand the historical background of this story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think something Korean would be lovely! She probably is so hurt right now that she would truly appreciate it. What about a Korean kimono outfit for the bride and groom? And maybe some Korean fans? You could also give them some Korean china and bring takeout from a Korean restaurant. How lovely!

I assume the above was sarcasm. I mean, clearly. But the above is an exaggerated example of why you should NOT try to gift something Korean. If you lack the knowledge and familiarity of a culture, why try to assume it for gift giving? OP, just give what you would normally give any married couple. Koreans are people, too. They like cash, dinners, household items, gifts off the registry. Let their close friends and family gift what is culturally appropriate. That is not your role here. Just give cash.

Uh, no. Not sarcasm. That's just rude! The bride didn't get to have an authentic Korean wedding with all the accompanying traditions and gifts. She would love to be honored this way. You are just bringing insensitive and boring gifts that they will never remember or cherish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My Korean friend married a black man during the pandemic earlier this year and I’ll see her for the first time since 2020, on Friday. What is a little gift I can give her/them that is appropriate in her culture? She’s a rich lawyer and I’m … not. It’s more important that it’s symbolic than expensive. I just want her to feel my support, partly because her parents won’t acknowledge him, and partly because they chose to just get married at city hall, no celebration or anything. Thank you!

Let me assure you, that's not the reason why they don't acknowledge him

Nobody said it was. OP said this is why she wants to show her support. Reason 1: parents won't acknowledge him. Reason 2: they chose to get married at city hall.

You don't understand the historical background of this story.

PP was pointing out that the other PP had misread the sentence. They misread it as “the parents won’t acknowledge him because they got married at city hall”. That is not what the OP said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think something Korean would be lovely! She probably is so hurt right now that she would truly appreciate it. What about a Korean kimono outfit for the bride and groom? And maybe some Korean fans? You could also give them some Korean china and bring takeout from a Korean restaurant. How lovely!

I assume the above was sarcasm. I mean, clearly. But the above is an exaggerated example of why you should NOT try to gift something Korean. If you lack the knowledge and familiarity of a culture, why try to assume it for gift giving? OP, just give what you would normally give any married couple. Koreans are people, too. They like cash, dinners, household items, gifts off the registry. Let their close friends and family gift what is culturally appropriate. That is not your role here. Just give cash.

Uh, no. Not sarcasm. That's just rude! The bride didn't get to have an authentic Korean wedding with all the accompanying traditions and gifts. She would love to be honored this way. You are just bringing insensitive and boring gifts that they will never remember or cherish.

Troll fail

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think something Korean would be lovely! She probably is so hurt right now that she would truly appreciate it. What about a Korean kimono outfit for the bride and groom? And maybe some Korean fans? You could also give them some Korean china and bring takeout from a Korean restaurant. How lovely!

I assume the above was sarcasm. I mean, clearly. But the above is an exaggerated example of why you should NOT try to gift something Korean. If you lack the knowledge and familiarity of a culture, why try to assume it for gift giving? OP, just give what you would normally give any married couple. Koreans are people, too. They like cash, dinners, household items, gifts off the registry. Let their close friends and family gift what is culturally appropriate. That is not your role here. Just give cash.

Uh, no. Not sarcasm. That's just rude! The bride didn't get to have an authentic Korean wedding with all the accompanying traditions and gifts. She would love to be honored this way. You are just bringing insensitive and boring gifts that they will never remember or cherish.

Troll fail

You are the troll that calls someone with a valid point a troll