Gifts, Visits, and Workplace Manners

How one gives and receives gifts, visits others' homes, and conducts oneself at work is seen in Korea as a measure of one's character.

Gift Etiquette

Gifts are handed over with both hands, and recipients usually don't open them on the spot. It's customary to modestly say 'it's nothing much.'

약소하지만 정성껏 준비했습니다. 마음에 드셨으면 좋겠어요.

yaksohajiman jeongseongkkeot junbihaetseumnida. maeume deusyeosseumyeon jokesseoyo.

It's a modest gift, but I prepared it with care. I hope you like it.

이런 거 안 사 오셔도 되는데, 감사히 잘 쓸게요.

ireon geo an sa osyeodo doeneunde, gamsahi jal sseulgeyo.

You didn't have to bring anything, but I'll use it gratefully.

Gifts to Avoid

Shoes suggest 'leaving,' handkerchiefs suggest 'parting,' and clocks suggest 'ending,' so they tend to be avoided as gifts for superiors. The number four is also shunned because it sounds like the word for 'death.'

윗분 선물로 신발은 좀 피하는 게 좋아요.

witbun seonmullo sinbareun jom pihaneun ge joayo.

It's better to avoid giving shoes as a gift to a superior.

Visiting Etiquette

When visiting a home, don't arrive empty-handed; bring fruit or a small treat, and always take off your shoes at the entrance.

초대해 주셔서 감사합니다. 작은 거지만 과일 좀 사 왔어요.

chodaehae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida. jageun geojiman gwail jom sa wasseoyo.

Thank you for inviting me. It's small, but I brought some fruit.

슬리퍼 신으세요. 화장실은 저쪽이에요.

seullipeo sineuseyo. hwajangsireun jeojjogieyo.

Please put on the slippers. The bathroom is over there. (the host's line)

Workplace Manners

Situation	Recommended Behavior
출근·퇴근 인사	Greet with 'annyeonghaseyo' on arrival and 'meonjeo deureoga bogetseumnida' when leaving
명함 주고받기	Exchange business cards with both hands and read the card right away
회식 자리	Be mindful of the seating order; the seat next to or across from a senior may be left open
부탁할 때	Soften requests by opening with 'bappeusigetjiman' or 'sillyejiman'
엘리베이터·문	Let seniors get on, off, and through first
메신저·이메일	Open with a greeting and the proper title before getting to the point

바쁘신데 죄송하지만, 이 자료 한 번만 검토 부탁드려도 될까요?

bappeusinde joesonghajiman, i jaryo han beonman geomto butakdeuryeodo doelkkayo?

I'm sorry to bother you when you're busy, but could I ask you to review this document?

먼저 퇴근하겠습니다. 수고하셨습니다.

meonjeo toegeunhagetseumnida. sugohasyeotseumnida.

I'm heading home first. Thank you for your hard work today.

💡 Tip: 'Sugohasyeotseumnida' works for colleagues and juniors, but to a superior, 'gosaeng maneusyeotseumnida' or 'gamsahamnida' is more polite.

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