Korean Gifts & Souvenirs: Your Guide to Thoughtful Present Choices

Are you looking for Korean gifts and souvenirs? Korea has a lot to offer with its art, culture, and delicious food. You’ll find plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying Korean traditional souvenirs and gifts.

Whether you need souvenirs, gifts for someone living abroad, or presents for a Korea enthusiast, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect one.

In Korea, giving gifts is an important part of life. People exchange different presents on various holidays and occasions, and it’s also common to give gifts in business settings.

Korea’s extensive history and unique art and crafts style mean there are many traditional designs and products to explore.

On the other hand, Korea is also known for its vibrant modern art and culture, featuring globally recognized artists and offering an array of amazing gifts to discover.

Amazing Korean Gifts Ideas

We’ve gathered some different gift ideas that we think you’ll love to consider. So, let’s dive in and find the ideal Korean gift or souvenir for your needs!

1. Korean Style Traditional Patterns 

When you visit traditional Korean palaces and temples, you’ll be amazed by their beautifully painted and colorful ceilings with symbolic and sometimes geometric designs.

These mesmerizing patterns, reflecting the essence of Korean art and culture, have made their way into everyday items that we can all enjoy.

One such item is the traditional pattern blankets, which can add a unique touch to your modern living room.

Whether you have a love for Korean art and culture or simply admire beautiful patterns, these blankets are a fantastic way to add some excitement and freshness to your living space.

So, bring the charm of Korean tradition and artistry right into your home with these delightful blankets!

2. Korean Jewellery Boxes

When you go shopping for keepsakes in Korea, it’s hard to miss the stunning woodwork and carefully crafted boxes and furniture.

One special Korean art is called “Mother of Pearl” (Jagae), where they decorate wooden objects with shiny materials, pearls, and the inside of shells.

Skilled masters use lots of patience to put these small pieces together, forming traditional designs like flowers, peacocks, and cranes.

In the past, you could often find large dressers and chests in traditional Korean houses adorned with this Mother of Pearl art, which was beloved in Korean culture.

Today, people who feel nostalgic about the beautiful Mother of Pearl furniture often choose smaller items. You can find Mother of Pearl jewelry boxes for women or business card boxes for both men and women.

The price of Mother of Pearl products varies based on size and the level of craftsmanship, making them luxurious and valuable gifts.

If you’re visiting Seoul, you’ll come across many stores selling Mother of Pearl accessories in places like Insadong or Bukchon. Explore and find these enchanting pieces for yourself!

3. Games

During special holidays like Chuseok or Lunar New Year, families gather and have fun playing traditional Korean games together. One of the most popular holiday games is Yut Nori, which uses four sticks and guarantees lots of enjoyment.

Card games are also a hit among Koreans. You can find different types of cards to play with your friends and family.

For a Korean-style gathering, try sets of Hwatu (flower battle or go-stop) or Western playing cards featuring beautiful Korean illustrations. It’s a fantastic way to create cherished memories with your loved ones!

4. Korean Tea

Korean Tea is deeply cherished and a significant part of Korean culture. Over time, Korea has developed various types of tea from traditional tea plants, as well as leaves, flowers, grains, roots, barks, and fruits of other plants.

For tea enthusiasts exploring Korea’s tea scene, it’s an exciting journey ahead! If you love brewing loose leaf teas, you’ll find top-notch organic tea from famous Korean tea plantations.

For those curious about herbal and medicinal options, mugwort tea, an important herb in Korean food and medicine, is a wonderful choice. And if you want to try something exotic, go for Korean lotus root tea available in dried and sliced form.

Koreans also have a special fondness for green tea and matcha, not just as beverages but also for baking pastries. Korean matcha’s versatility means there are plenty of fun recipes to experiment with.

You can easily get Korean teas online or at Korean supermarkets. And if you’re traveling in Korea and looking for unique teas, check out temples, tea plantations, or the famous tea house Osulloc.

5. Korean alcohol

Drinking is an essential part of Korean culture and social life, making alcohol and related products popular gifts. In Korea, you’ll find high-quality traditional alcohols like luxury Soju gaining popularity, along with stylish drinkware.

Surprisingly, what might seem like everyday items in Korea become cherished and exotic gifts for those living abroad. For example, Soju shot glasses make affordable and sentimental souvenirs.

And here’s a fun idea for a DIY gift—an exciting Makgeolli homebrewing kit! It allows the receiver to learn about Korean traditional drinks through hands-on experience.

In Korea, enjoying Makgeolli in traditional metallic cups adds to the joy of drinking, giving it a touch of tradition. Cheers to the wonderful world of Korean alcohol!

6. K-pop Merchandise

K-pop has become immensely popular, and fans everywhere enjoy collecting items related to their favorite bands. The merchandise can range from cute to cool, and even attractive.

You can also find general K-pop culture merchandise like lightsticks and sweaters. If you’re buying a gift for a K-pop fan, consider checking out the merchandise available for their favorite band or artist.

Take BTS, for example, a famous Korean Boyband with a massive global fanbase. They have some fun and innovative merch that fans love. BTS has achieved immense success, taking K-pop to a whole new level internationally.

When looking for a gift for a K-pop fan, you can even find clothing options to help them dress up like a K-pop star. Korean-style clothing is becoming more popular worldwide, and many people are embracing Korean aesthetics.

Also, have you seen the finger heart sign that Korean celebrities make with their thumb and index finger? It’s adorable!

We discovered a delightful novelty heart lamp while searching for gift ideas. It’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!

7. Korean Snacks & Soft Drinks

Snack-giving is popular in Korea, and it’s easy to see why. Snacks are not only affordable but also fun to enjoy. Just like in any country, Korea has a wide variety of snacks tailored to the Korean taste.

From chocolates to cookies and crisps, a set of Korean snacks makes for an exciting, delicious, and exotic gift. By trying out different Korean snacks, you can learn more about Korean food culture.

For anyone hoping to help a Korean living abroad battle homesickness, snacks could be a great option. While not exactly a snack, Korean ramyeon noodles are worth mentioning. Koreans love eating ramen from time to time.

If you enjoy spicy food, you should definitely give Shin ramen a try—it’s a very popular ramen brand!

8. Korean Traditional Art Gifts

Discover the fascinating world of Korean Traditional Art Gifts! Among them, ceramics hold a special place.

Korean celadon vases have been valued as luxurious decorations for a long time, with their delicate designs and soft green glaze that fits beautifully in any interior.

When it comes to arts and crafts, you’ll find an abundance of options, each with its unique touch. Korean traditional art varies from region to region, offering distinct and captivating creations.

Don’t miss the symbolic Andong Masks, available in various forms, representing the rich heritage of Korean folk traditions.

You can easily get these masks online or from souvenir stores in Andong Hahoe Village. If you want to experience the festivities, consider visiting during the lively Mask Dance Festival.

Have you ever noticed wooden ducks in Korean movies or dramas? These ducks hold a special significance in Korean weddings, symbolizing the eternal bond between the bride and groom.

Even today, they continue to be an integral part of wedding ceremonies, making them a meaningful gift or keepsake for couples.

9. Korean Stationery

The love for beautiful stationery in Korea is truly remarkable. You’ll find a wide range of items like notebooks, diary calendars, planners, pencils, stickers, erasers, and more, all featuring cute and adorable, or dainty and pleasing designs.

Korea is a paradise for artists, and with a quick search, you’ll discover many Korean illustrators with unique styles that shape the modern Korean aesthetics.

Prepare to explore a world of loveliness waiting to be uncovered, and you might just find the perfect gift for a friend or family member who adores dainty and delightful things too!

10. Korean Skincare Gift Set

Just like K-pop and K-dramas, Korean beauty products have become a staple in the beauty market and are loved by many. These organically made and beautifully packaged products make for great gifts.

Online stores like YesStyle offer a wide selection of Korean skincare products, featuring popular brands like I’m From, COSRX, Klairs, ETUDE, and more.

These skincare items are available in sets or gift boxes, tailored for different skin types or specific effects. Whether you want to pamper yourself or surprise someone special, Korean Skincare Gift Sets will leave your skin feeling radiant and happy.

When Do Koreans Give Gifts & What Are the Ideal Presents?

Koreans are known for their gift-giving culture, where they give presents on various occasions. Some of these are:

• Seollal (January or February): The Korean Lunar New Year, it’s akin to Christmas in terms of gift-giving. People visit their relatives and exchange gifts like premium fruit assortments. Men often receive neckties, while women are gifted cosmetics or branded scarves. Children typically get pocket money in an envelope.
• Valentine’s Day (February 14): Unlike Western tradition, in Korea, it’s women who give chocolates to men.
• White Day (March 14): Originating in Japan but common in Korea, men return the favor on White Day by giving candies to women.
• May: Known as the Family Month in Korea, Children’s Day is celebrated on May 5, Parents’ Day on May 8, and Teachers’ Day on May 15. Gifts include toys for children, carnations and cash for parents.
• Chuseok (September or October): This is the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving and the second biggest holiday. The gifts are nearly identical to those given on Seollal.
• Pepero Day (November 11): On this day, people exchange pepero snacks because the date looks like pepero sticks (11/11).
• Suneung Day (November 18): This is when students take their college entrance exams. Gifts include chocolates, yeot (sticky Korean traditional confectionery), and chapssal-tteok (Korean rice cake).
• Christmas (December 25): In Korea, Christmas is more like Valentine’s Day, where couples exchange gifts. These gifts can range from cosmetics and jewelry to cakes from Baskin Robbins.
• Other Occasions: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Moving, Baby and Business Gifts: These occasions also see a lot of gift-giving. For example, on birthdays, people usually give cosmetics, accessories, or coffee/dessert coupons. For housewarming or business openings, plants are common gifts.

Conclusion

Korean gifts are really special. They show the cool parts of Korean life and customs. You can give a piece of traditional Korean clothes, healthy ginseng, or fun stuff from a popular TV show.

These aren’t just things, they’re part of Korean life. They’ll be remembered. So, if you need a gift, think about Korean ones. It could be just the right thing to make someone happy!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What are some thoughtful gifts for someone who loves Korean culture?

Ans: If your friend is a fan of Korean culture, consider gifts like Korean fans, teas, red ginseng, seaweed snacks, ceramics, and artwork like calligraphy. These choices are sure to bring a smile to their face!

Q: I want to get my girlfriend a special Korean gift. Any ideas?

Ans: For your girlfriend, some great Korean gift ideas are skincare products, K-pop merchandise, matching couple outfits, or a personalized Korean name necklace. These gifts will show your thoughtfulness and appreciation for her interests.

Q: How has the tradition of gifting thermal underwear evolved over the years?

Ans: About 30 years ago, the most popular gift for parents was “red” thermal underwear because red was the easiest color to dye nylon, which was developed in the 1960s. It symbolized warmth, health, and wealth. However, nowadays, people prefer plain colors like gray or beige, and red thermal underwear is often seen in comedy shows.

Q: What are some interesting facts about gift-giving in Korea?

Ans: In Korea, it’s not common to open gifts right away like in Western cultures. Instead, they usually take the gift home and open it when the giver isn’t present. However, if they want to open it immediately, they politely ask, “may I open this?” (열어봐도 괜찮아요?).

Q: Why do Koreans buy thermal underwear as a special gift?

Ans: When Koreans receive their first paycheck after graduating college, it’s customary for parents to pay for everything, including tuition, until then. To express gratitude, a tradition started where people gift thermal underwear called “naebok” even when it’s not winter.