Wait...Cash as a Gift?
If you're invited to a Korean wedding or birthday party, don't be surprised if everyone shows up with envelopes instead of wrapped boxes. In Korea, cash and gift cards are often the go-to presents.
To many foreigners, this feels unexpected—maybe even impersonal. But once you understand the culture behind it, you'll see why this custom makes perfect sense here.
In this guide, we’ll explore when and why Koreans choose practical gifts over physical ones, what types are popular, and how to follow the etiquette without stress.
Table of Contents :
- Why Cash and Gift Cards Are Common in Korea
- When Do Koreans Typically Give Money or Gift Cards?
- Gift-Giving Culture by Generation
- Popular Gift Card and Coupon Options
- Korean Gift Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
- Practical Tips for Foreigners in Korea
- FAQ: Curious Questions About Korean Gift Culture
Why Cash and Gift Cards Are Common in Korea
In Korea, gift-giving is less about the object itself and more about thoughtfulness, convenience, and practicality. Cash or gift cards let recipients choose what they truly want or need. It also saves them from the hassle of returning or re-gifting something they didn’t like.
Koreans often feel that giving money shows more care. For example, my own parents prefer receiving cash for birthdays. They don’t want items they might never use. It may feel less “personal” to outsiders, but in Korea, it's respectful and efficient.
Another reason is that buying the “wrong” gift can be stressful. Fashion items like clothes, bags, or shoes are tricky—you have to guess someone’s taste and size. That’s why many Koreans include a receipt with such gifts, so the recipient can exchange them if needed.
When you’re unsure what someone might like, a gift card is a smart choice. You avoid awkwardness and still show sincerity.
When Do Koreans Typically Give Money or Gift Cards?
Cash and gift cards are given for many life events in Korea. Here are some of the most common:
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Weddings (결혼식): Guests give money in envelopes to help cover costs. The amount depends on how close you are to the couple.
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Funerals (장례식): Instead of flowers or gifts, mourners offer condolence money called 부의금. It’s a way to show respect and share the burden.
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First Birthdays (돌잔치): Guests usually give money rather than toys or clothes. Parents can use it for baby needs or savings.
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Holidays (설날, 추석): Elders give 세뱃돈 (New Year money) to younger family members. Adults also exchange gift sets or gift cards.
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Graduations, Promotions, or Farewells: Cash, gift cards, or digital coupons (like KakaoTalk gifts) are common.
Koreans often prefer gifts that are easy to use, practical, and respectful for the occasion.
Gift-Giving Culture by Generation
Generational differences play a big role in how people give and receive gifts in Korea.
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Older generations (50s and up) tend to prefer cash. It’s direct, respectful, and avoids unnecessary clutter. For example, in my family, we always give cash to our parents on birthdays. They say they’d rather buy what they need themselves.
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Younger people are more into digital gifts like coupons, mobile payments, or gifticons. Platforms like KakaoTalk let you send a Starbucks drink or movie ticket instantly. It’s casual but still appreciated.
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While older people see cash as a sincere gesture, younger folks might find it awkward to give money directly to friends. They often use gift cards to make it feel lighter and friendlier.
These shifts reflect Korea’s evolving mix of tradition and technology in everyday life.
Popular Gift Card and Coupon Options
Korea offers a wide range of gift cards and coupons, making them a go-to option for many occasions. Here are some of the most popular types:
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문화상품권 (Culture Gift Certificate): Usable at bookstores, cinemas, convenience stores, and even online platforms.
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도서문화상품권 (Book Gift Certificate): Mainly for books, stationery, or educational materials—great for students or teachers.
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백화점 상품권 (Department Store Gift Card): Widely used at stores like Lotte, Hyundai, and Shinsegae. Considered more formal and suitable for weddings or major events.
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카카오톡 기프티콘 (KakaoTalk Gifticons): Digital coupons for coffee, food, and beauty items. Extremely popular among young adults.
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편의점/카페 선물 쿠폰: CU, GS25, Starbucks, Paris Baguette, etc. Perfect for small tokens of appreciation.
You can buy most of these online, at convenience stores, or through mobile apps. They offer flexibility and avoid the risk of choosing something unwanted.
Korean Gift Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Korean gift-giving comes with unspoken rules. Here are some key etiquette tips to avoid awkward moments:
🔵 Do’s:
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Use an envelope (봉투) for any cash gift—never hand it over directly.
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Present it with both hands, especially to elders or superiors.
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Add a short message or note when appropriate, such as on birthdays or holidays.
❌ Don’ts:
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Avoid the number 4 in gift amounts (e.g., ₩40,000) because it sounds like “death” in Korean (사 = 死).
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Don’t give too small an amount, especially for formal occasions—it can seem disrespectful.
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Don’t regift used or cheap-looking items, even if well-intentioned.
Being aware of these customs shows you care about Korean culture and the person you’re gifting.
Practical Tips for Foreigners in Korea
If you're new to Korea, choosing the right gift can feel confusing. Here are some simple guidelines:
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When in doubt, go with a gift card or cash. It's safe, appreciated, and flexible.
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Match the value to the relationship and event. Close friend’s wedding? ₩100,000 is common. Coworker’s farewell? Maybe ₩30,000 in a coffee card.
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Always use clean, crisp bills for cash gifts—creases or crumpled money may seem disrespectful.
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Ask locals if unsure. Koreans are understanding and often happy to explain what’s appropriate.
Lastly, don’t stress too much—your intent matters most. A respectful, well-timed gift, even a simple one, often goes a long way.
FAQ: Curious Questions About Korean Gift Culture
Q1. Is it rude to refuse a cash gift in Korea?
For formal events like weddings or funerals, giving cash as a contribution is the norm—you’re not expected to refuse it. In personal situations, however, if receiving cash makes you uncomfortable, it's okay to politely decline. Just consider your relationship with the giver and respond with sincerity.
Q2. Can I give a gift from my home country instead of cash?
Absolutely! Many Koreans appreciate unique or meaningful gifts from abroad, especially if they’re hard to find in Korea.
Q3. Do I need to wrap a gift card or is handing it over enough?
It’s better to place it in a small envelope or gift pouch. Presentation matters in Korean culture, even for simple items.
Q4. Can I give cash digitally, like via bank transfer or apps?
For close friends, yes—some people send money via apps like KakaoPay. But for formal occasions, physical cash in an envelope is preferred.
Q5. Is giving cash appropriate in the workplace?
It depends. For farewells or special milestones, a group cash gift is fine. But one-on-one cash gifts might feel awkward—try a coffee card or small token instead.
Q6. Are there “wrong” types of gifts in Korea?
Yes—shoes, and knives are often avoided due to symbolic meanings (e.g. parting or cutting ties). When unsure, stick to safe choices like food, money, or gift cards.
Korean gift culture might seem surprising at first—especially the idea of giving cash or gift cards instead of physical presents. But once you understand the values behind it—respect, practicality, and thoughtfulness—it starts to make a lot of sense.
Whether you’re attending a wedding, celebrating a birthday, or just saying thank you, the most important thing is your intention. With the tips from this guide, you’ll be able to give (and receive) gifts in Korea with confidence and cultural sensitivity.
And remember: sometimes, the best gift is simply knowing what not to give. 😉
