Announcer Uhm Ji-in Suggests 50,000 Won as Appropriate Wedding Gift for Colleagues Amid Rising Costs

In South Korea, the age-old question of how much to give as a wedding gift, especially for colleagues, has become a hot topic. Announcer Uhm Ji-in recently proposed 50,000 won as the appropriate amount for a work colleague's wedding, sparking a lively discussion on the KBS2 show 'Boss in the Mirror.' This suggestion, however, clashed with the views of some, like broadcaster Park Myung-soo, who argued that with current banquet costs averaging around 100,000 won per person, a minimum of 200,000 won is expected.

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The appropriate wedding gift for a colleague in our company is 50,000 won.

Uhm Ji-in defended her stance by noting that 50,000 won was a common gift just a few years ago and that giving 300,000 won, as suggested by MC Jun Hyun-moo, is unheard of in her workplace, often leading to calls to confirm if the amount was entered incorrectly. She previously mentioned to Jun Hyun-moo that as a salaried employee, she couldn't afford to give much.

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With today's meal costs at a minimum of 100,000 won, you should give at least 200,000 won.

The article highlights a significant shift in social norms and economic pressures. While 50,000 won was once the standard, a recent survey revealed that 61.8% of respondents now consider 100,000 won to be the appropriate gift for a colleague. This change reflects the rising costs associated with weddings in Korea, with the average wedding service cost reaching over 21 million won, including an average buffet cost of 62,000 won per person. This evolving etiquette around gift-giving underscores the financial considerations and social expectations surrounding major life events in contemporary South Korea.

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I've never seen anyone give 300,000 won at our company. They even call to ask if it was entered incorrectly.