Wedding gift less than meal cost: Guest's bitter confession after attending Gangnam wedding

A wedding guest's account of attending a friend's ceremony in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district has ignited a debate online about the rising costs associated with attending such events. The guest, who traveled three hours by public transport from Gyeonggi Province with their spouse, stated they gave a total of 140,000 won (approximately $100) in wedding gifts.

However, during the reception, the guest discovered that the per-person meal cost at the venue exceeded 80,000 won. This meant the couple's meal alone cost more than the wedding gift they had given. The guest expressed a feeling of financial strain, especially when factoring in transportation expenses and the considerable travel time.

This experience led the guest to reflect on how wedding invitations now prompt calculations beyond simple congratulations. They contrasted this with a wedding attended three years prior in the Chungcheong region, where a 50,000 won gift covered a meal costing around 30,000 won, making the gift feel more impactful. The guest noted a "subtle discomfort" in how the same amount of money carries different weight depending on the region and venue costs.

While acknowledging that guests should base gifts on their relationship with the couple rather than venue expenses, the guest questioned whether current social norms necessitate higher gifts for Seoul weddings. The discussion also touched upon the financial pressures faced by couples planning weddings in expensive cities like Seoul and the growing trend of smaller, more intimate ceremonies.