Preparing for and celebrating Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

Preparing for Chuseok was a lot more stressful than I thought possible. 

I wasn't expected to give gifts but I really wanted to show certain people my appreciation for all of their help since I came to Gwangju. First on the list was my principal. I really want my principal to like me. It's really important to have a good relationship with the principal so why not give a gift?

Choosing a gift was tough. First I went to Emart (imagine a Target/Nordstrom mix on drugs) with Donna, my co-teacher and we discussed what was appropriate. Turns out nothing I imagined would have been appropriate. I couldn't really go over 10 dollars or that would have been too extravagant and impolite. Instead, it's ideal to give gifts that are practical. Koreans REALLY like gift sets. All kinds of gift sets. Shampoo/Conditioner gift sets, perfume gift sets, lotion gift sets, olive oil gift sets, Spam gift sets, wine gift sets, etc. I can't even begin to describe the amount of gift sets I've seen at bigger department stores but here's a snapshot of what can be seen at my local supermarket.

Spam gift sets for the family

Just some olive oil gift sets...and some mixed with spam.

Shampoo gift sets to the left, oil (?) to the front. 

Not only should the gifts be practical but gifts are really only for in-laws and bosses. I don't think it's normal to give gifts to friends/co-workers. In my opinion, this really fits with Korean culture. For example, I've noticed that I get strange looks when I hold open the door for strangers. It turns out that Korean's don't expect niceties from total strangers- only family members. You aren't expected to hold doors, press the button on the elevator, etc for strangers.

It the end the other American co-teacher and I gave the principal a gift. The shocking and wonderful thing was that he also gave us a gift! He likes us!

We also gave a gift to our landlords. They're incredibly nice. They've been really helpful with everything- giving us rides to school, giving us extra bowls/utensils, making us food and gifting us with fruit, etc. As it turns out, they also wanted to give us a Chuseok gift. Their gift was traditional Korean snacks.

Really beautiful and tasty snacks I received from my landlords

I didn't do anything special for the actual day of Chuseok but it was still really great. We ordered delicious food to our hostel, watched Korean variety shows, napped, and then went out with another Wooster alum for dinner and drinks.

The end.

Peace.