Key facts for South Korea
Christmas is a public holiday but business gifting is concentrated on Seollal and Chuseok.
How companies in South Korea give year-end gifts
In South Korea, corporate gifting centers on two holidays: Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (the autumn harvest festival). Companies send gift sets to clients and partners and give them to employees; typical sets include food, fruit, beef, ham, health products, tea and household goods. Christmas is a public holiday and is celebrated socially, and year-end greetings and small gifts are common in international and consumer-facing businesses, but the big B2B budgets usually go to Seollal and Chuseok. Gifts are presented and received with both hands. Gifts to public officials, journalists and teachers are capped by the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, so check limits before gifting to these recipients. Korean-language cards are preferred for local recipients. Delivery around Seollal and Chuseok is congested, so order well in advance.
Gift occasions in South Korea
Seollal (Lunar New Year)
major gift-set season for clients, partners and staff
Chuseok
the other major gift-set season
Christmas
public holiday; year-end greetings and office events
New Year
year-end greetings and New Year cards
Good practice
- Budget main gifts for Seollal and Chuseok; use Christmas for greetings and smaller gifts.
- Use Korean on cards for local recipients.
- Present gifts with both hands.
- Check value caps before gifting to public officials, journalists or teachers.
Avoid
- Avoid sets of four.
- Do not write names in red ink.
Design and wording
Christmas designs are acceptable; neutral designs suit Seollal and Chuseok.
Gift policies
The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act caps the value of gifts to public officials, journalists and teachers.
Delivery to South Korea
Ships from Poland by courier; customs duties and 10% VAT may apply and are quoted in advance. Commercial food imports require an import declaration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Planning dates for South Korea
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for South Korea
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Plush & merch calendars
A merchandise advent calendar distributes your branded items across 24 doors: socks, pins, stickers, small plush and treats, each carrying your logo.
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in South Korea?
Yes, 25 December is a public holiday. Most corporate gift budgets, however, go to Seollal and Chuseok.
When are the main gifting seasons in Korea?
Seollal (6 February 2027) and Chuseok (autumn). Order several weeks in advance.
Are there limits on gifts in Korea?
Yes. The Improper Solicitation and Graft Act caps gifts to public officials, journalists and teachers.