How Much Money Should Guests Give at a Korean Wedding?
A Local Korean’s Guide to Cash Gift Etiquette
Why Money Gifts Are Standard in Korea
In Korea, giving money at a wedding is not awkward or impersonal — it’s the most common and practical way to celebrate a couple’s marriage. Instead of household gifts or registries, Korean weddings rely on cash gifts to help cover wedding costs and support the couple’s future.
For foreign guests, this can feel unfamiliar at first, but once you understand the logic behind it, the custom makes a lot of sense.
General Guideline: How Much to Give
Here’s a realistic breakdown of how much guests typically give, expressed in Korean won and approximate US dollars:
Close family members
200,000–500,000 KRW ($150–$380 USD)
Close friends and relatives
100,000–300,000 KRW ($75–$230 USD)
Coworkers and colleagues
50,000–100,000 KRW ($40–$75 USD)
Distant acquaintances or casual invitees
30,000–50,000 KRW ($25–$40 USD)
In Seoul and other major cities, where wedding halls and meals are expensive, guests often give toward the higher end of these ranges.
Why the Amount Matters in Korean Culture
In Korea, the amount of money you give communicates your relationship and respect toward the couple. It’s not about showing off wealth, but about contributing fairly based on closeness.
That said, Koreans are generally understanding. No one expects foreign guests to follow the system perfectly — effort and sincerity matter more than precision.
How to Prepare the Cash Gift Properly
Use a Wedding Envelope
Cash is placed in a clean white envelope, usually provided at wedding halls or sold at stationery stores. If you’re traveling, a simple plain envelope is fine.
New Bills Are Preferred
Fresh, crisp bills are considered polite. This applies whether you’re giving:
50,000 KRW (≈ $40 USD)
or 100,000 KRW (≈ $75 USD)
Write Your Name Clearly
Write your name clearly on the envelope so the couple knows who to thank later. English names are acceptable.
How Much Different Guests Usually Give
Family Members
Parents and siblings often give larger sums, sometimes well over
300,000 KRW (≈ $230 USD), especially if they are financially supporting the wedding.
Friends
Close friends typically give
100,000–200,000 KRW (≈ $75–$150 USD), depending on closeness.
Coworkers
Office colleagues usually give
50,000–100,000 KRW (≈ $40–$75 USD), which is considered perfectly appropriate.
Advice for International Guests
If you’re attending a Korean wedding as a foreign guest:
- Exchange Korean won in advance if possible
- Choose an amount within the typical range
- When unsure, ask the couple or a Korean friend quietly
If you’re traveling far to attend, your presence already means a lot. You’re not expected to “compensate” with extra money.
Common Questions Foreign Guests Ask
Can I give a physical gift instead?
Cash is strongly preferred. Physical gifts are uncommon at Korean weddings.
Is there a minimum amount?
Amounts under 30,000 KRW (≈ $25 USD) are generally considered too low unless given as a group gift.
Are there unlucky numbers?
Some people avoid amounts ending in four, but this isn’t strictly enforced. Giving round numbers like
50,000 KRW or 100,000 KRW is safest.
How Cash Gifts Are Collected
At the entrance of most Korean wedding halls, there is a gift reception desk. Staff collect envelopes, record names, and handle everything discreetly. This system allows weddings to move quickly and smoothly.
A Korean Local’s Honest Take
To Koreans, cash gifts are not transactional. They’re practical, respectful, and rooted in community support. Once you attend a few weddings here, the system feels surprisingly comfortable — and even thoughtful.
Foreign guests who try to follow this tradition are always appreciated, even if they don’t get every detail exactly right.
Final Summary: Quick Reference
- Close family: 200,000–500,000 KRW (≈ $150–$380 USD)
- Friends & relatives: 100,000–300,000 KRW (≈ $75–$230 USD)
- Coworkers: 50,000–100,000 KRW (≈ $40–$75 USD)
- Distant acquaintances: 30,000–50,000 KRW (≈ $25–$40 USD)
Give what feels reasonable, respectful, and comfortable for you. That’s the real etiquette behind Korean wedding gifts.