Questions: going to a traditional Korean wedding this weekend

Has anyone ever been to a Korean wedding? We're going to the wedding of one of DH's coworkers and were told it will be a "traditional Korean wedding."

I'm looking forward to it, and was just wondering if there was any etiquette we should be aware of ahead of time. I've tried looking things up online, but what I have found is conflicting! LOL

The bride and groom were at our wedding and gave us cash, in a plain envelope with their names on it. (Another Korean guest at our wedding gave us a check in a card, but also put her name on it.)

We're planning to give a monetary gift. Is cash customary or is a check all right? Should it go in a card or just a plain envelope? Should *our* names go on the envelope or the names of the bride and groom? I read somewhere at Korean weddings, the envelopes are handed to the parents of the bride and groom and not to the bride and groom themselves. Is this true? Should we just wait to see what others do?

Any other information on etiquette and customs would be appreciated!

Thanks!

ETA - I'm sorry if my questions seem ignorant. Just trying to learn anything I may need to know ahead of time so we don't stand out or inadvertently offend the couple and their family!

Message edited 1/14/2008 9:41:54 AM.

Re: Questions: going to a traditional Korean wedding this weekend

I tried to do some research, all I've come up with is that it is most appropriate to give a monetary gift. The number 4 is unlucky, so for example, a gift of $400 wouldn't be appropriate.

I also read that a gift is traditionally cash given in a plain red envelope with your name on it.

I found this on the knot:

"Guests invited to a Korean wedding often present envelopes containing cash or checks to the parents of the bride and groom, who in turn present the money to the newlywed couple. "

Cash Gifts at Weddings

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Re: Questions: going to a traditional Korean wedding this weekend

Never been to a Korean wedding but I married into a Chinese family. You can give money in an envelope (red or otherwise) and put your name on it. I expected the Chinese family to put it in red envelopes. When we provide a gift my hubby uses red envelopes in English that his mother buys from Chinatown, but I’m sure a standard envelope is fine.

Have fun!!!!

Don’t forget, most people understand that you don’t know their traditions. Just watch and follow. It’s the thought that counts and they will appreciate that, trust me.

Re: Questions: going to a traditional Korean wedding this weekend

Don't write your name in red if you give a card- it is bad luck. I will ask my students (mainly Koreans) this week about other etiquette rules.

ETA: I found these links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_in_South_Korea

About Korean food, includes a part about manners:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_cuisine

Message edited 1/15/2008 4:50:19 AM.