Sharp Tools Like Knifes "Kal" (칼) and Scissors "Gawi" (가위) as Gifts

Photo Credits: https://www.togknives.com [knife] & http://www.thesharpeningcompany.co.uk [scissor]

In some cases, giving gifts to a chef friend and/or art crafts major friend needs a crucial thought. You may be thinking that a set of knives "kal" (갈) for a friend who likes to cook or a very sharp scissor "gawi" (가위) to a college friend majoring on Arts and Crafts is a best gift to them. But in Korea, you must not give these kinds of gifts because it definitely means cutting of your ties/relationships. Traditionally, many South Koreans declined to give knives, scissors or any sharp tools used for cutting because they didn’t want to sever ties or relationships they have had to the receiver.

However, inevitable situations do exist. If happened to receive a gift like aforementioned, one must give a small amount to the gift giver just to turn the gift being presumably purchased and thus, no ties or relationships will be cut.