How much is the typical cash gift?

There is no official amount, and the answer depends on your relationship and budget. According to Segye Ilbo, the debate in 2026 centers on ₩50,000 versus ₩100,000. The paper reported that average meal costs at major Seoul wedding halls have climbed to roughly ₩70,000 to ₩100,000 per guest.

Why is the meal cost the main reference?

Many Koreans treat the cash gift as partly covering the cost of the meal the guest eats. Segye Ilbo analyzed five major Seoul wedding halls and found average meal costs rose from ₩49,740 in 2021 to ₩75,320 in 2026, a 51.4% increase. When a meal costs about ₩75,000, a ₩50,000 gift can feel too low to some people, while others see it as a normal amount.

What are Koreans arguing about?

Online communities and anonymous workplace boards continue to argue weekly over the amount. One side says a gift should at least cover the meal so the guest is not a burden to the couple. The other side says the gift has turned into a transaction and has lost its meaning as a blessing. Some guests now attend without eating, or only send money by bank transfer.

What is the government doing?

President Lee Jae-myung pledged in May 2025 to end unfair wedding demands and make studio, dress, and makeup package prices transparent. The Fair Trade Commission revised its labeling rules in November 2025, requiring wedding firms and halls to disclose prices publicly. Segye Ilbo reported that only about 16.7% of roughly 1,500 wedding service businesses had registered on the Korea Consumer Agency's price-disclosure service, and that no notable fines had been imposed yet.

For international fans

If you are a foreign guest, the safest approach is to ask a Korean friend or colleague what is customary for your relationship with the couple. Cash is usually placed in a card envelope at the reception desk. Bank transfers are also common, especially when people cannot attend. Because prices and customs shift, check current guidance with a Korean friend before you go.