What souvenirs should I get from South Korea and Germany?

Question

In a few months my dad is taking several business trips to Korea and Germany. I always ask him to pick me up some souvenirs, and I'm wondering what I should ask him to bring back. I don't like chintzy, tourist-y stuff. I'm looking for an idea that's traditional. For Korea I was think about asking for a pair of metal chopsticks and maybe a traditional korean mask of some sort. I'm stumped on Germany though! Everyone says beer stein but I'm not a drinker at all. Any suggestions? I'm not opposed to consumables like food or anything..... just as long as it will survive a LONG plane trip!

Answer 1

With my living here in South Korea, I strongly recommend your father getting a one of the DMZ Barbwire Plaques.  

If your father is lucky and finds one of the Pewter editions, this would be so much for the better.  I have one; I am planning on buying as many more as I can for future selling/investing, especially when the time comes that the two Koreas are reunited, either through war, natural disaster, mutual agreement, or whatever.

These were issued on the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War that started 25 June, 1950.

Not many people have them; it's definitely not the tourist-style type of souvenir.

As for Germany; there is nothing wrong with a German Beer Stein.  although you don't drink, you could always use it hold the loose coins you accumulate, until such time as you take the loose coins to the Bank.

Answer 2

Forget the tourist c**p -- like who really needs a cuckoo clock

Go to the junk stores and flea markets ... find an antique or at least something vintage.

Answer 3

they have nut crackers in germany and they look good on a shelf.

Answer 4

From Germany get some nice leather gloves if you live in a cold climate, they make really nice ones.  

Answer 5

To what part of germany is he going? there is a big difference in culture, especially between the north and south! You can't get anything traditional from the north in the south or vice verso!