Wedding Gift Money Calculator
Last updated: 2026-06-25
The right Korean wedding gift money (축의금) depends on your relationship to the couple and whether you attend. Friends and coworkers usually give 50,000–100,000 won, while close relatives give 100,000–200,000 won or more.
If you attend and eat the meal, the per-person catering cost (usually 50,000–80,000 won, 100,000+ at hotels) means many give 100,000 won or more rather than 50,000. There is no fixed rule — suit the amount to your own budget.
Enter relationship & attendance
Recommended gift money
0 won
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base by relationship | |
| Attendance & meal | |
| Companions added | |
| Suitable range | |
| Recommended amount |
There is no fixed rule for wedding gift money. The amounts above are a reference guide based on social custom and meal costs; set the final amount by your closeness and budget.
How to use
- Choose relationship — Select your relationship to the couple (acquaintance, coworker/friend, close friend, relative, etc.).
- Choose attendance & venue — Set whether you'll attend, the venue type (standard/hotel), and the number of companions.
- View results — Press recommend to see a suitable range and recommended amount for your relationship and attendance.
Gift money by relationship and the meal cost
Korean wedding gift money is generally decided by your closeness to the couple and whether you attend. If you attend and eat the meal, the venue's per-person catering cost applies, so people give more than when not attending. A standard venue's meal usually runs 50,000–80,000 won per person, and a hotel wedding is often 100,000 won or more.
| Relationship | Not attending | Attending (meal) |
|---|---|---|
| Distant acquaintance | 30,000–50,000 | 50,000 |
| Coworker · casual friend | 50,000 | 50,000–100,000 |
| Close friend · close coworker | 100,000 | 100,000–150,000 |
| Relative (cousin, niece/nephew) | 100,000 | 100,000–200,000 |
| Close relative · sibling | 200,000+ | 200,000–500,000+ |
With rising meal costs, 50,000 won can feel low when attending, so even coworkers and friends often give 100,000 won if they show up. If a spouse or children attend with you, each adds a meal cost, so it's polite to give more. On the other hand, students or job seekers on a tight budget can give 50,000 won and still convey their wishes — the heartfelt congratulation matters more than the amount.
If your own wedding is coming up, use the wedding budget calculator to plan the gift money you'll receive alongside your spending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much wedding gift money is appropriate?
It depends on your relationship and whether you attend. For a Korean wedding, close friends and coworkers typically give 50,000–100,000 won, distant acquaintances around 50,000 won, and close relatives 100,000–200,000 won or more. If you attend and eat the meal, the per-person catering cost (usually 50,000–80,000 won) means many give 100,000 won or more rather than 50,000. These amounts follow social custom, so suit them to your own situation.
Should I give more if I attend the wedding?
Yes. If you attend in person and have the meal, the venue's per-person catering cost (usually 50,000–80,000 won, 100,000+ at hotels) applies, so it's common to give 100,000 won or more rather than 50,000 to cover the meal. If you only send your best wishes without attending, 50,000 won is a reasonable baseline.
Why are odd numbers and 50,000-won units used?
Traditionally, Korean gift money favors odd numbers (3, 5, 7) or clean units, so amounts like 30,000, 50,000, 70,000 or 100,000 won are common. With rising meal costs, units of 50,000 and 100,000 won are now most typical. Clean units are preferred over awkward amounts like 90,000 won.
Are these amounts a fixed rule?
No. There is no legally fixed amount for wedding gift money. This calculator is a reference guide reflecting social custom and meal costs; the final amount is up to your closeness with the couple and your own budget.
Related calculators & guides
Wedding Budget Calculator
Add up wedding costs by category and see each share.
Wedding D-Day Calculator
Count days to the wedding and see a planning checklist.
Newlywed Funds Calculator
Estimate home funds needed on a rent-vs-buy basis.
Wedding Cost Breakdown
A guide to budget categories and money-saving tips.
Last updated: 2026-06-25