The Korean boyfriend gift guide

Luxury-loving trendy males in Seoul are often more up-to-date with the latest fashion than their girlfriends.

So what's a Korean girl to do when the birthday or 100^th day anniversary rolls around?

Here are 10 gift suggestions for the man in your life.

 

1. iPhone 4 in White

Reservations for the iPhone 4 are coming fast and furious in Seoul and its impossible-to-get status has of course made it more sought after than ever. But when it does start hitting shelves, what better way to score points with your man?

Inquire at Concierge Mobile Store, 58, Myungreun 4-ga, Jongro-gu (종로구 명륜4가 58); +82 2 747 3599. Open Monday - Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. www.concierge.co.kr

 

2. Nikon D7000 DSLR Camera

Capture every memorable date with a DSLR camera. Springtime in Seoul provides a beautiful backdrop for almost any moment, including the one where you argue with him for not carrying your purse because he has one of these slung across his shoulder instead.

It doesn’t matter that he can’t shoot for pie -- this camera is principally about style.

₩1,498,000; available on http://www.nikon-image.co.kr/

 

3. Philips SensoTouch 3D Shaver RQ 1280

A standard disposable razor is unthinkable for the metromale -- his Kiehl’s shaving cream simply won’t allow it.

The Philips SensoTouch 3D Shaver RQ 1280 will transform his daily shaving experience with a battery countdown that shows how long he has left before it needs to be recharged.

Although pricey, it will all be worth it when his cheek is smooth and kiss-ready.

₩529,000; available at Lotte Department Store, Sogong-dong, Joong-gu (중구 소공동 롯데백화점); +82 2 774 3644. Open daily 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. 

 

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab

Gadgets are to boys what shoes are to girls (although he probably loves shoes as well). And the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is as gadgety as they come.

The Tab weighs slightly more than 900 grams but holds a huge number of features including the Readers Hub and Music Hub with access to more than 2.2 million books and 13 million songs.

Set to be released in early June, this is the perfect toy to occupy his time when he’s not with you.

Available at Concierge Mobile Store, 58, Myungreun 4-ga, Jongro-gu (종로구 명륜4가 58); +82 2 747 3599. Open Monday - Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. www.concierge.co.kr

 

5. Louis Vuitton Florin Wallet in Taiga Leather

Give him a wallet that he loves to whip out at every opportunity, and you could consider this an investment rather than a gift.

The Louis Vuitton Florin Wallet in Taiga Leather is stylish and compact and if the plan works out, you’ll get the ₩785,000 price back in gifts of your own.

Available at the Louis Vuitton Boutique at AVENUEL, 130, Namdaemun-ro 2ga, Sogong-dong, Joong-gu (중구 소공동 남대문로2가 에비뉴엘); +82 2 318 4867. Open daily 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

6. Ferragamo Gancio Belt

The Ferragamo Gancio Belt -- a classic that complements any suit and will make him the best-dressed man in the office.

His colleagues will be jealous of his good taste and he can boast that his girlfriend of equally good taste picked it out for him.

₩475,000; available at the Salvatore Ferragamo Boutique at the Lotte Department Store, 1, Sogong-dong, Joong-gu (중구 소공동 롯데백화점); +82 2 774 3644. Open daily 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

7. Montblanc iPhone Meisterstück Leather iPhone Case

If you got him his precious new iPhone 4 he’ll need a snazzy cover for it. Montblanc introduces a brand new case for 2011 in classic Meisterstück leather. This sleek design is available in black or white.

₩250,000; available at the Montblanc Boutique at AVENUEL, 130 Namdaemun-ro 2ga, Sogong-dong, Joong-gu (중구 소공동 남대문로2가 에비뉴엘); +82 2 771 2500. Open daily 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

8. Dolce & Gabbana The One Cologne

With hints of grapefruit, ginger, cedarwood and tobacco you might think this was breakfast at a Swiss gentleman’s club. But actually it’s a scent for the man who loves to take care of himself.

The result is a sensual and spicy man smell that’ll have you nuzzling up to him at every opportunity.

₩59,000; available at the Lotte Department Store, 1, Sogong-dong, Joong-gu (중구 소공동 롯데백화점); +82 2 774 3644. Open daily from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

 

9. Philips Fidelio Docking Audio DS8500

Harmony is priceless, so the ₩249,000 you’ll need to shell out for this iPod docking station is a bargain. Especially when its awesome performance means you can finally drown out the noise your man makes singing along to his favorite K-Pop tunes with the actual music.

Available at http://www.theashop.co.kr/

 

10. Spa Day

After a day of hard work and heavy lifting (of his own shopping bags most likely) he’ll be ready for an aroma foot spa and purifying facial mask. Make this gift work double time by joining him.

₩140,000; available at Vichy Day Spa, 4/F, Aqua Building, 88-20 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu; +82 2 3443 6776. Open daily 10 a.m.-6 a.m. next day. www.vichyspa.com