2. SOJU
Alcohol is a big part of social networking. There
is singing, laughing, talking, games and family
tradition with in South Korea.
Soju is usually drunk in group gatherings while
eating. It is unmixed and portioned into
individual shot glasses. It is against
traditional custom in Korea to fill your
own glass. Instead, it must be filled by
someone else at the table. This Seven is considered a lucky number in South
promotes a spirit of thoughtfulness Korea which is why we designed a set of 7
and camaraderie. Soju glasses.
3. FAMILY AND MANNERS
Our product will be designed for a South Korean family. As the product is meant for
alcohol is will only be used by those old enough, but it’s aesthetics will be for
everyone. The product would be used as a family on celebratory days such as Seollal
(Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day).
Drinking with family requires more traditional values than when you drink with your
friends. When someone offers a glass of liquor to an elder, they must hold the bottle
with two hands, to others with just one hand. The main reason for doing like this is to
show that they have respect for the senior. It’s seen as etiquette.
When someone offers liquor with their glass, the other person is supposed to drink
straight away. You serve each other rather than a waiter pouring your drinks.
When drinking you should turn your head away from elders and drink with your left
hand covering the glass so they don’t see you drinking directly. This is also to show
respect.
7. GIFT GIVING/RECEIVING
The exchange of gifts is an important part of Korean life and closely linked to showing
respect and being courteous
The gift will be presented to the recipients with both hands, as are most items handed
over by or to a Korean. Gifts are never opened in front of the giver.
Notes of thanks do not follow. A gift represents your appreciation of a dinner or other
invitations, and the hospitality you received is the pleasure and honor of your host.
8. GIFT WRAPPED
The gift will be received in a wooden box with a sleeve surrounding it. You slide the box
out of the sleeve and open it up to reveal the gift.
The sleeve has the northumbria university logo printed onto it and the wooden box has
a South Korean Military Academy pattern on it. This was worn during Military Training
classes in South Korean high schools during the 1970’s and 80’s .
Black and white represent both Newcastle and South Korea. South Koreans usually use
white as the main colour with black as a highlight colour. The grey is used to show the
relationship between both countries.
9. MATERIALS AND MEANING
The number 7 represents the South Korean superstition that it brings good luck. A product is
supposed to be especially lucky when it’s given as 7 parts.
Relation to our gift : 7 glasses.
Ginkgo is a tree commonly found in South Korea, it is often implemented into Korean furniture.
Relation to our gift : The stand and glasses' base are made from Ginkgo wood.
The contrast between Newcastle's steel and South Korea's timber industries is meant to show
collaboration.
Relation to our gift : The steel underside of the stand represents Newcastle and its steel
industries.
The values of the university have been simplified and translated into Korean so that the meaning of
northumbria is conveyed.
Relation to our gift : The values are burnt into the wood and can be seen through the glass.
The Millennium bridge is used to show the academic journey a student takes
whilst studying at northumbria university and is also iconic of Newcastle.
Relation to our gift : The form is based on the Millennium Bridge with
its shallow curvaceous design.
