"I Sent 50,000 Won, Got a 10,000 Won Starbucks Coupon"... Debate Grows Over Spreading Funeral Thank-You Culture

Condolence "thank-you gift culture" spreading rapidly
"Just a token of thanks" vs. "Only adds to the burden"

Funeral return gifts being sold online. Screenshot from Naver Blog

Recently, the practice of sending "thank-you gifts" such as coffee coupons, towels, and mobile gift certificates to mourners after a funeral has been spreading rapidly. While some view this positively as an effort to express gratitude, many are concerned that making thank-you gifts routine even for funerals may create yet another burden. In particular, as mobile coupons and easy payment services have become commonplace, controversy over commercialization and a sense of social fatigue are growing together.

Mobile coupons too... funeral thank-you gifts becoming routine

According to industry sources, the funeral thank-you gift market has recently been expanding rapidly, with mobile gift certificates at its center. When you search for "funeral thank-you gifts" on portal sites, thousands of products appear, and related items are being actively recommended by bulk mobile coupon-sending services and obituary platforms as well.

The range of items is also diverse, including coffee e-gift coupons, convenience-store cash vouchers, rice cakes, honey, towel sets, nuts, and salt. Some services even offer a function that automatically sends coupons along with messages once you enter the list of mourners.

Funeral thank-you gifts being sold online. Naver Blog screenshot

The industry describes this as "a convenient way to convey heartfelt thanks to mourners," but some point out that even funeral culture itself is being commercialized. In particular, many say it feels awkward to receive a "thank-you gift" back after having already given condolence money.

"Just a token of thanks" vs. "Only adds to the burden"

Online, opinions are sharply divided over funeral thank-you gifts. Some internet users say, "It is a natural trend to show appreciation to those who came from far away," and, "In the past, people treated mourners to a meal or gave a small gift, and now it has simply shifted into a mobile format." Others comment, "I am grateful just for the fact that they came in person, so I think sending at least a coffee coupon is fine."

On the other hand, many say they feel burdened. Comments include: "A funeral is a place to share sorrow, but I worry that there will be pressure to prepare thank-you gifts as well"; "Now even funerals seem to be turning into 'thank-you gift competitions,' which makes me uncomfortable"; and "Paying a condolence visit is already an expression of the heart, but it feels like yet another formality is being added."

In particular, many say, "Sending a text message of thanks alone is enough," and, "Even as a recipient, it feels awkward, as if it were a return for the condolence money." Some also criticize this trend by saying, "Isn't a new custom being created by companies' marketing efforts?"

Funeral-related image. Pixabay

Funeral thank-you gifts are, at the end of the day, optional, but if they become entrenched as a customary practice, they could become yet another burden on the bereaved family. This is why calls are growing for a discussion on how to strike a balance between expressing gratitude and avoiding excessive formalities.