Wrap · Weddings & rites
Cash gift envelope wrap
A hanji envelope of wedding cash, marked 예단 and sealed 근봉, then wrapped in bojagi for the groom's parents.
- For
- Wedding cash gift (예단비) to the groom's parents; returned portion (봉채비)
- Wraps
- Hanji envelope
- Cloth
- laid as a diamond
- Closed with
- Geunbong seal band
- Level
- Easy
'봉투 앞면에는 예단이라고 쓰고 봉투 입구에는 근봉이라고 쓴다… 다시 정성스럽게 보자기에 싸서' (예담은). Courses teach making the 예단 보 and envelope (Yonsei course week 8/9).
Small double-sided 예단비 보자기
- 1Write 예단 on the front of the envelope.
- 2Write 근봉 (謹封) across the flap; leave it unsealed.
- 3Lay the small bojagi as a diamond and put the envelope in the centre.
- 4Fold the corners over and close the bundle.
- 5Present it on the red 예탁보 cloth the receiving side lays out.
History & tradition
Late 20th century onward, from the older 예단 custom
As 예단 shifted from sewn clothing and goods to money, families began sending cash in a hanji envelope marked 예단 on the front and 근봉 ('respectfully sealed') at the flap, with a list of items, sum and sender inside, then wrapping it again in bojagi. The 근봉 seal and double wrapping borrow from older formal letters such as the 혼서 and 사주. Part of the money is often returned by the groom's side.
Common in Korean weddings today; wedding shops and courses teach the envelope and its cloth.
The returned portion (봉채비) is described by retailers; the 예담은 page does not mention it.
Researched with low confidence.