Canned Gifts
During and after the Korean War, the people of Korea had little in the way of protein-rich foods or refrigeration. As a result, many of them would barter and trade with the American soldiers in hopes for some of their canned rations.
It became so widespread that Koreans ended up making a dish out of just canned goods called bujae jiggae (army stew). Today, these cans are sold in packets and are often given to family and friends as gifts.