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Photo of the Day (5-14-08)
This shot taken in Seoul, South Korea by Traveling Dutch, captures what one doesn't see every day while traveling in Asia. I never have. I don't think I've ever seen a person holding a "Free Hugs" sign ever. I am wondering about the face mask. Has this person decided to not worry about germs? Is this an act of defiance? No matter. Here's sending you a hug on this wonderful Wednesday.
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Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, South Korea, Photo of the Day
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nzm May 14th 2008 12:07PM
Free Hugs was started by an Australian, Juan Mann, who first did this in Sydney when he returned home from living in the UK.
Official Website:
http://www.amazon.com/Whos-Your-City-Creative-Important/dp/0465003524/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210642728&sr=8-1
Wikipedia Entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
If you search for "Free Hugs" on YouTube, you'll see how far the concept has spread.
nzm May 14th 2008 12:09PM
Oops sorry - the link to the official website should be:
http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
Abha May 14th 2008 12:26PM
Great pic, Jamie! I think "Free Hugs" is the best concept ever. I did this here in Madrid for "noche blanca" last year, and we got nothing but broad smiles or strong, affectionate hugs from total strangers, it was awesome. But I've never seen this in Asia either...being a generally more reserved culture you'd think people wouldn't be open to body-to-body clasping with strangers -- I guess I'm wrong!
Jamie Rhein May 14th 2008 12:28PM
That's great, Abha. NMZ, thanks for all the links. What a terrific concept. Now, I'm going to have be on the lookout. I wonder how many free hugs I may have passed by?
Alex May 14th 2008 9:10PM
Funny timing!
Last night, my father and I were walking through Shibuya, Tokyo towards the train station and there were people out front holding the signs!
Unfortunately the guy giving the hugs looked like he would mug you in the process...
Ladyexpat May 14th 2008 10:58PM
For Koreans to hug a stranger is almost unheard of here. My experience has been that the majority of these huggers are affiliated with some church, and are trying to convert the masses. I run the other way when I see them coming. :)