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.
If you have a photo with which you'd like to befuddle or bemuse us, send it our way at Gadling's Flicker photo pool.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, South Korea, Photo of the Day
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
May 14th 2008 @ 12:07PM
nzm said...
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.
Reply
May 14th 2008 @ 12:09PM
nzm said...
Oops sorry - the link to the official website should be:
http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
Reply
May 14th 2008 @ 12:26PM
Abha said...
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!
Reply
May 14th 2008 @ 12:28PM
Jamie Rhein said...
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?
Reply
May 14th 2008 @ 9:10PM
Alex said...
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...
Reply
May 14th 2008 @ 10:58PM
Ladyexpat said...
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. :)
Reply