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Sometimes it seems as if one of Koreans' national pastimes is taking pictures of one
another. At scenic landmarks one can watch the literal parade as one family after another
poses in front of the statue or monument or waterfall while father trips the shutter. Often
this parade is so steady that the photographer who just wants to shoot a picture of the
landmark may as well accept the clicking Koreans as part of the scene. Nor need the photographer be anyone they know. The camera evokes something akin to a conditioned response, especially in young people. In downtown Kangnung I set up for a photo of Be and Be Coffeehouse. Instantly, this group of teenagers leapt into position with the standard peace-sign pose. When in Korea, et cetera; what could I do but take their picture?
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