From our dramas, we have learned that couples culture is the "IT" thing and couples will publicly profess their love by purchasing matching shoes, outfits, hats, phone charms, and even backpacks. Drama lovers, take it from me who has experienced this first hand: THIS IS NOT A MADE UP, EMBELLISHED PORTRAYAL ONLY FOR DRAMAS. No, this is REALLY how it is in South Korea. I think people are in love with being in love, because they work so hard to show the rest of the world that they are in love. Well, not really the rest of the world, because days would go by when I didn't see another western face..or any non-Korean face......but the rest of South Korea, for sure, or anyone else who might have been watching. And you know what is funny? They actually make it work. It isn't corny or cheesy. It's cute! It speaks innocence and youth. Granted, hell would freeze over before I tried something like that in the states because I'd be ridiculed until I was forced to return my matching Mickey t-shirts and Converse Chuck Taylors---well, maybe we'd keep the Chucks---but I chalk that up to cultural differences. Culturally, it is expected and accepted in South Korea. America, not so much.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed capturing Korean love on film when I saw it. On Sunday June 15th, Teppy and I camped out at Namsan Tower for 6 hours and people watched. Needless to say, we saw our fair share of couples culture parading around holding hands. And it didn't discriminate. Couples of all ages were out in full fashion, with the men even carrying his lady love's purse. Cupta!!!