APPENDIX 2: CUTE CHARACTERS

Here is the fundamental truth I learned about Korea: it's actually easier to get cute Korean character dolls in NEW YORK CITY. Actual Koreans aren't nearly as into dolls. . . it's not like Japan where everyone wants to be cute. Once you reach 10 or so, Koreans are supposed to put away the toys. But my trip isn't a total wash-out, because I discovered there are MILLIONS of cute characters in Korea. . . they just aren't dolls. Instead, they're on STORE SIGNS. Even if you're a dinky little mom-and-pop store, you're entitled to make up your own cute-ass mascot and put it on your sign!! so I stick around Suyu for an hour taking photos of signs.

yes, it's Drunk Snoopy advertising a bar.

in another variation on a popular Korean theme, here we have a drunk KANGAROO.

don't sleep on this fish-guy, just cus he's small!

yes, it's a drunk on a whale. a BIG-ASS WAYOO??

YES, THAT'S THE POLICE.

my penpal said that this is a sign for a bar, and the angry drunk guy is holding a fuckin' BAT!!

THIS GUY IS THE BEST OF ALL!! the mascot for ANYCALL, a mobile phone company.

the obnoxious Karaoke, uh, i mean "nore-bang" rat

intro : part 1: part 2 : part 3 : part 4 : part 5 : part 6 : part 7 : part 8 : engrish : storesigns : poo : links