Street vendors get in the act

BUSAN, South Korea: Unlike how overcrowded and hectic Jakarta is, Busan's busy streets and sidewalks are uncluttered because of a lack of street vendors. But it was an entirely different story on Thursday in the Gudeok Sports Complex.

That was the day when host South Korea met Iran in the soccer semifinals. Most of the vendors sell food, such as kimbap (rice wrapped in a thin sheet of seaweed) and a larger version of chicken satay. Other kinds of snacks were also available.

If you get thirsty, your favorite soft drinks or a bottle of plain mineral water were in arm's reach.

There were also vendors selling red towels, flags, banners, bandanas, badges and other accessories related to South Korea's national team.

One thing was for sure though, and that was the vendors did not obstruct the paths of any pedestrians or vehicles.--JP