Tiger keelback snakes are just one safety concern for anglers on Korean trout streams.

Sometimes at the start of the day, I'll mention offhand to my client that he should look out for freshwater Korean crocodiles, that they aren't that big, about a yard long or so, and if one lunges out, just kick the reptile in the snout and it will most likely back off.

Okay, I'm joking. That's total b.s. Korea doesn't have crocodiles and the last Siberian tiger was shot back in 1921 not far from a cherry trout stream. But there are some critters to look out for, such as this venomous tiger keelback. Pit vipers are another but the biggest danger is falling and slipping on rocks. In my pack is a first aid kit and on my cell phone my doctor friend is speed dialed in. Always ask your guide about emergencies before heading out. To the guide you won't sound like a wussy. More likely he will be impressed.