South Korea Battles a Resurgence of Bed Bug Infestations

Bed bug crawling on a human hand. (Source: Flickr)

Park Ku-Yeon, South Korea’s deputy chief of the Office of Policy Coordination, launched an investigation on November 7 into a suspected outbreak of bed bugs across the country. With dozens of infestations emerging nationwide, public unrest has spiked as authorities attempt to contain the outbreak.

South Korea last engaged in mass bed bug exterminations in the 1970s, which were largely successful. Notably, the nation has only reported nine bed bug incidents since 2014. Recently, however, other countries such as France and the United Kingdom have seen alarming numbers of infestations, causing fear and confusion among the public. Shockingly, South Korea has also fallen victim to this new resurgence.

As of November 7, there have been 30 outbreaks reported nationwide, with at least half originating in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. These infestations often occur in public spaces, like bathhouses, and college campuses. Insect control companies are receiving a sharp increase in reports of bedbugs and calls for extermination. As a result, South Korea’s policymakers held a crisis meeting to coordinate national initiatives and solve the problem.

The national and local governments have already begun collaborating with pest control companies and importing insecticides. Seoul is worried that some individuals may not report personal cases due to fear of social stigma, prompting them to create the anonymous “Bedbug Reporting and Management System.” The nation’s capital also spearheaded the “Zero Bedbugs City, Seoul” program, which seeks to inspect thousands of public spaces at risk for bed bug outbreaks.

Given the nation’s inexperience with bed bugs, the outbreaks across South Korea have caused public outcry and hysteria. There are calls for hospitality companies to intensify inspections and cleaning between guests' visits. For example, Lotte Hospitality company has invested in more pest repellents and staff training to identify outbreaks. Public transportation operators are also making more efforts to inspect seats, and policies have been established to mandate disinfecting. 

South Korea is a popular tourist destination, but the bed bug outbreak could potentially force the government to close its borders to protect its citizens. Bed bugs can latch onto people’s clothing or luggage and travel internationally, leading to infestations in previously untouched places. Some other nations that have experienced a surge in bed bugs, including France and the United Kingdom, are also tourist hotspots, so it is possible the pests are spreading due to international travel.

Locals are changing their daily habits to prevent becoming the next victim. One resident of Seoul is avoiding sitting on public transportation seats and is regularly using pesticides in her home. Another couple is postponing their nights out, opting to stay home and safeguard themselves from potential exposure. Bed bugs are not just causing bites and itches; they are also shaping lifestyle choices for many South Koreans

The outbreak of bedbugs in South Korea will likely worsen before getting better, as public misinformation and hysteria may lead to mistakes that will prolong the outbreak. In the coming weeks, it is up to South Korea’s government to stop the bedbug infestations before the spread further intensifies.