SEOUL – The Seoul metropolitan government has reported 17 incidents of bedbug infestations, signaling a potential increase in the capital, which houses 9.4 million residents.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a 500 million won budget has been set aside for the management and prevention of bedbugs, especially in neighborhoods suffering from inadequate sanitation. The initiative includes distributing self-checklists and disinfectants to help residents identify and manage the presence of bedbugs.
Health officials last Thursday identified an infestation in a goshiwon in Jung-gu, a central district of Seoul, with bedbugs discovered in mattresses and wallpaper. A private disinfection service speaking to Yonhap News Agency disclosed an uptick in daily calls regarding bedbugs, citing interventions in approximately 80 locations last month alone, suggesting a wider spread than initially estimated.
The city's response includes a "bedbug report center," where people can report sightings through health centers or a designated phone service. Online reports are also accepted via the city's website. Reported cases prompt ward offices to send inspectors to evaluate the situation and enforce regulations and preventive measures.
Seoul is also conducting thorough hygiene inspections of public facilities susceptible to bedbugs, like hotels, bathhouses, and jjimjilbangs. Starting late October, the city began checking 3,175 facilities for bedding and disinfection conditions, with plans to continue until year-end.