Bed Bugs in Korea
Bed bug cases have surged in Korea since 2023. Here's everything you need to know.
If you suspect bed bugs: Act immediately.
Do NOT move furniture to other rooms. Do NOT try DIY sprays. Call a professional.
How to check
- β’ Bites: Red, itchy welts in lines or clusters (arms, shoulders, neck)
- β’ Blood spots: Tiny dark spots on sheets or pillowcases
- β’ Bugs: Flat, oval, reddish-brown, 4β5mm. Check mattress seams, headboard cracks
- β’ Smell: Sweet, musty odor in severe cases
Treatment options
Cesco (professional)
Heat treatment + chemicals. 2β3 sessions.
β©150,000β300,000
Private company
Chemical only. May need more sessions.
β©100,000β200,000
Prevention
- β’ Check hotel beds when traveling (seams, headboard)
- β’ Wash clothes at 60Β°C+ after returning from trips
- β’ Use mattress encasements
- β’ Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing home
- β’ If your neighbor has bed bugs, inform building management immediately
Useful Korean phrases
- "λΉλκ° μμ΄μ" β There are bed bugs
- "λ°©μ ν΄μ£ΌμΈμ" β Please do pest control
- "μ΄μ²λ¦¬ κ°λ₯νκ°μ?" β Can you do heat treatment?