BUSAN — Bee sting incidents in Busan are concentrated between July and September and peak in September, the city's fire authorities said, urging caution as grave-tending and outdoor activities increase ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
Of the patients transported by 119 emergency crews after being stung by bees in Busan over the past three years from 2023 to 2025, 77.8% were stung between July and September, the Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters said on the 3rd. September accounted for the largest share at 130 patients, or 30.0%, followed by August with 113, or 26.1%, and July with 94, or 21.7%.
On Aug. 18, 16 people — including two infants, three children and 11 adults — were stung by hornets at the Songdo Marine Cable Car near Amnam Park in Seo-gu. Thirteen of them were taken to hospitals. The following day, a man in his 60s who was removing banners on a road in Gangseo-gu was stung and taken to a hospital unconscious, where he later died.
Bees become active from spring, but hornet populations surge after July as the summer heat intensifies. In August and September, their defensive instinct to protect larvae strengthens and they turn more aggressive. Hornets, including the Asian giant hornet, may launch group attacks when they perceive people or animals approaching their nests as a threat.
Most stings result only in localized symptoms such as pain and swelling, but severe cases can trigger acute allergic reactions accompanied by breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure. Early response is especially important in places with limited access to medical facilities, such as gravesites or mountain trails.
Outdoors, people should avoid dark clothing, including black, and wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants to reduce skin exposure. It is also important to have a companion rather than tend graves or hike alone. Anyone stung should first move at least 20 meters away from the nest, then wash the affected area with clean water and apply ice.
If abnormal symptoms such as breathing difficulties, dizziness, hives across the body or vomiting appear, victims should call 119 immediately for emergency treatment.
"Bee stings can escalate into life-threatening emergencies, so safety rules must be strictly followed," said Lee Jin-ho, chief of the Busan Fire and Disaster Headquarters. "If you find a nest or develop abnormal symptoms after being stung, call 119 immediately."
