Bed bugs have been confirmed at two locations in Busan this year, renewing concerns about the pests as the city enters its busy autumn tourism season, according to local media reports.
Data from Busanβs 16 districts and counties show that local governments received 26 suspected bed bug reports between September 2024 and September 2026.
Three cases were confirmed in 2024, one in 2025 and two in 2026, with all confirmed cases occurring at accommodations or bathhouses.
This yearβs cases were reported in Haeundae-gu and Yeongdo-gu. Bed bugs were confirmed at a hotel in Haeundae on August 28 and at a sauna in Yeongdo on September 22.
Both cases gained attention after visitors shared their experiences on social media. A YouTube video featuring the Yeongdo sauna later received more than 900,000 views within a day, further raising public awareness of the issue.
The latest reports come three years after widespread concern over bed bugs emerged across Korea in 2023, prompting local governments to strengthen inspections and pest-control measures.
Busan authorities said establishments where bed bugs are confirmed are issued improvement orders. Officials are also providing guidance on control methods, including high-temperature steam treatment and appropriate insecticides.
Accommodation providers and other public-use facilities are being encouraged to conduct regular inspections, while local authorities said hygiene inspections are carried out when complaints are received.
