Hello. I’m Tabiko, a woman who loves to travel.
This time, I’d like to share information about the recent buzz around “The Bed Bug Situation in South Korea” (also known as Nanjing Worm or Bed Bug), which has been making headlines in the news.
For those planning to visit Korea in the future, feeling anxious after seeing the news or contemplating whether to cancel the trip, I thought I would write this article. I am by no means an expert, so please consider my experiences and impressions as personal anecdotes for reference!
November 2023 Situation
Period, Location, and Hotel I Stayed In
I visited Korea for three days from November 12th to 14th, 2023.
I traveled to places such as Gimpo Airport, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Sinchon. The modes of transportation were taxi and train, and I stayed at the Toyoko Inn Gangnam.
Train Seat Conditions
Before my trip, I heard news like “Koreans are concerned about bed bugs and avoid sitting on train seats.” However, when I went, the train seats were actually fully occupied. It seemed like Koreans weren’t too concerned.
Although I was a bit worried about sitting on the train seats, after a day of shopping, I got tired and ended up sitting on the train seats. Perhaps the trains are regularly cleaned? That’s just my impression, but everyone seemed to be sitting, and it always felt crowded.
Moreover, there was news of a “train strike” in Korea, but I had no trouble riding the train, and it wasn’t inconvenient.
Hotel Conditions
I stayed at Toyoko Inn Gangnam this time. There were no talks about bed bugs at the hotel reception, and there were no notices posted inside the hotel. When I asked the staff, “Has there been any issue with bed bugs in this hotel?” they replied, “No, there hasn’t been any.” Honestly, it didn’t seem to be at the level of concern raised in Japanese news or on social media.
Preparations and Bed Bug Countermeasures
Before my trip to Korea, I was quite anxious after seeing the news and information on social media. Being somewhat of a clean freak, the thought of bringing bed bugs back to my home was overwhelming. So, I decided to make as many preparations as possible with the items I had at home.
Pre-trip Bed Bug Information
I researched various pre-trip bed bug information (Note: The credibility is not confirmed since it was online research. It’s recommended to do your own research!)
– Bed bugs are not active during bright times.
– They cannot move on smooth surfaces.
– Exposed skin is susceptible to bites.
– They are sensitive to heat.
Bed Bug Countermeasures
Based on this information, here are the items I prepared:
– Large garbage bags
– Many plastic bags
– Insect repellent spray
– Towel to place on the pillow while sleeping
– Pajamas
– Set of clothes that I didn’t particularly like
At the hotel, I took the following measures:
– Upon entering the hotel, place luggage on smooth surfaces like the bathtub or desk.
– Put all belongings into a large garbage bag, tightly knotting it for complete sealing.
– Remove all sheets and thoroughly check every corner.
– Check around the bed for any signs of bugs.
– Sprinkle insect repellent spray around the bed.
– Wear clothing that covers the skin as much as possible while sleeping.
– Place a towel on the pillow just in case.
– Sleep with the lights on.
– When going out, always put belongings in a garbage bag.
– Items purchased should also be placed in plastic bags.
– Checked with hotel staff if there have been any bed bug incidents → Was told there haven’t been any, but the truth is uncertain. (Laughs)
– After returning home, wash everything with high heat in the washing machine and dryer.
I took precautions as much as I could in this way. Honestly, it was a bit of a hassle, but it paid off, and I had no issues during my stay at the hotel or after returning to Japan. (I was nervous until I got home… and then relieved.)
Actually, when I was at the hotel, I was anxious about what to do if I encountered bed bugs. I became sensitive enough to be on edge if I found anything small and dark. (Just mistook it for lint on clothes, haha.) And if my arms or legs got even a little itchy, I worried, but it was probably just dryness due to the cold. (Laughs)
So, considering my own concerns, if you’re extremely worried, you might want to reconsider traveling to Korea or take thorough precautions.
Conclusion
The situation can vary depending on the destination, hotel, and time of year, but my experiences and impressions from my November 2023 trip to Korea were like this. However, I think being overly confident is dangerous, so while keeping up with daily news and information, make thorough preparations for an enjoyable trip to Korea.
