South Korea sees rise in injuries during Chuseok grave maintenance

As the Chuseok holiday approaches, emergency rooms and orthopedic clinics across South Korea are seeing a surge in patients injured during grave maintenance and ancestral rites. Statistics indicate that September is a peak period for such accidents, with approximately 29.2% of bee sting incidents occurring during this month.

Common injuries include bee stings, cuts from grass mowers, and fractures from falls on uneven terrain. Data from the National Fire Agency shows that 80% of bee sting accidents are concentrated during the Chuseok period. Additionally, snake bites also see a spike in September as snakes become more active and aggressive during breeding seasons.

Grass mower accidents are particularly prevalent among individuals in their 60s, often involving cuts to the legs or feet. Authorities warn that many workers fail to use essential protective gear such as helmets or face shields. Emergency services advise citizens to check for wasp nests before starting work, wear bright-colored long sleeves, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, occur.