South Korea's Anti-Corruption Commission issues autumn leaf complaint advisory

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) has issued a ‘complaint advisory’ to prepare for the seasonal increase in public grievances related to fallen leaves and ginkgo nuts. An analysis of 50,242 complaints filed between October 2023 and September 2026 revealed that leaf-related issues typically surge starting in September, peaking in November.

Key concerns identified include pedestrian safety due to slippery surfaces, blocked drainage systems leading to flooding in residential and commercial areas, and property damage such as clogged roof gutters or vehicle contamination. The ACRC has advised relevant agencies to strengthen leaf collection, implement preventive measures before damage occurs, and minimize blind spots in environmental sanitation services.

In response, some local governments have already initiated proactive measures. Busan has announced plans to harvest ginkgo nuts from approximately 10,000 female trees in high-traffic areas, while Gimpo is conducting cleaning services for slopes and green zones that are difficult for standard road cleaning vehicles to access.