Oh Se-hoon: "I will create a bedbug-zero city"

Sticker Attachment on Accommodations Complying with Practical Measures
Enhanced Cleaning of Fabric Electric Vehicles and Disinfectant Spraying

"We will not compromise on the bedbug issue. We will definitely create a bedbug zero city."

On the 9th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon declared 'Bedbug Zero City Seoul' at the Seoul City Hall during the Seoul Bedbug Countermeasure Expert Meeting.

On that day, Mayor Oh discussed the current status and countermeasures of bedbug control in the city with experts in healthcare and infectious diseases.

Seoul City is supporting everything from bedbug occurrence reports to extermination and is promoting the 'Bedbug Zero City Project,' in which private associations such as hotels and lodging facilities voluntarily participate.

The city formed the 'Bedbug Zero City Project Countermeasure Headquarters' composed of 32 members in 6 teams the day before, holds daily meetings, and opened the nation's first online reporting center together with public health centers and the 120 Dasan Call Center to enable bedbug reports.

Lodging facilities that comply with Seoul City's five major bedbug prevention and management practices receive a 'Bedbug Prevention Practice Facility' sticker after compliance is confirmed through honorary monitors.

Accommodations without bedbug occurrences display a consumer safety mark on reservation platforms to alleviate the concerns of tourists visiting Seoul and encourage the industry's self-regulation efforts.

Bedbug prevention and management videos are provided through YouTube, and basic guides, card news, and self-inspection checklists are distributed. On the 10th, education for pest control companies will also be conducted.

The subway is strengthening cleaning of fabric-covered seats in electric trains, removing contaminants, spraying insecticides, conducting monitoring through professional pest control companies, and promoting replacement of fabric-covered seats in electric trains.

Before the meeting, the city conducted hygiene inspections and disinfection work at jjokbangchon (small room villages), tourist hotels, and the Gimpo depot of Line 9.

Experts attending the meeting advised, "Bedbug occurrences do not end with a one-time event, so a long-term response is necessary," and added, "Citizens must actively participate in the city's bedbug policies."