Is Cup Yukhoe at Baseball Stadiums Safe for Your Health?

In 2025, Korean professional baseball is attracting spectators at the fastest pace in a decade.

With the influx of the MZ generation’s trend of attending games in person, the cheering atmosphere has become younger, and food trends are rapidly expanding beyond the traditional focus on chicken and pizza to include unique menu items such as cup yukhoe, cup chimaek, creamy shrimp, churros ice cream, and ice cream melon bread.

Among these, cup yukhoe is especially drawing attention. This menu, which consists of raw beef, icy broth, cucumber, and pear served together in a cup, has become very popular because it is cool and convenient to enjoy in hot weather.

Yukhoe in a cup. Provided by Clipart Korea (Not related to the report)

Traditional Korean yukhoe has transformed into a convenient meal enjoyed in popular venues like baseball stadiums. It is gaining popularity through social media, with various recipes emerging, such as adding yukhoe to bibim ramyeon or carbonara, or mixing it with buldak sauce. This demonstrates how the image of traditional Korean yukhoe is being reinterpreted to suit the tastes and preferences of the younger generation.

However, since yukhoe is raw meat consumed without heat processing, there is a risk of contamination by pathogenic microorganisms during manufacturing, distribution, and storage, so particular caution is required.

Especially in high-temperature environments during summer or when exposed to room temperature outdoors for extended periods, pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic E. coli that cause food poisoning can multiply rapidly.

According to monthly Salmonella food poisoning statistics from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for 2020-2024, about 52% of all cases occurred between July and September.

Kim Jaehan, head of the Department of Internal Medicine at Daedong Hospital (specialist in internal medicine), advised, "It is natural to experience new foods as food culture trends change rapidly, but it is important to be aware of the health impacts of these foods. Especially for raw meat dishes like yukhoe, there is an inherent risk of food poisoning, so safe consumption methods and hygiene management are essential. To maintain a healthy and enjoyable food culture, careful choices and appropriate caution are necessary."

When purchasing yukhoe, it is recommended to buy from reliable sellers certified by HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) or with a hygiene rating system.

After purchase, check the packaging condition, packaging date, expiration date, as well as color and smell to confirm freshness, and consume it as quickly as possible. Any leftovers should be discarded. If immediate receipt is not possible, it is advisable to refrain from online purchases.

If symptoms such as sudden and severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, high fever, or chills appear after consumption and food poisoning is suspected, visit the nearest medical facility immediately for treatment.

Infants, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications from food poisoning and should avoid consuming raw meat.