Rescue workers remove a beehive near a high school in Seodaemun District, Seoul, on Aug 16. / Yonhap



By Lee Jin-a

Seoul's rescue agency has issued a warning over late-summer bee swarms.

According to Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, over 50 percent of some 36,000 cases related to bees were reported between August and September during the past five years. The swarms were mostly found in Eunpyeong District, with 3373 cases near Mount Bukhan, followed by Gwanak District with 2680 cases and Yeongdeungpo District with 466 cases.

"While 40 to 50 bees regularly stay in one beehive, the number increases to the maximum of 3,000 bees in August and September," the agency said. It said hornets, which are more likely to attack people than honey bees, mostly appear at this time.

The agency said people should refrain from wearing dark clothes, cosmetics and perfumes with strong scents. It said people should not walk barefoot in parks or stay too close to flowers to avoid the insects.

"Due to the heat wave, the number of bees is increasing rapidly in Korea," the rescue agency said. "We recommend people to immediately report to 119 when they find a beehive."