Many people go up the mountains to visit ancestral graves during Chuseok. As a result, accidents of snakebites or hornet stings surge. You can also get stomach trouble from mistakenly eating poisonous mushrooms. What should you do when an unexpected emergency occurs? Here is a look at poison response methods for the holiday.
According to the National Fire Agency on the 6th, 174 patients were transported by 119 during the Chuseok holiday over the past five years (2020–2024) after being bitten by snakes. There were 1,474 patients stung by bees, three of whom were transported in cardiac arrest. The National Fire Agency said, "A small lapse in care can threaten life."
When bitten by a venomous snake in the mountains, it is easy to panic and flail. But excessive movement can spread the venom faster. First, move away from the snake to a safe place and assume a stable posture. Keep the bitten area lower than heart level so the venom does not spread toward the heart. Wash the bite with soap and water.
As you climb, using a long stick to sweep through nearby brush to check for snakes is also a method. If a snake appears, do not try to catch it; call 119. You can apply first aid by compressing above the bite, but if you tie the skin too tightly, it can block circulation and lead to necrosis. Sucking the bite with your mouth to draw out the venom is dangerous.
When trimming grass around graves, it is best to wear light-colored clothing. That is because hornets tend to attack when they see dark colors. Wearing a hat to cover black hair also helps. Strong perfumes or cosmetics can attract bees, so it is better to refrain from using them.
Hornets are also sensitive to vibrations. Swatting at a hornet when it approaches can provoke an attack. If you accidentally encounter a hive, keep your movements small and seek a safe place. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, "If you disturb a hive, lower your body and run quickly for more than 20 meters."
A hornet's sting is 15 times more toxic than that of other bees. If stung by a hornet, an allergic reaction can cause difficulty breathing, fainting, or, in severe cases, death. If you develop cold sweats, dizziness, vomiting, headache, or muscle cramps after a hornet sting, you should go to the hospital. Even if symptoms are not severe, wash the sting site with soap and water to prevent secondary infection. Using an ice pack to reduce swelling and inflammation is also effective.
Wild poisonous mushrooms are also a problem. Eating them thinking they are good for you can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. According to the Korea Forest Service, of 2,292 native mushroom species in Korea, only 18% (416) are edible. There are 248 poisonous species, and the edibility of the remaining 1,150 species has not yet been clearly confirmed.
The color and appearance of poisonous mushrooms vary depending on their environment and stage of growth. They can even grow near edible mushrooms. Judging a mushroom as edible because it looks similar to photos on the internet or in books is rash. Experts warn that it is difficult to distinguish poisonous from edible mushrooms, so you should not eat them carelessly.