Accidents While Collecting Freshwater Snails in Summer: 32 Deaths Over Three Years

It has been revealed that fatal accidents while catching freshwater snails in rivers or valleys during the summer have been recurring every year.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on June 24, a total of 32 people died while collecting freshwater snails during the summer over the past three years (2023–2025).

By year, the number increased from 7 in 2023 to 11 in 2024, and 14 last year. By month, August had the highest number at 16 (50.0%), followed by June with 9 (28.1%) and July with 7 (21.9%).

By region, North Gyeongsang Province had the highest number with 10 cases (31.3%), followed by South Gyeongsang Province with 6 (18.8%), North Chungcheong Province with 5 (15.6%), Gangwon Province with 4 (12.5%), North Jeolla Province with 3 (9.4%), and South Chungcheong Province with 2 (6.3%). There was 1 case each (3.1%) in Gyeonggi Province and Daejeon.

Based on residence, 19 victims (59.4%) were from outside the area, while 11 (34.4%) were local residents. The remaining 2 (6.3%) had no recorded place of residence.

By age group, those aged 60 and above accounted for the vast majority with 26 cases (81.3%).

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety advised in its safety guidelines to refrain from collecting freshwater snails after drinking alcohol or after dark, and to always wear a life jacket and be accompanied by others when doing so.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.