"Chinese Nationals Sweep Up Cicada Larvae"... 100,000 Won Fine at Hangang Park

Following Multiple Complaints Last Year, This Year Brings Preventive Measures
Banners Installed, Patrols Increased, and Fines Possible

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has put up banners in the Saetgang area of Yeouido, prohibiting the collection of cicada nymphs. This preemptive measure was taken after incidents of mass cicada nymph collection were reported every summer in previous years.

A cicada clings to a ginkgo tree branch inside the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Dongjoo Yoon

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on August 18, the city recently installed banners in the Saetgang area of Yeouido to notify the public of the ban on collecting cicada nymphs. This action was taken in response to reports last year that some Chinese nationals were repeatedly collecting cicada nymphs in groups from Saetgang.

A city official stated, "Last year, there were frequent incidents of cicada nymph collection in this area. This year, although we have not yet received any specific complaints, we installed the banners as a preventive measure."

Last year, Seoul’s complaint center received reports that some people were collecting large quantities of cicada nymphs with big containers in Saetgang Ecological Park. Similar cases were also observed outside Seoul. In one ecological park in Busan last year, a controversy arose after it was revealed that some Chinese individuals were collecting cicada nymphs in large quantities.

In parts of China and Southeast Asia, both cicada nymphs and adults are consumed as ingredients. In provinces such as Shandong and Henan in China, cicada nymphs, known as 'jiliao hou,' are a popular summer delicacy, and, with recent increases in demand, are now treated as premium ingredients.

Cicadas are not protected by law as natural monuments or endangered species. However, since the Han River Park area managed by Seoul is subject to specific ordinances, anyone collecting insects or plants without permission may be fined 100,000 won.

Seoul Metropolitan Government explained that restricting indiscriminate insect collection is particularly necessary in Saetgang, as it is an ecological area inhabited by various animals and plants, and is also the site of observation and experiential programs for children.

The recently installed banners did not specify any nationality and simply announced the collection ban in Korean. Along with the installation of the banners, Seoul plans to strengthen on-site patrols and guidance to prevent unauthorized collection.

If violations are identified, officials will first instruct the individuals on site to stop collecting, and, if necessary, will take measures such as imposing fines in accordance with the relevant regulations.

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