Reports of Suspected Food Poisoning at Gimje Horizon Festival Reach 861 People

Epidemiological investigation and insurance compensation procedures underway... Claims documents accepted through October 30

The number of people reporting suspected food poisoning symptoms at the Gimje Horizon Festival has risen to 861, and Gimje City has begun follow-up measures to determine the cause and compensate those affected.

The 28th Gimje Jipyeongseon Festival, showcasing the essence of traditional agricultural culture, kicked off in grand style on the 1st amid enthusiastic cheers and keen interest from countless local residents and tourists from Korea and abroad. Provided by Gimje City Hall.

Gimje City said on October 14 that it is conducting an epidemiological investigation of visitors who used food stalls at the festival and, starting that day, would operate a Victim Support Center to assist affected residents and tourists with procedures for claiming medical expense compensation.

According to Gimje City, the first reports of suspected food poisoning symptoms came on October 5 from visitors who had used a particular food stall at the festival. Reports continued to come in, and as of 1 p.m. on October 13, a total of 861 people had reported symptoms.

The Gimje City Public Health Center began an epidemiological investigation immediately after receiving the reports. It is examining people, food preparation conditions, and food distribution channels. Since October 7, the festival planning team has also been informing people who reported symptoms about the procedures to follow.

On October 12, Gimje City held a response meeting chaired by Mayor Jeong Seongju to review the status of care for people with symptoms and discuss measures to assist those affected, including compensation for medical expenses.

Compensation is expected to be provided through product liability insurance held by the organization operating the food stall in question. The city has filed a claim with the insurer and is establishing specific compensation criteria and claims procedures.

Starting today, Gimje City has also set up a Victim Support Center at the Yochon-dong Administrative Welfare Center to help affected residents and tourists complete the compensation process smoothly. The center will explain which documents are needed for individual insurance claims and assist with filing them. Insurance claim documents will be accepted through October 30.

Gimje Mayor Jeong Seongju said, "I sincerely apologize to the tourists and residents who visited the festival for the health problems and concern we have caused. We will carefully listen to those who have been affected and take full responsibility to ensure that all follow-up procedures, including compensation for medical expenses, are completed without omission."

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