Dense swarms of black-winged insects, also referred to as “lovebugs,” are annoying residents in and around Seoul by contaminating outdoor spaces, public parks, and hiking trails. Formally known as Plecia longiforceps, these insects are commonly referred to as “lovebugs” because, during mating, male and female insects frequently fly together, often linked by their bodies. The bugs are seen covering trees, railings, and staircases and buzzing around hikers in recent video footage taken from Gyeyangsan Mountain in Incheon, west of Seoul. Many locals speak of feeling “ambushed” when going for walks or exercising outdoors. Lovebugs invade Seoul amid rising temperatures in South Korea, raising health concerns and public frustration.

Population Spike Tied to Warming Climate

Lovebugs, which are indigenous to warmer regions, have become more prevalent in the Seoul metropolitan area. Officials and experts attribute this trend to increased insect activity, which is driven by warmer summer temperatures. First discovered in 2022 in northwest Seoul, the lovebugs now appear annually from late June to early July. Public complaints have dramatically increased, according to the City of Seoul, from 4,418 in 2023 to 9,296 in 2024. Climate experts note that urban warming and persistent humidity create ideal conditions for these insects to breed, thereby intensifying both the frequency and geographic extent of outbreaks.

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Authorities Respond With Caution

The bugs aren’t considered a threat even if they are bothersome to many locals. Because they contribute to pollination and the breakdown of organic material in soil, environmental authorities classify them as helpful species. Authorities are therefore restricting methods of chemical control, such as pesticide spraying. Instead, their advice is to use water sprays, sticky traps, and dim lighting to minimize the bugs’ attraction to urban areas. Lovebugs are also attracted to light-colored clothing, so it is recommended to wear darker shades.

According to the Ministry of Environment, a combination of hot, muggy weather and a lack of predators may be responsible for this year’s surge. Officials expect the swarm to naturally decline by mid-July, as adult bugs typically live only a few days. Experts monitoring the situation view it as a seasonal but escalating concern, emphasizing that lovebugs invade Seoul amid rising temperatures in South Korea, which is becoming an increasingly common headline in the context of climate change.

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