Over 70% of victims aged 60 or older

119 dispatched 225 times

Songpyeon, traditional Korean rice cakes eaten during Chuseok [Getty Images Bank]
Songpyeon, traditional Korean rice cakes eaten during Chuseok [Getty Images Bank]

Thirty-four people suffered cardiac arrest after choking on songpyeon, a traditional rice cake, during Chuseok holidays over the past three years, according to data released Saturday.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Yang Bu-nam, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, obtained the figures from the National Fire Agency. They show that emergency services were dispatched 225 times for airway obstruction incidents during the Chuseok holiday periods from 2023 to 2025.

Of those cases, 162 people were transported to hospital and 34 suffered cardiac arrest.

The incidents were heavily concentrated among older adults.

Among the 162 people transported over the three-year period, those aged 80 and older accounted for the largest share at 68 people, or 42 percent, followed by those in their 70s at 29 people (17.9 percent) and those in their 60s at 18 people (11.1 percent). In total, people aged 60 and older made up 71 percent of all cases. Children under 10 accounted for 26 of those transported, or 16 percent.

Homes were by far the most common location. Of the 225 emergency dispatches, 139 — or 61.8 percent — involved incidents at private residences, followed by group residential facilities at 35 cases (15.6 percent) and commercial establishments at 18 cases (8 percent).

If someone is choking, bystanders should first encourage the person to cough forcefully. If the person cannot cough or speak, call emergency services immediately and perform the Heimlich maneuver at the same time.

For adults, the rescuer should stand behind the victim, wrap both arms around the waist, place the thumb side of one fist against the center of the abdomen between the navel and the breastbone, grasp the fist with the other hand, and thrust firmly inward and upward. Repeat until the object is dislodged or emergency responders arrive. If the person loses consciousness, administer CPR.

For infants under 12 months old, abdominal thrusts should not be used. Instead, lay the baby face-down with the head lower than the chest and deliver five firm back blows to the center of the back. If the object does not come out, turn the baby over and give five chest compressions. Repeat the cycle until the obstruction clears.

Fire risks from holiday cooking were also elevated during the period.

Of the 1,371 fires recorded during Chuseok holidays over the past three years, 132 — or 9.6 percent — broke out while food was being prepared. Cooking-related fires during the holiday period numbered 46 in 2023, 29 in 2024 and 57 last year.

The fires left four people injured and caused approximately 163.33 million won ($120,000) in property damage.


yuni@heraldcorp.com