South Korea has essentially been free of bedbug issues since the 1970s when the government implemented insecticides all across the country resulting in just nine bedbug cases reported in the last decade, according to the Ministry of Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Realistically, no country in the world is currently "free" of bed bugs, as they are prolific global travelers that thrive in any environment where humans reside. These pests do not discriminate based on cleanliness or climate, and they have seen a massive resurgence in the 21st century due to increased international travel and resistance to traditional pesticides. Even in 2026, developed nations like France and the United States continue to report significant infestations in major urban centers. Isolated islands with extremely strict biosecurity protocols might have fewer reported cases, but the nature of modern commerce and tourism makes a "bed bug-free" nation effectively impossible. Most public health agencies focus on "management and awareness" rather than total eradication. Travelers are always advised to inspect mattress seams and luggage racks regardless of the country they are visiting, as bed bugs are a persistent reality in the global hospitality industry from budget hostels to five-star luxury resorts.