A recent analysis by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revealed a rise in emergency room visits due to choking and burns during the Lunar New Year holidays from 2019 to 2024. On average, hospitals recorded 0.9 incidents of choking per day during this time, which is 1.8 times the normal rate of 0.5. The majority of choking incidents (87.5%) were caused by foods, notably traditional rice cakes, with older adults aged 80-89 constituting the largest demographic at 37.5%.

In addition to choking, burn incidents also surged, with an average of 18.5 cases reported each day during the holiday — more than double the normal average of 8.5 cases. The day before the New Year saw the highest number of burn incidents, primarily occurring in homes (80.2%) and mostly attributed to hot liquids and steam, particularly affecting children aged 0-9 and seniors over 60.

Furthermore, the data indicated an increase in cutting injuries leading up to the holiday, peaking with an average of 71 incidents the day before the New Year. While males typically reported more injuries in cutting incidents, the trend reversed during the holidays with higher female involvement, largely due to kitchen accidents involving blenders and knives. In light of these findings, the health agency urged the public to take precautions, such as eating smaller pieces of food and wearing seatbelts while driving, especially for children in appropriate car seats.