1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the annual appearance of the “love bug” or “red-eyed lace bug” at Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon. The article describes the large numbers of these insects that emerge at the mountain’s peak each year, making it difficult for visitors to stay there for long.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 러브버그 | Leobeobbeog | love bug | The “love bug” or red-eyed lace bug appears in large numbers at Gyeyang Mountain each year. |
| 정상 | Jeongsan | peak, summit | The love bugs appear in large numbers at the peak of Gyeyang Mountain. |
| 대량으로 | Daeryangeuro | in large quantities, in large numbers | The love bugs appear in large numbers at the peak of Gyeyang Mountain. |
| 붉은등우단털파리 | Bulgeundeungwudanteolpari | red-eyed lace bug | The “love bug” is also known as the red-eyed lace bug. |
| 서울을 포함한 수도권 인근 | Seoureul pohamhan sudogwon inggeun | the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions | The love bugs appear in large numbers in the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions. |
| 올해 갑자기 | Olhae gapjagi | suddenly this year | The official says the love bugs appeared suddenly this year. |
| 시커멓게 | Sikkeommeokge | very dark, blackish | The official points out the blackish appearance of the love bugs. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
매년 이맘때 나타나는 러브버그. 올해는 인천 계양산 정상에 대량으로 나타났습니다.
The love bugs appear every year at this time. This year, they appeared in large numbers at the peak of Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon.
인천 계양산 정상. 몇 년 전부터 이맘때면 서울을 포함한 수도권 인근에 대량 출몰하는 붉은등우단털파리, 이른바 러브버그입니다.
At the peak of Gyeyang Mountain in Incheon, the so-called “love bugs” or red-eyed lace bugs have been appearing in large numbers in the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions for several years now.
가면 한 10초도 못 있어요.
You can’t even stay there for 10 seconds.
“저기 시커멓게 보이는 거. 올해 갑자기 이러네.”
“Look at how blackish they appear. They suddenly appeared like this this year.”
러브버그가 국내에서 처음 확인된 것은 지난 2015년입니다.
The love bugs were first confirmed in Korea in 2015.
매년 이맘때면 계양산 정상에 대량으로 출몰하는 러브버그. 이들은 짧은 시간 내에 방문객들을 쫓아내 버립니다.
The love bugs appear in large numbers at the peak of Gyeyang Mountain every year at this time. They quickly drive away visitors.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Where do the love bugs appear in large numbers each year?
- When do the love bugs typically appear at Gyeyang Mountain?
- How long can visitors stay at the peak of Gyeyang Mountain due to the love bugs?
- What is another name for the love bugs?
- When were the love bugs first confirmed in Korea?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The love bugs, or red-eyed lace bugs, are an annual phenomenon in the Seoul metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Their sudden and overwhelming appearance at the peak of Gyeyang Mountain has become a local curiosity, with visitors unable to stay long due to the sheer number of insects. This natural event has been observed for several years, with the love bugs first confirmed in Korea in 2015.