Six residents of a village in Yeongyang County, North Gyeongsang Province, were hospitalized with symptoms including paralysis and vomiting after eating ramyeon containing wild greens, prompting a health authorities investigation.
According to Yeongyang County, the six residents ate ramyeon mixed with wild greens and other ingredients at a home in Irwol-myeon around 4:21 p.m. on May 3.
The group, all neighbors in their 40s to 60s, had lunch together at one of their homes and returned to their respective residences before experiencing dizziness, vomiting and paralysis symptoms.
All six were taken to hospitals. Three have recovered and been discharged, while the remaining three are still receiving treatment and expected to be discharged soon, Yeongyang County said.
According to Yonhap News, the group shared jeoneo-namul, an edible wild green primarily harvested on Ulleungdo Island. However, because the greens are known to be safe for consumption, health authorities are investigating whether other side dishes, poisonous plants or toxic substances may have been mixed in.
Separately, police have sent samples to the National Forensic Service for analysis to determine whether criminal activity was involved.
"We will need to conduct an epidemiological investigation to determine the specific circumstances," a Yeongyang County official said. "We also urge local residents to exercise caution when consuming wild greens."
