I attended a pair of meetings (DH 2026 and DCMI 2026) in the Republic of Korea. After arriving in Seoul, I travelled to Daejeon for DH 2026 before returning to Seoul for DCMI 2026). The cicadas were in full force in both cities. While in Seoul, I took a day trip to Cheorwon-gun which was both beautiful and a great location for observations.
Eastern Horse Cicada (Cryptotympana atrata)
Total: 24 July - 12 August 2026 (as of 22 August 2026)
Korea: All Observations: 740 | Species: 215
Daejeon: 261 Observations | 96 Species
Seoul: 416 Observations | 133 Species
Cheorwon-gun: 59 Observations | 36 Species
Notables
Robust Cicada (Hyalessa maculaticollis)
Eastern Horse Cicada (Cryptotympana atrata)
Joro Spider (Trichonephila clavata)
Riptortus pedestris
Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula patellifera)
New to the Merlin Life List
Oriental Turtle-Dove
Great Egret
Eurasian Kestrel
Brown-eared Bulbul
Oriental Magpie





