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South Korea (Republic of Korea)
This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.
Read also the information on security, healthcare and other practical aspects on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.
Important health risks
Malaria
The malaria risk is:
- moderate from March to December in the north bordering North Korea and in the Yeoncheon-gun county of the province Gyeonggi. We recommend the use of of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. For people with an increased risk, we sometimes recommend preventive malaria tablets, or taking an emergency treatment with you.
- low from March to December the rural areas in the northern parts of the provinces of Incheon, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, including demilitarized zone (DMZ). We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning.
- There is no malaria risk in the rest of the country.
In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Other insect-borne diseases
Japanese encephalitis occurs in the entire country, mainly from May to November.
Protect yourself against insects.
Tick-borne diseases
Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Update of basic vaccinations
Recommended
Polio
Recommended
A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.
Other vaccinations
Recommended for some travellers
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you:
Travellers with additional considerations
Additional preventive tips may be useful for you:
