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Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | Yes | No | | Cholera | No | 1 | | Typhoid and Polio | No | N/A | | Malaria | 2 | N/A |
1: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Republic of Korea. However, cholera may be a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include a vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
2: Limited malaria risk, exclusively in the benign vivax form, exists mainly in the northern areas of the Kyunggi province.
Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever may be transmitted by mosquitoes between June and the end of October in rural areas. A vaccine is available, and travellers are advised to consult their doctor prior to departure. Hepatitis A is common; B is highly endemic, as is Korean haemorrhagic fever.
Rabies may be present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information consult the Health appendix.
Note: Travellers wishing to stay for more than three months may need to supply a certificate showing they have tested HIV negative, issued within one month before their arrival in Korea. Ask at the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) for details.
Health care: Health insurance is recommended. There are facilities in all tourist areas, and hotels will recommend a local doctor. Almost all hospitals require payment and registration prior to treatment. Most nurses and receptionists do not speak English; writing words out on paper can help in an emergency.
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