South Korea

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for South Korea 🇰🇷

South Korea is a captivating blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern marvels, where ancient palaces meet bustling metropolises.

South Korea has a rich cultural heritage with influences from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism. Traditional Korean arts such as pottery, calligraphy, and martial arts are highly valued. South Korea is known for its delicious cuisine, including popular dishes like kimchi (fermented cabbage), bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and meat), bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), and Korean barbecue.

South Korea offers diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, national parks, and coastal areas. Popular outdoor destinations include Seoraksan National Park, Jeju Island, and Nami Island. The country hosts various festivals throughout the year, celebrating traditions, arts, and cultural events. Some notable festivals include the Jinju Lantern Festival, Boryeong Mud Festival, and Andong Mask Dance Festival.

The healthcare system in South Korea is well-regarded, with modern medical facilities and services available. It is advisable to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay. 

Travel Immunizations for South Korea

What vaccines do I need for South Korea? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection contracted through contaminated food or water 

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

  • Visitors to areas experiencing a JE outbreak should also consider vaccination.  
  • Risk increases for individuals engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitoes. 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

South Korea Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Air Pollution

Some areas of South Korea, particularly in urban centers, may experience high levels of air pollution, especially during certain seasons. 

  •  If you have respiratory conditions, consider monitoring air quality levels and taking appropriate precautions such as wearing masks or staying indoors on days of poor air quality. 

COVID-19

Stay informed about the current COVID-19 situation in South Korea and follow the guidelines and travel advisories issued by health authorities. Adhere to local regulations regarding mask-wearing, social distancing, and any quarantine or testing requirements.

Insect Bite Prevention

Although the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in South Korea is generally low, it is advisable to protect yourself from mosquito bites by using insect repellents and wearing appropriate clothing, especially if you are visiting rural or forested areas.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to South Korea

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in South Korea
  • Hospitals: South Korea has a well-developed healthcare system with many hospitals throughout the country. Major cities like Seoul have large, modern hospitals that provide a wide range of medical services. Some prominent hospitals in Seoul include Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Asan Medical Center. 
  • Clinics: There are various clinics, including general clinics and specialized clinics, which offer medical services for non-emergency conditions.  
  • International Clinics: Some hospitals and clinics in South Korea have international departments or specialized services for foreigners. These clinics often have English-speaking staff and cater specifically to the needs of international patients. 
Medical Tourism in South Korea

Canadian citizens may be seeking cosmetic or other elective surgeries in South Korea. 

Before leaving for a medical travel trip: 

  • Ensure proper research for the procedure(s)
  • Use reputable healthcare providers only

Consular Assistance in South Korea

Street Address: 21 Jeongdong-gil (Jeong-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul (04518), Republic of Korea

Telephone: +82 2 3783 6000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Republic-Korea

Street Address: c/o Dongsung Group, 99 Sinsan-ro, Saha-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea, 49421

Telephone: +82 51 204 5581

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Republic-Korea

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

In case of emergency, dial:
  • 112 for Police
  • 119 for Firefighters
  • 119 for Medical Assistance

An English interpretation service is available.

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