Risk / Health Info for South Korea

Make sure your vaccines are up to date before you go to South Korea. Frequent visitors should get shots for hepatitis A and B, and for Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Malaria is present in some parts of the country, so talk to a Canadian Travel Clinics adviser at least six weeks before you leave for South Korea.

South Korea has good-quality medical care and facilities, although private hospitals are often better equipped than public or rural facilities. Korean medical institutions will not charge insurance companies so be prepared to pay in advance. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information about making sure you have travel insurance before you leave for South Korea.

Dengue fever in South Korea

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in South Korea. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in South Korea

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of South Korea at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in South Korea

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. It is caused by the coronavirus and is thought to be contracted from infected camels. You should take diligent hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat camel meat that has not been properly cooked. The Government of Canada has issued a travel health advisory about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in South Korea.