Moderate riskAsia · Eastern AsiaSouth Korea Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
South Korea carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists only in rural northern border areas during March-December. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: South Korea. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
April to May and September to November. Summer is hot, humid and monsoonal; winter is cold and dry with occasional severe air pollution.
Travel health in South Korea
South Korea is a low-risk destination: safe tap water in the cities, excellent hospitals, high food standards, and no malaria in Seoul, Busan or the tourist regions. Two health points deserve attention. Japanese encephalitis is a seasonal risk in rural areas in summer, and vaccination is worth discussing for extended rural stays. Some US medications, including certain ADHD stimulants and sleeping pills, are controlled and need documentation or advance approval. Seasonal air pollution and yellow dust in spring affect travellers with respiratory conditions.
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all routine vaccines are current before travel, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travelers to South Korea. Special timing and dosing considerations apply for infants, older adults, and those with health conditions.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may choose to get vaccinated.
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers to South Korea, especially if visiting rural areas, smaller cities, or staying with local contacts.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term travelers, those doing outdoor activities in rural areas, or those uncertain about their activities. Not needed for short urban trips.
Rabies
Rabies vaccine may be considered for travelers doing high-risk activities or those who might have difficulty accessing medical care. Rabid dogs are uncommon in South Korea and vaccines are generally available.
Tick-borne Encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is present in South Korea. Focus on preventing tick bites through protective measures.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended and not required for entry to South Korea.
Disease risks
Malaria risk
Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
Malaria risk exists only in rural northern border areas during March-December. Prophylaxis is recommended for travelers to these specific areas. The malaria is caused by P. vivax and is not drug-resistant.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
June to October
Japanese encephalitis
Rural agricultural areas nationwide. Very low risk for city itineraries; vaccination for extended rural stays.
Peak
March to May
Yellow dust and air pollution
Fine dust from China and local sources. Travellers with asthma or COPD should bring medication and a KF94 or N95 mask.
Peak
April to November
Tick-borne disease (SFTS)
Hikers in rural and forested areas. Use repellent and check for ticks after hikes.
Water & food safety
Water
Tap water in Seoul and other cities is treated to a high standard and safe to drink, though most Koreans drink filtered or bottled water by habit. Bottled water is cheap everywhere.
Food
Food hygiene is excellent. Raw dishes such as hoe (raw fish), yukhoe (raw beef) and live octopus are safe in reputable restaurants but carry the usual raw-food risk. Kimchi and fermented foods are safe.
Medications
Pharmacies (yakguk) are everywhere and pharmacists are well trained, but many US brands are unavailable and over-the-counter options differ. Bring prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter; ADHD stimulants and some sedatives are controlled and quantities over personal use need advance approval.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Excellent. Seoul's major hospitals (Severance, Asan, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital) have international clinics with English-speaking staff. Costs are moderate but payment is expected at the time of care.
Travel insurance
Recommended; US insurance is not accepted and even good-value Korean hospital care adds up quickly without cover.
Emergency numbers
Police
112
Medical / Ambulance
119
Fire
119
Tourist Police
1330
U.S. Embassy
+82-2-397-4114
South Korea travel health FAQ
Do I need any vaccines for South Korea?▼
Routine vaccines up to date, and hepatitis A and B for most travellers as a general precaution. Japanese encephalitis vaccination is for extended rural stays in summer. There is no yellow fever and malaria is limited to rural areas near the North Korean border, where bite prevention rather than pills is advised.
Can I bring my ADHD medication into South Korea?▼
Stimulants such as Adderall and methylphenidate are controlled substances in Korea. Personal-use quantities are generally permitted with a doctor's letter and prescription in original packaging, but quantities beyond a short trip need advance approval from the Korean authorities. Voyax Health's medication screening flags what needs paperwork.
Is tap water safe to drink in Seoul?▼
Yes. Seoul's Arisu tap water meets international standards. Many locals still prefer filtered or bottled water, which is inexpensive and available everywhere.
More country guides
ChinaLow riskChina carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Hong KongLow riskHong Kong carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
JapanLow riskJapan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your South Korea trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for South Korea — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: South Korea · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.