South Korea

Recommended Vaccinations For South Korea

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with Hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to Hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Whether or not a traveller in this country should receive this vaccine depends considerably on the itinerary of the traveller. This disease does not usually occur in urban areas or large cities and thus vaccination may not be required for travellers. Vaccination is recommended for travellers with itineraries include visits to rural areas with extended outdoor activities.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Travellers who plan to visit this country during the summer months and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine. This vaccine is only available in Europe.

Recommended Medications For South Korea

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

In South Korea, due to the limited risk, the World Health Organization does not recommend anti-malaria medication, but the US CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, or primaquine where there is a risk.

Diseases To Be Aware of for South Korea

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in South Korea.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in South Korea through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in South Korea.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of Leishmaniasis in the country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that occurs in forested areas of South Korea during the spring and summer.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in South Korea, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Malaria

CDC states that the risk of malaria is limited to the months of March to December in rural areas in the northern parts of Incheon, Kangwon-do, and Kyônggi-do Provinces, including the demilitarized zone (DMZ). NaTHNaC states that there is a very low risk of malaria in the northern areas of South Korea, in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do Provinces, and Incheon City (towards the Demilitarized Zone or DMZ).

Japanese encephalitis

In South Korea, outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur countrywide, particularly from May to October. The risk for travellers of contracting Japanese encephalitis is low, but extensive outdoor activity in rural areas will increase this risk.

Scrub Typhus

Scrub typhus generally occurs year-round in areas of South Korea.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like virus. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in South Korea

Personal Safety

South Korea maintains low crime rates compared to most developed countries. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. The most common issues you encounter are minor crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Seoul and other major cities have extensive CCTV coverage and strong police presence. Crime rates remain stable, though there has been concern about random stranger attacks in public places. In 2023, authorities reported 925 such incidents in the first half of the year alone, most being assaults rather than more serious crimes. Police have increased security patrols in response. Sexual harassment remains a persistent problem, particularly affecting women. Local authorities note that these random acts typically occur in public spaces like malls and train stations, though most residents go about daily life without incident.

Extreme Violence

South Korea has very low violent crime rates. The violent crime incidence rate remains around 0.60 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly below the global average. The terrorism threat is minimal for travelers. The main security concern stems from North Korea, which conducts cyberattacks, missile launches, and occasional provocations. In 2023, North Korea launched approximately 1.3 million cyberattacks per day on public institutions. However, these geopolitical tensions rarely affect daily life or pose direct danger to visitors. The situation remains stable despite technical continuation of the Korean War. The likelihood of conflict affecting tourists is nearly nonexistent. Mass casualty incidents are exceptionally rare. Seoul recorded approximately 37,500 arrests for violence in 2023, down from previous years.

Political Unrest

South Korea experienced significant political turmoil in December 2024 when President Yoon Suk-yeol briefly declared martial law on December 3, which was reversed within hours by the National Assembly. This triggered massive protests and led to his impeachment. Large demonstrations have occurred regularly since then, with both anti-Yoon and pro-Yoon groups mobilizing. Anti-Yoon demonstrations have involved over 1,500 civic and labor organizations participating in more than 110 protests. Pro-Yoon supporters have also held counter-demonstrations. A violent incident occurred on January 19, 2025, when pro-Yoon protesters stormed the Seoul Western District Court. Protests are common, particularly during periods of elevated political tensions, but remain mostly peaceful and well-policed. Foreign nationals are legally prohibited from participating in political activities. Demonstrations continue as the country moves toward a presidential election. You should stay aware of media reporting on planned demonstrations and avoid large gatherings.

Areas To Avoid

The main area to avoid is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) at the North Korean border. This heavily militarized 250-kilometer-long buffer zone remains technically an active war zone, though guided tours to certain DMZ areas on the South Korean side are permitted and safe when following official procedures. The Joint Security Area (JSA) has been closed to tourists since July 2023 when an American soldier crossed into North Korea. Only official tours with licensed guides are allowed to DMZ areas. The Civilian Control Zone extends 5 to 20 kilometers south of the DMZ and has entry restrictions. You must exercise caution near the DMZ and follow local authority guidance. In major cities, avoid poorly lit alleyways and side streets at night. The Jung-gu district in Busan has the highest crime rate in the country. Nightlife districts around Seoul Station and subway areas can become rowdy after dark, though most people travel safely. Party districts like Itaewon and Hongdae see higher incidents of crime, particularly late at night.