Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Korea

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Korea. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Korea: COVID-19, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tetanus.

The NaTHNaC also recommends travellers be up-to-date on all routine vaccines before any travel, including: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, polio and a flu jab.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common issue among travellers. While some infections that cause the symptom can are vaccine-preventable, it can be hard to avoid. Be sure to bring a traveller’s diarrhoea kit.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

As a developed country, South Korea does not have many diseases that cannot be prevented through vaccination. Be sure to consider the following before your next trip:

• Malaria – Antimalarial medication may be required for your trip. These pills do not protect against mosquito bites, but do prevent malaria. Talk to a Passport Health travel specialist to learn more and see if this option is right for you.
• Tickborne Encephalitis – Spread through tick bites or unpasteurized dairy products, this disease can ruin a trip. Travellers doing outdoor activities are at higher risk of catching the virus. Take extra precautions from April to November. The peak number of reported cases in early and late summer.
• H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – Bird flu is a respiratory disease often spread by infected birds to humans. There have been no human cases of avian influenza reported in South Korea, but there is some risk in the region. The effect of the bird flu on humans can range from flu-like symptoms to death.

UK citizens do not need a visa for travel to South Korea that lasts less than 90 days. Visas may be required for other types of travel. Passports must be valid for at least three months.

South Korea Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to South Korea?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of South Korea and GOV.UK

South Korea’s climate is temperate with varying seasons. The country has long, cold winters, short hot summers, and short spring and autumn seasons.

Winters bring regular snowfall, with average temperatures around -6 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is common in the summer and temperatures tend to stay around 21-24 degrees. Spring and fall usually stay around 15 degrees.

The late summer brings the wet season, called “changma”, from July to August. Severe storms and flooding can occur during this time. Mosquitoes and other insects are more common as well. Typhoon season is from May to November.

While rain storms are not common in spring and fall, yellow dust winds are common. This dust originates from the Gobi Desert and hangs around in the air causing limited visibility for those caught in it. Protection from the dust is recommended.

As a developed nation, South Korea is generally safe. But, there are some items to consider before going there.

Tensions with North Korea are usually high. Incidents have been known to occur along the DMZ. But, these are generally isolated to the region.

If you plan on motoring in South Korea, be sure to research traffic laws. The traffic fatality rate is higher than some other countries. Motorists are automatically presumed to be at fault in accidents involving pedestrians.

Typhoon season is from May to November and monsoon season from June to August. While these rarely pose threats to travellers, it is good to be prepared.

Petty crime does occur in South Korea. When travelling, be sure to take normal precautions like not walking alone at night and keeping an eye on your surroundings.

Pirated and forged goods may be available in South Korea. But, these items are not legal there or in the United Kingdom. It may seem normal to buy them if they are well circulated but purchasing or selling them is still illegal.

If you want to get an impressive sense of South Korea and Seoul’s history and culture, checking out each of the five palaces. Three out of the five are larger and more well-known than the other two. But, each has its merits, and all share a distinct beauty.

• Gyeongbokgung – Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung is the oldest and the largest palace. Visitors can enjoy changing of the guard ceremonies, visit ornamental gardens, museums, a lake and island overlook and more. Gyeongbokgung was once burnt down in 1592 and left in ruins for 300 years. It has been restored to much of its former glory through reconstruction. Its name means “Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven”.
• Changdeokgung – Built in 1405, the it’s name translates to “Palace of Virtue”. This castle has been destroyed and repaired many times over its long history. It can only be seen through a guided tour. Changdeokgung has a grand entrance with a large gate followed by a stone bridge with carved guardian animals. Inside you will find a many buildings made for a variety of purposes. There are also pavilions, ponds, brooks and gardens. Special monthly Moonlight Tours are available from April to June.
• Changgyeonggung – Built in 1483, Changgyeonggung is the “Palace of Flourishing Gladness”. At one point the grounds were changed to be a zoo with a botanical garden. But, that was done under Japanese rule, and since then those elements have been removed. Changgyeonggung now features two ponds in the back and its original style. It is also a short walk away from Changdeokgung.
• Deoksugung – Though it is called the “Palace of Virtuous Longevity”, Deoksugung wasn’t a palace until 1592 after palaces were destroyed during Japanese invasion. Deoksugung has the most Western-style buildings including an art museum and forested gardens. Though it is three times smaller than it once was, its peculiar mix of architectural styles make it worth a visit.
• Gyeonghuigung – This palace is small in comparison to the others, but still worthwhile. It is the “Palace of Serene Harmony” and was built in 1623 as a “secondary palace”. The palace was actually leveled for a primary school during Japanese occupation. Gyeonghuigung contains the Seoul Museum of History making it a must-see.

Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:

• Appropriate items for the weather – South Korea can be warm, wet, or very cold. Be sure to pack for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sun cream, dehumidifiers, and clothing that can easily be layered.
• Protection for more hazardous weather – South Korea has its wet/monsoon season (changma) from July to August, typhoon season from May to November, and yellow dust winds during the Spring and Autumn seasons. Many Koreans wear surgical masks or similar attire to protect their lungs from the potentially damaging yellow dust. Water-protective gear is good to consider during the heavy rain of the Summer.
• First aid kit/traveller’s diarrhoea kit – It is always useful to have important first aid kit items whilst travelling, such as bandages and antibacterial wipes. the NaTHNaC also advises to bring a traveller’s diarrhoea kit to help deal with the effects of the illness should it be necessary.
• Insect repellent – With the possibility of malaria and tickborne encephalitis it is especially important to ward against mosquitoes and ticks.
• Copies of your passport and travel documents – In case of lost luggage or theft, bring copies of important documents.
• Adapters for Electronics – South Korea uses a standard voltage of 220 V whilst 12V is used in America. Many of your electrical devices (hair dryers, chargers, etc) may not be compatible. Bringing adapters for these items is a must.

If you are in South Korea and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Seoul
Sejong-daero 19-gil 24
Seoul Jung-gu
04519
South Korea
Telephone: +82 (0)2 3210 5500
Emergency Phone: +82 (0)2 3210 5500
Fax: +82 (0)2 725 1738
Contact Form: Click Here

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Ring or book online now and start travelling safely today!