Korea, South

Travel clinic South Korea
Travel health and vaccine advice for South Korea


Once forming a unique country with North Korea, South Korea is fundamentally different from its repressive neighbor. Historically highly coveted by the powerful nations of China and Japan, South Korea has always managed to keep its own identity. South Korea is a highly developed country, offering one of the best standards of living in East Asia. Ultra modernism here perfectly co-exists with ancestral traditions. Magnificent ancient palaces and Buddhist monasteries present an overview of the rich cultural past of the country. South Korean people are fascinated by nature and any occasion is good for them to escape in the grandeur of their stunning mountains. 

HEALTH INFORMATION

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

KOREA, SOUTH – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B Recommended for all travelers.
Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose.
Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough):  1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32).
*Only applicable for Quebec.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
Flu – Influenza Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Information, Advice & Vaccination – Japanese Encephalitis Recommended for the following groups visiting certain remote areas:

  • Long-term travelers (i.e. trips lasting a month or more) to endemic areas during the Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season.
  • Short-term (<1 month) travelers to endemic areas during the Japanese encephalitis virus transmission season if their activities will increase their risk (e.g. spending substantial time outdoors or staying in accommodations without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets.)
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) Recommended for all travelers
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating”
Tick-borne Encephalitis Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Lyme disease Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Cholera Vaccine recommended for persons traveling to an area of active transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission.
Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

Unlike the neighboring North Korea, South Korea provides excellent health care. Numerous private hospitals and clinics are found in the country, usually in major cities. These medical establishments have modern equipment, following international standards. The Samsung Medical Center and the Severance Hospital, located in Seoul, the capital city, can be quoted. In rural areas, medical care is however less accessible and of medium quality.

In case of emergency in South Korea, call 119.

South Korea hosts numerous well stocked pharmacies. European and American drugs can easily be found in the country. But it is always safer to bring your own first aid kit.

SECURITY ABROAD

Novel coronavirus

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SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 112
  • medical assistance: 119
  • firefighters: 119

An English interpretation service is available.

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