South Korea is a high-income country in East Asia. Its vibrant major cities are an extreme contrast to with the low-income rural coastal lifestyle. The cherry blossom's are magnificent in Spring (March). South Korea offers a wide range of accommodation for various budgets.
Health advice will vary according to the reason for travel (holiday, work, volunteering, visiting friends or relatives etc), accommodation, length of stay, time of year (wet or dry season) and location (urban or rural). Your current health status may also influence your travel plans.
Health risks are similar to Australia but there are a number of health concerns which might impact on your stay. It is important to be current for all your routine vaccines and to seek advice on whether other travel vaccines need to be considered. Speak with a healthcare provider 6-8 weeks before travel.
Completed childhood immunisations, Tetanus/ Diphtheria/ Pertussis vaccine booster if > 10 years, Influenza > 65 years, Influenza > 6 months and < 5 years, Pneumonia vaccine > 65 years, Shingles > 65 years, RSV vaccine > 75 years.
To consider if immune-suppressed (check with health provider).
Influenza, COVID-19.
Hepatitis B (if unvaccinated), Japanese Encephalitis, Tick-borne Encephalitis.
Rabies.
Measles booster if born between 1966 and 1980.
Yellow Fever - Refer to CDC.
Consider taking a basic medical kit plus extras according to your intended activities. Always carry a letter regarding your medications and make sure it is easily accessible. Never travel without insurance.
Travellers are much more likely to die or be injured than to be sick with an exotic disease. Travellers in the age group 15-44 are...
Learn MoreAllergy can present in different ways. Red, itchy lumps can occur anywhere on the body. Inhaled allergens eg pollens can cause an itchy runny nose and...
Learn MoreBedbugs are intensely irritating blood sucking insects that are found worldwide. They hide in cracks and crevices in the wall and come out to feed at night ...
Learn MoreMosquito-borne and insect-borne diseases pose a significant threat to travellers, especially those who are considering a long-term stay in a...
Learn MoreRespiratory tract infections (RTI’s) are the 3rd most common health issue affecting international travellers. Attack rates range from 5% to 40% depending on the...
Learn MoreFor most people, overseas travel is “occasional” rather than “usual”. For some it is a very new experience. Security issues should not be forgotten...
Learn MoreThere is nothing wrong with travelling on the cheap. It is almost a rite of passage for young travellers. It often means very basic accommodation, street...
Learn MoreDiarrhoea is the commonest health issue experienced by travellers to lower income countries. Applies more for travellers who have grown up in a high-income...
Learn MoreJapanese encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitos...
Learn More