Health in South Korea: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

No mandatory vaccines for South Korea; ensure routine immunisations are up‑to‑date and add hepatitis A (and possibly B) before travel. Tap water is safe in most urban areas. Purchase travel insurance that includes medical coverage and evacuation.

South Korea does not require entry vaccinations. Health authorities advise that travellers be current on standard childhood vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio) and have a seasonal flu shot if travelling in winter.

Hepatitis A is recommended for all visitors because the virus can be transmitted via food and water, even though outbreaks are rare. Hepatitis B is advised for longer stays (>1 month) or if you may have medical procedures.

Japanese encephalitis risk is low in urban areas but rises in rural regions during the summer monsoon; consider the vaccine if your itinerary includes extensive countryside travel in July‑August.

Municipal tap water in Seoul, Busan and other major cities meets WHO standards and is safe to drink from the tap. In rural guesthouses, confirm that water is filtered or boiled.

Street food is widely available and generally safe; choose stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked items. Avoid raw or undercooked seafood unless you trust the source.

South Korea has a modern, high‑quality healthcare system. Public hospitals provide excellent emergency care, but most services require out‑of‑pocket payment for foreigners.

Travel insurance that covers hospitalisation, prescription medication and medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Check that the policy includes coverage for COVID‑19 treatment, as some providers still require it.