All destinations

South Korea

East Asia · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Global Measles

CDC has a Level 1 notice for global measles. Make sure you are fully vaccinated against measles before international travel.

Planning a trip to South Korea? CDC lists typhoid for most travellers, with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B as conversations to have with your doctor based on your itinerary. Japanese encephalitis and rabies only come up for specific plans like rural stays, hiking, or long visits. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure so they can decide what, if anything, you need.

Malaria risk is limited March to December in rural northern parts of Incheon, Gangwon, and Gyeonggi provinces, including the DMZ. Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are not malaria zones.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to South Korea from most countries.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to South Korea.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Mosquito

Japanese Encephalitis

A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Limited March to December in rural northern parts of Incheon, Gangwon, and Gyeonggi provinces, including the demilitarized zone (DMZ). Only Plasmodium vivax. No risk in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

South Korea has modern medical infrastructure. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some forested areas; tick precautions matter for hikers.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — South Korea.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.