Tips and recommendations for healthy travel to top destinations
Learn more about your flu vaccine options
Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations
South Korea is a bustling country of history. The country boasts over 50 million people, beautiful mountain regions and even yellow dust winds from the Gobi Desert in the spring and autumn.
Its capital, Seoul, has five grand palaces which include museums, ponds, scenic overlooks, carved bridges and gates, and beautiful courtyards in their grounds. The country is a can’t miss for any world traveler.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Korea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for South Korea: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza.
The CDC also recommends travelers be up-to-date on all routine vaccines before any travel, including: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis), chickenpox, polio and a flu shot.
Traveler’s diarrhea is a common issue among travelers. While some infections that cause the symptom can are vaccine-preventable, it can be hard to avoid. Be sure to bring a traveler’s diarrhea 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:
You do not need a visa to travel to South Korea for stays under 90 days. You do need a passport valid at the time of entry, as well as one blank page in that passport for the stamp.
Military and U.S. government personnel do have some limitations on travel. Be sure to check with your specific branch as part of your travel preparations.
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
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 in the mid 20’s. Rainfall is common in the summer and temperatures tend to stay in the 70’s. Spring and fall usually stay in the mid-60’s.
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 driving in South Korea, be sure to research traffic laws. The traffic fatality rate is higher than some other countries. Drivers 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 travelers, it is good to be prepared.
Petty crime does occur in South Korea. When traveling, be sure to take normal precautions like not walking alone at night and keeping an eye on your surroundings.
Pirated and counterfeit goods may be available in South Korea. But, these items are not legal there or in the United States. 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.
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
The U.S. Department of State recommends all travelers register with the free STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for important automatic notifications about in-country security and for help in case of an emergency while in South Korea.
U.S. Embassy Seoul Seoul, Korea 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 03141 Phone: 82-2-397-4114
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!