Which vaccines do you need for South Korea?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Japanese encephalitisFor longer or rural stays and outdoor activity in areas and seasons with transmission.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
Entry requirements and certificates
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in South Korea
Transmission risk
No yellow fever transmission risk is listed for South Korea.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is not generally recommended for South Korea itself.
Certificate
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Malaria in South Korea
- Very low risk
Very low risk of malaria in the northern areas of South Korea, in Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do Provinces, and Incheon City, near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Increased risk has been reported in the following areas – Ganghwa-gun, Paju-si, Gimpo-si, Ilsanseo-gu, Ilsandong-gu, Deogyang-gu, Cheorwon-gun and Yeoncheon-gun.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Biting insects or ticks
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Tick-borne encephalitis
What travellers to South Korea should consider
Malaria risk in South Korea is limited and uneven, so the exact places you visit matter more than the country name.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine may be considered for longer stays or rural, outdoor travel during transmission seasons.
For many short holidays from Malta to South Korea, the main step is confirming that routine vaccinations such as tetanus and measles are up to date.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to South Korea?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.