Health
Use normal food and water precautions; standards are generally high but risk varies by activity. Prevent mosquito/tick bites outdoors: CDC notes limited malaria risk Mar-Dec in rural northern Incheon, Gangwon and Gyeonggi incl. DMZ, and Japanese encephalitis risk for rural/long stays. Summers can be hot/humid; winters cold; no major altitude issue for typical trips.
Vaccinations
Consult a doctor or travel clinic at least a month before travel. CDC lists routine vaccines incl. MMR, polio, flu, varicella, Tdap, shingles as applicable, plus COVID-19. Hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travelers; Hepatitis B and typhoid are commonly considered. Japanese encephalitis, rabies pre-exposure, and malaria prevention depend on itinerary and activities. Yellow-fever vaccine is not recommended and no certificate is required for South Korea.
eSIM / connectivity
eSIM is widely usable on unlocked compatible phones. Korea’s main networks are SK Telecom, KT and LG U+; tourist SIM/eSIM and pocket Wi-Fi options are sold online and at major airports. LG U+ states eSIM can be used after scanning a purchase QR code; passport upload/registration may be required, and data-only plans may not support SMS verification.
Health/vaccine info is reference only, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic; defer to CDC/WHO and official sources (as of 2026-06-20).