South Korea is an amazing place to visit, filled with exciting cities, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. However, like any trip abroad, it’s important to prioritize your health and safety. Below, you’ll find essential tips to help you stay healthy and safe during your travels in South Korea.
Stay Healthy While Traveling in South Korea
It’s easy to maintain your health while visiting South Korea, thanks to clean water, high hygiene standards, and readily available healthcare. However, there are still a few things you should know before you go to ensure a smooth trip.
Recommended Vaccinations
Before traveling to South Korea, make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes regular vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), the yearly flu shot, and tetanus. Additionally, consider getting the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations, especially if you’ll be staying for a long time or visiting rural areas.
If you plan on visiting national parks or hiking during spring and summer, a Japanese Encephalitis vaccine might also be a good idea. The risk is low, but it’s better to be prepared.
Tap Water
The tap water in South Korea is safe to drink in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. However, if you’re sensitive to changes in water quality or visiting rural areas, you might want to stick to bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available.
Food Safety
Korean food is delicious and generally safe to eat, even at street stalls. But, as with anywhere, avoid eating food that looks like it’s been sitting out for too long. Stick to popular places because they have a higher turnover, which means fresher ingredients.
Staying Hydrated
Korea’s summers can be very hot and humid, so keeping hydrated is important. Make sure to drink plenty of water, particularly if you are hiking or doing outdoor activities.
Dealing with Air Quality
South Korea occasionally has poor air quality due to fine dust from China, particularly in spring. You can check air quality levels on apps like AirVisual and wear an anti-pollution mask if levels are high. These masks are sold everywhere in South Korea.
Safety Tips for Traveling in South Korea
South Korea is generally a very safe country for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, there are still a few things you should keep an eye out for.
Petty Crime
Although pickpocketing and theft are fairly uncommon in South Korea, it’s still wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded markets or subway stations. It helps to wear a crossbody bag or keep your wallet in your front pocket.
Public Transport Safety
Public transport, including buses and subways, is extremely safe and reliable. Always follow transport etiquette by giving up seats for elderly people and staying quiet on public transportation. Most stations are also equipped with CCTV, increasing overall safety.
Safe Areas to Stay In
Urban areas like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon have very safe neighborhoods for tourists. However, like in any city, some nightlife areas can get rowdy late at night. Exercise caution in areas like Itaewon or Hongdae if you’re there after midnight—stick to well-lit streets and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Safety in Rural Areas
Rural areas in South Korea are also very safe but come with a few extra considerations. If you’re hiking or exploring nature, tell someone your plans, especially if you’re going into the mountains. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and don’t underestimate the difficulty of Korean hiking trails—they can be tough!
Emergency Numbers and What to Do in an Emergency
Knowing the local emergency numbers is always helpful in a new country. South Korea’s emergency services are efficient and quick to respond if needed.
Emergency Contact Numbers
- Police: 112
- Fire and Ambulance: 119
- Tourist Police (English-speaking): 1330
In case of an emergency, most operators speak basic English, but if you’re worried about language barriers, the tourist police can help. They have English-speaking staff and can assist with any emergency situations that arise.
Healthcare in Korea
South Korea has excellent healthcare services and many international hospitals, especially in cities like Seoul. In major urban areas, doctors often speak English, and all hospitals or clinics will be clean and modern.
If you need non-emergency medical assistance, you can visit a pharmacy (“약국”) for advice or over-the-counter medication. There are many pharmacies in both cities and rural areas.
Travel Insurance
It’s always a good idea to get travel insurance before a trip. Healthcare in South Korea can be expensive for foreigners without insurance, especially if you need to be hospitalized. Choose a good travel insurance policy that covers both health care and theft or lost property.
Local Laws to Be Aware Of
Every country has its own set of laws, and South Korea is no different. Here are a few notable things to keep in mind to avoid trouble:
Drinking Laws
The legal drinking age in South Korea is 19. Drinking in public is allowed, so you’ll often see people enjoying drinks at parks or by the river. However, always drink responsibly and avoid loud or disruptive behavior that may offend locals.
Drug Laws
South Korea has very strict drug laws, and even small amounts of drugs are illegal. The consequences can be serious, so avoid any involvement with illegal substances while in the country.
Respect for Local Customs
South Koreans are friendly and helpful, but politeness goes a long way. While Korea is very modern, respecting local customs and showing some humility and patience will go a long way in making your trip better.
Natural Disasters and Weather
South Korea is generally not affected by severe natural disasters, but typhoons can happen in the late summer and early autumn. If you’re visiting during this time, keep an eye on the weather reports, which are usually available in English or on apps. Schools, businesses, and transport services sometimes close during severe weather warnings.
Earthquakes
While earthquakes are rare in South Korea, tremors can happen. If an earthquake occurs, try to take cover under sturdy furniture and avoid standing near windows or heavy items that might fall.
Use Technology to Stay Safe
Technology can help you stay healthy and safe during your trip to South Korea. Download useful apps ahead of time to make your journey smoother.
Helpful Apps
- Emergency Ready App: This app, provided by the Ministry of Public Safety, offers real-time updates on emergencies and safety tips in English.
- Kakao Map: One of Korea’s most popular map apps for getting around. Google Maps doesn’t always work well in Korea, so Kakao Map will be your go-to for navigation.
- Naver Translate: Useful for translating Korean text into English if you can’t read signs or need help in a store.
Conclusion
By taking a few simple steps to stay healthy and safe, you’ll be able to enjoy everything South Korea has to offer without any worries. Keep basic safety and health tips in mind, and you’ll have an unforgettable trip to this amazing country!
Leave a reply