Basic Health and Safety

In this section, you will find information on how to stay well while in South Korea and while traveling to other countries. The process of wellness starts before you go abroad with a visit to your doctor. You may need to get inoculations to protect you from various illnesses before traveling. You will also learn some tips about food and water safety.

• What to Know about South Korea: Learn all you can about the health and safety issues of South Korea and the countries you plan to visit. This includes reading about the cultural and political climate of those countries, as well as learning about how others view people from your country, race, ethnic group, religion, gender and sexual orientation.
• Illnesses, Diseases, and Inoculations: Find out about the various illnesses that might be more common in South Korea or the regions and countries to which you will be traveling. Get the appropriate shots and pills, and take the appropriate medications with you if your doctor thinks it's necessary. Find out about any potential side-effects of shots and pills that you may take. For more information on illnesses that may be prevalent in South Korea, please see the CDC link in the Resources section of this Handbook.
• Physicals and Check-ups: Get a complete physical, eye exam and dental check-up before going to South Korea. The quality of dental and medical care might be different in the various countries or regions you may visit. Also, care could possibly be more expensive than in the United States, or your health insurance may not cover your medical care abroad as well as in the U.S.
• Can You Drink the Water?: Find out if water is generally safe to drink in different regions of South Korea and in the countries to which you will be traveling. To avoid risk, many travelers drink bottled water. Remember that ice can also be unsafe, as well as the water you use to brush your teeth.
• Food Safety: Poor refrigeration, undercooked meat, and roadside/outdoor vendors could pose problems related to food contamination. If you get diarrhea or food poisoning, remember to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. As with any illness, consider seeing a doctor if your condition worsens. Give your body time to adjust to new types of foods you will be eating.
• Laws and Codes of Conduct: Make yourself aware of both the rules and regulations of your study abroad program sponsor, and the local laws and customs of South Korea and the countries which you will be visiting. Understand that you will not only have to conform to the legal system of South Korea, but also obey the codes of conduct required of program participants. Also recognize that certain laws may vary from region to region or even city to city.
• Mental and Physical Health: Consider your own mental and physical health issues when applying for a study abroad program, and make all your necessary health information available to your program's administrators so they can assist you with any special needs, or advise you on the risks you might face. Study abroad may include both physical and mental challenges for students, so make sure you establish a support network of program administrators, family and friends who can help you.
• Prescriptions: Get a doctor's signed prescription for any medication you have to bring with you to South Korea. Some prescriptions may need to be translated into Korean if you wish to fill them in South Korea. Also include a copy of your prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. Bring an extra pair of glasses.
• First-Aid Kit: Consider a well-stocked first-aid kit as a first line of defense. Some items to include are: sunscreen, bandages, flashlight, sterile pads, insect repellent, adhesive tape, aspirin, antacid, anti-diarrhea tablets, anti-malarial medication, extra bottled water, feminine protection, condoms, rubber gloves, etc.
• Fitness and Exercise: Try to get fit in the time you have before departing for South Korea. A healthy body can help you fight off illness and recover faster if you do get sick. Even though it may be harder to follow a structured workout routine, try to stay fit while in South Korea. Exercise also helps to increase energy levels and combat depression.
• Walking: Get a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. Without access to a car or public transportation in South Korea, you may have to do quite a bit of walking. Break in your shoes before you go.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep your program staff and your emergency contacts at home and in South Korea well informed of your whereabouts and activities, and provide these people with copies of your important travel documents (i.e. passport, visa, plane tickets, traveler's checks, and prescriptions, etc.).
• Air Travel: When you travel by air, drink a lot of non-alcoholic fluids, stay away from caffeine, eat light, and stretch often to avoid jetlag. Many airlines are now required to show an in-flight video of stretching exercises you can do on the plane in order to avoid the potential formation of blood clots, which can be caused by cabin pressure. A direct flight is usually easier for most travelers, but flights broken up by stops can also lessen jet lag.
• Transportation: Accidents involving in-country travel, whether by air, bus, train, taxi, car, etc., are a major cause of injury to students abroad. It is important to understand what the safe modes of travel are in South Korea and in the countries to which you plan to travel.
• Bus: The most popular way to travel from city to city in South Korea is by bus. Service is excellent, reliable and not expensive. Buses travel between cities and many major points of interest. It's probably a good idea to have a basic grasp of Korean so you can understand where the bus is stopping, and how you can get to and from the station. In the cities, travel by bus is a lot more chaotic, particularly in Seoul, and it's probably easier and more efficient to take the subway.
• Train/Metro: Train service is generally more expensive than travel by bus; however, the trains if South Korea are clean, efficient, comfortable and easy to navigate even if you don't know Korean. In the major cities, subways have a color-coded system that also make for good navigation regardless of language skills, and are a good way to get around. Keep in mind that areas with dense populations and large numbers of visitors (like Seoul) are targets for pickpockets. Also, try to avoid traveling by yourself, especially at night.
• Air: Within South Korea, air travel can be a good value compared to a long bus or train ride. There is a new international airport, Incheon, about 25 miles outside of downtown Seoul. Most domestic flights land and take-off from the old airport, Gimpo, about 16 miles west of Seoul.
• Cars (Driving): U.S. driver's licenses are valid in South Korea. South Korean insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. You should obtain full coverage insurance when renting vehicles in South Korea. Those arriving in their own vehicle can easily obtain South Korean insurance on the U.S. side of the land border and should do so. If a driver is involved in a vehicle accident resulting in damages or injuries to another party, the driver may be arrested and detained by South Korean authorities until a settlement is arranged with the injured party. Furthermore, depending upon the extent of damages or injuries to the other party, you may face charges filed by the South Korean judicial authorities.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad can increase the risk of accident and injury. Many study abroad accidents and injuries are related to the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad. This is especially true in South Korea, which is a popular Spring Break party destination for students. Violating drug laws in South Korea may result in very serious consequences. In some countries you may visit, being found guilty of violating drug laws can result in consequences as serious as death.
• Setting an Example: Set a good example. Remember you are like an ambassador for your U.S. college or university, as well as your culture and country. Behave in a way that is respectful of others' rights and well-being and encourage others to do the same.