How To Stay Healthy While Travelling South Korea

Hey there, traveller! So you’re planning a trip to South Korea, eh? That’s great! But before you start packing your bags, there’s one important thing you need to take into account: the food. Now, don’t get me wrong, the food in South Korea is amazing. I’m talking about kimchi, bulgogi, jjajangmyeon… mmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! But all that deliciousness comes at a price: an upset stomach.

Before heading off on your adventure to South Korea, consider getting up-to-date on suggested vaccinations. Health experts advise vaccines for hepatitis A and B when travelling to East Asia. These diseases can spread easily through contaminated water or food, so staying protected is wise. Book a visit with your healthcare provider a few weeks before your trip to discuss which vaccinations are right for you, especially if there’s a sudden outbreak of any illness.

Now, we’re not trying to scare you off from travelling to South Korea. We have a goal of providing EVERY piece of information on the country, so that you can be prepared for what’s to come. After all, the last thing you want is to be spending your vacation holed up in the bathroom instead of out exploring the country. So without further ado, here are my top tips for staying healthy while travelling through South Korea!

Avoid street food

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not always easy to resist those tempting food carts when you’re walking around town with a growling stomach. But if you want to avoid getting sick, it’s best to steer clear of street food in any country altogether. The hygiene standards are just not as high as they are in restaurants, so it’s best to play it safe and eat indoors.

Jet lag is a common companion on long-haul flights, thanks to time zone differences. To help adjust your body’s clock, try to manage your sleep schedule before departure and stay hydrated during your flight. Adjusting your watch to South Korean time once onboard can also mentally prepare you for the change. Napping on the plane can be beneficial, but make sure it doesn’t hinder your ability to sleep once you land.

Be careful with raw fish

South Korea is famous for its seafood, so if you’re a fan of sushi or sashimi, you’re in for a treat! Just be sure to only eat fish that has been properly cooked. Raw fish carries a higher risk of parasites and bacteria that can cause serious illness.

Stick to bottled water

The tap water in South Korea is safe to drink of course, but if you’re worried about getting sick from the change in water quality across the entire country, it’s best to stick to bottled water. This will also save you from having to buy endless bottles of Soju to wash down all that spicy food!

Don’t forget your probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms (i.e. good bacteria) that help maintain the balance of microbes in your gut. They’re essential for good gut health, which is important for digestive comfort and immunity. I always make sure to take probiotics when I travel, especially when I know I’ll be indulging in lots of spicy food. You can find them in most pharmacies back home or at any Seoul pharmacy while you’re there.

Wash your hands often

Washing your hands is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent getting sick while travelling. Sometimes even the cleanest looking restaurants don’t have the highest standards when it comes to hygiene, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and give your hands a good wash after every meal.

Understanding Korean Menus

Exploring local cuisine is one of the highlights of travelling, but language barriers can sometimes make ordering difficult. Many Korean restaurants offer picture menus or translations, but it’s handy to know a few keywords. Look for ‘sansae’ if you prefer vegetarian dishes, or ‘chae’ if you need to avoid certain meat products. Learning a few basic Korean phrases can enhance your dining experience, making it easier to communicate your dietary needs.

And finally… don’t stress!

I know travelling can be stressful, but try not to let it get to you too much. Stress weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to illness. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your trip!

South Korea is an amazing country with lots of delicious food options. But before you indulge in all that kimchi and sushi, there are some things you need to keep in mind in order stay healthy while travelling through South Korea. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about getting sick! And trust me…that kimchi will taste even better knowing that you’ll be able to fully enjoy all that South Korea has offer without spending any time stuck in the bathroom 🙂