South Korea – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in South Korea?

Data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare shows that chronic illness is responsible for the bulk of the disease burden in South Korea — a situation made worse by the healthcare system’s longstanding emphasis on treating illness rather than preventing it. Chronic disease affects roughly 24 percent of the population, placing conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer squarely at the heart of the country’s public health priorities.

Consumer surveys carried out in 2024 indicate that cardiovascular conditions — encompassing high blood pressure and heart disease — top the list of self-reported health problems. Notably, cardiovascular disease is also one of the leading causes of death among South Koreans in their twenties and thirties, meaning that even relatively young adults face meaningful risk factors.

In 2019, eight of the ten leading contributors to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in South Korea were non-communicable diseases. Stroke held the top position as the leading cause of death in both 1990 and 2019, though its age-standardised mortality rate fell considerably over those three decades — a testament to advances in medical care and public health infrastructure.

South Korea’s rapidly ageing population is fuelling a rise in chronic degenerative conditions. The share of the population aged 65 and older is projected to climb from 13% in 2014 to 38% by 2050. This demographic trend is making illnesses such as dementia, osteoporosis, and age-related heart disease increasingly significant challenges for the national health system.

On the infectious disease front, tuberculosis stands out as a persistent problem. South Korea has ranked last among OECD countries across all three key TB measures — incidence rate, prevalence rate, and death rate — ever since it joined the organisation in 1996. This is a particularly relevant concern for expats arriving from countries where TB is relatively uncommon.

Is South Korea considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

In 2024, life expectancy at birth reached 83.7 years nationally — 86.6 years for women and 80.8 years for men — surpassing the OECD average by more than two years in both cases. By this benchmark, South Korea is firmly positioned among the world’s healthiest nations, currently holding the 3rd place globally for life expectancy.

That said, South Koreans now face an average of 18.2 years lived in poor health toward the end of life, even as total life expectancy reached a record high in 2024. Healthy life expectancy — the number of years expected to be lived free from significant disease or disability — stood at 65.5 years. The widening gap between total and healthy life expectancy is an emerging concern for health planners and policymakers.

A 2018 Lancet study found South Korea had the sixth-highest level of expected human capital in the world, with 26 health, education, and learning-adjusted expected years lived between the ages of 20 and 64. This places South Korea among an elite group of nations when health and economic productivity are measured together.

Disparities in life expectancy across socioeconomic groups were comparatively modest in South Korea relative to many peer nations, though a gap of nearly three years in male life expectancy between more and less affluent areas was still observed. For the most up-to-date data on South Korea’s health indicators, the WHO Republic of Korea country profile and Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) at kostat.go.kr are authoritative sources.

Between 1990 and 2019, age-standardised DALYs attributable to non-communicable diseases fell by 43.6% while related mortality dropped by 58.8% — remarkable improvements achieved within a single generation, reflecting both advances in medicine and broadly rising living standards.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in South Korea?

South Korea is a wealthy, well-sanitated country with a strong healthcare system, yet several infectious diseases and environmental hazards merit attention before relocating. With adequate awareness and sensible precautions, most of these risks are very manageable.

Tuberculosis remains the country’s most prominent infectious disease challenge. As noted above, South Korea has ranked last among OECD members for TB since 1996. Expats coming from regions where TB is rare — including much of Western Europe — should take note of this elevated background prevalence and consult their home country’s travel health authority regarding any recommended screening or vaccination prior to departure.

In contrast, South Korea has one of the lowest HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rates in the world at just 0.1% of the population — well below the figures seen across most OECD countries. Tap water quality in urban areas meets national standards, though filtered or bottled water is preferred by many residents and is a reasonable precaution in older buildings.

Yellow dust pollution, which blows in from deserts in China and Mongolia each spring, can substantially degrade air quality — particularly in Seoul and other densely populated cities. The UK government’s travel guidance advises monitoring local media and the Korean Meteorological Administration website; on days with elevated particle concentrations, most people stay indoors or wear protective masks when going outside. Expats with asthma, chronic respiratory conditions, or cardiovascular disease should take particular care during these periods.

Influenza vaccination coverage in South Korea is strong, with 43.5% of the overall population vaccinated in 2019 and 80.8% of those aged 65 and over. Flu shots are readily available at local clinics and pharmacies and are highly recommended for all expats. Standard pre-travel vaccinations — including hepatitis A, typhoid, and current tetanus and MMR boosters — are generally advised; for the most current recommendations, consult your home government’s travel health service or South Korea’s Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Tick-borne illnesses, including scrub typhus and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, occur in rural and forested areas, with autumn being the highest-risk season. Expats who regularly hike or spend time in natural settings beyond city limits should apply insect repellent and inspect themselves for ticks after any outdoor activity.

Is smoking common in South Korea, and what are the laws around it?

South Korea displays a striking contrast between male and female smoking rates. The male smoking rate is the highest of any OECD member country, while the female smoking rate sits among the lowest. As of 2020, 16.4% of Koreans overall were daily smokers. This gender divide means secondhand smoke exposure is far more likely in spaces frequented predominantly by men, and outdoor smoking remains a visible aspect of daily life in many areas.

Mandatory military service plays a significant role in sustaining elevated male smoking rates. With many men spending two years in an environment where smoking is a socially embedded activity, a substantial number begin the habit during their service. This cultural backdrop helps explain the persistence of high male smoking despite broad public awareness of the associated health risks.

On 1 January 2015, the Ministry of Health introduced bans on smoking inside cafés, restaurants, and bars. Government offices, public institutions, public transport facilities, and educational establishments have all been designated smoke-free zones. In August 2024, these restrictions were expanded further to prohibit smoking within 30 metres of daycare centres, kindergartens, and primary, middle, and high schools — reflecting ongoing progress in tobacco control legislation.

Violating indoor smoking rules can result in fines of under 100,000 won. South Korea’s tobacco control policy took formal shape with the passage of the National Health Promotion Act in 1995, followed by the establishment of the National Health Promotion Fund — financed through a tobacco tax — in 1997. Expats familiar with comprehensive indoor smoking bans, such as those in place in Ireland, France, or New Zealand, will find indoor settings in South Korea broadly comparable. Outdoor smoking in public spaces, however, remains widespread.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in South Korea?

South Korea has sustained one of the lowest obesity rates of any country in the world — with only around 3% of the population classified as obese, placing it second lowest among OECD nations. This stands in sharp contrast to many other high-income countries where obesity rates commonly exceed 25–30%. The traditional Korean diet, characterised by abundant vegetables, fermented foods such as kimchi, fish, and rice, is widely regarded as central to this favourable outcome.

Notwithstanding these impressive figures, diet-related health concerns are shifting. The growing footprint of Western fast food, the high sodium content typical of many traditional Korean dishes, and increasing rates of metabolic conditions in younger adults have emerged as public health issues of concern. Among men aged 30 to 39, the prevalence of hypertension climbed from 12.6% in 2010 to 17.1% in 2018, while hypercholesterolaemia rose from 8.9% to 15.1% over the same period — indicating that dietary and lifestyle stressors are taking a toll even among relatively young adults.

According to OECD data, alcohol consumption in South Korea stood at 8.3 litres per person in 2020 — slightly below the OECD average, though alcohol occupies a significant place in Korean social and professional culture. Soju and beer are the most widely consumed beverages, and collective drinking is a common feature of workplace and personal socialising. Expats should be prepared for strong social expectations around drinking in certain professional environments.

As the growing burden of later-life illness creates pressure on healthcare financing, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has signalled a stronger focus on preventive care, including expanding the national health checkup programme for early detection and lifestyle support. Expats enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service are entitled to participate in regular health screenings — a practical resource for tracking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in South Korea?

A major obstacle to mental healthcare in South Korea is the influence of Confucianist values, under which seeking psychological treatment can be interpreted as losing face — a source of shame both for the individual and their family. Korean physicians observe that Confucian culture’s stress on personal willpower and self-discipline fosters a social bias against acknowledging mental health difficulties, and traditional values have historically framed mental illness as something to be endured privately rather than addressed professionally. Understanding this cultural dimension is essential for expats navigating the local social environment.

Those who do pursue therapy frequently pay out of pocket and in cash specifically to avoid mental health treatment appearing on their insurance record and potentially becoming known to others. An epidemiological survey found that only 22% of South Koreans with a diagnosed mental illness ever seek professional help across their lifetime — a figure that compares poorly with treatment-seeking rates in countries such as Australia, Canada, or Germany, where mental health care is more thoroughly integrated into primary healthcare and carries less social stigma.

South Korea records high rates of mental illness relative to most OECD member states, despite the nation’s general prosperity and development. Suicide rates remain a serious public health issue, and occupational stress is widely recognised as a key driver of poor mental health outcomes — particularly among younger generations grappling with intense academic competition and workplace pressure.

In December 2023, the South Korean government committed to overhauling its approach through a Mental Health Policy Innovation Plan designed to manage the full continuum of mental illness — from early prevention through to recovery. The plan targets government-funded psychological counselling for one million people by 2027.

Private psychiatric and psychological services are accessible in major cities, and Seoul in particular has a number of clinics offering consultations in languages other than Korean. International hospitals and clinics oriented toward the expatriate community can assist with referrals. Expats relocating from countries with publicly funded mental health access — such as the NHS in the United Kingdom or statutory health insurance in Germany — should anticipate a predominantly out-of-pocket model in South Korea, especially for non-Korean-language therapy.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in South Korea?

Relocating to South Korea involves several health-related adjustments that are worth anticipating before arrival. While the country offers excellent medical facilities, the blend of environmental, cultural, and lifestyle differences can pose particular challenges for newcomers.

• Air quality and respiratory health: Yellow dust and general air pollution pose elevated risks, particularly during spring. Expats are advised to monitor local media and the Korean Meteorological Administration website regularly. Those with asthma, allergies, or pre-existing respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before and after moving, and may wish to invest in a high-quality home air purifier.
• Tuberculosis exposure: South Korea’s standing as the OECD’s worst performer for TB is a relevant consideration for expats from lower-risk countries. A baseline TB skin test or chest X-ray before departure, and follow-up screening after an extended stay, is advisable in line with guidance from your home country’s health authority.
• Dietary adjustment: Traditional Korean food tends to be high in sodium, which can affect blood pressure with prolonged consumption. Fermented foods, while highly nutritious, may also require some digestive adaptation. Expats with hypertension or gastrointestinal sensitivities should monitor their intake and seek advice from a local physician if needed.
• Mental wellbeing and social isolation: Cultural adaptation, language barriers, and the challenge of building a new social network can weigh on mental health. Expats are encouraged to actively cultivate support communities and to recognise that accessing mental health services may take more personal initiative given the cultural and structural barriers described above.
• Health insurance and screenings: Most long-term residents are covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). As of 2020, 97.1% of the insured population was enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI), with 2.9% covered by Medical Aid. Expats in legal employment are generally enrolled automatically; those not in paid work should secure private health insurance. Taking part in the NHIS health screening programme is strongly advisable for identifying chronic conditions early.
• Climate and seasonal transitions: South Korea’s summers are hot and humid while winters are cold and dry. Newcomers may be vulnerable to heat-related illness in summer and to respiratory infections during winter. Staying well hydrated, dressing for the season, and keeping vaccinations current all support good health through these transitions.

A practical early step is to register with a nearby clinic or family medicine practitioner (가정의학과, gajong uihakgwa) shortly after settling in. Most major hospitals in Seoul and other large cities operate international patient centres with multilingual staff, making the initial registration process far more accessible for those still learning Korean.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in South Korea?

A range of official and expat-accessible sources exist for health information in South Korea. Because guidelines, vaccination recommendations, and health risks can shift over time, always confirm details with authoritative sources both before and after your move.

• Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA): South Korea’s leading public health body, the KDCA publishes up-to-date information on infectious diseases, vaccination schedules, and public health initiatives. Official guidance is available at kdca.go.kr.
• Ministry of Health and Welfare: The ministry overseeing national health policy, regulatory frameworks, and social welfare publishes English-language content on healthcare services and policy at mohw.go.kr.
• National Health Insurance Service (NHIS): For guidance on health insurance coverage and foreign resident eligibility, the NHIS provides an English-language section at nhis.or.kr.
• WHO Republic of Korea profile: The World Health Organization maintains a country health data profile for South Korea at data.who.int/countries/410, useful for comparing South Korea’s health indicators against international benchmarks.
• Statistics Korea (KOSTAT): For the most current population health and demographic statistics, visit kostat.go.kr.
• Your home country’s travel health authority: Before relocating, consult your government’s travel health resource — such as the UK’s TravelHealthPro, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travellers’ health pages, or their national equivalents — for vaccination advice and current health alerts relevant to South Korea.
• International hospitals in South Korea: Leading international hospitals in Seoul — including Severance Hospital, Samsung Medical Centre, and Asan Medical Centre — operate dedicated international patient centres offering multilingual services and practical assistance for expats navigating the South Korean healthcare system.

Bear in mind that specific figures, fees, and health guidelines are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the KDCA, NHIS, or Ministry of Health and Welfare before and after relocating to South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in South Korea

Is the water safe to drink in South Korea?

South Korea’s tap water meets national safety standards and is technically fit for consumption. In practice, however, many residents — locals and expats alike — choose to use water filters or rely on bottled water, particularly in older apartment buildings where the condition of internal pipework may be variable. In major urban centres such as Seoul, tap water is closely monitored, but filtering it remains a widely adopted and sensible habit.

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to South Korea?

Core routine vaccinations — including MMR, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B — should be current before moving to South Korea. Annual influenza vaccination is strongly advised and is readily available at local clinics and pharmacies; South Korea had a flu vaccination rate of 43.5% in 2019. Typhoid vaccination may also be recommended depending on your intended travel patterns within the region. Consult your home country’s travel health authority and the KDCA for the latest requirements before you relocate.

Is tuberculosis a serious risk for expats in South Korea?

South Korea holds the worst TB record among all OECD countries across incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates — a distinction it has held since joining the organisation in 1996. For a healthy adult expat, the overall personal risk remains relatively modest, but getting a baseline TB test prior to departure and undergoing follow-up screening after an extended stay is a sensible precaution. Discuss the appropriate preventive steps with your doctor before moving.

How bad is air pollution in South Korea?

Air quality concerns are genuine, particularly during spring when yellow dust blown in from Central Asian deserts combines with local emissions to produce poor air quality days — especially in and around Seoul. On the worst days, most residents stay indoors or wear protective face masks. Real-time air quality data is accessible through monitoring apps and the Korean Meteorological Administration website, which are worth bookmarking soon after arrival.

Can I access mental health services as an expat in South Korea?

Mental health services do exist in South Korea, with private clinics and counsellors operating in major cities, and some international hospitals offering consultations in multiple languages. However, uptake of these services remains low across the population, driven significantly by the social stigma rooted in Confucianist values around maintaining face and a cultural expectation of enduring hardship privately. Expats should be proactive about seeking referrals and should expect to pay privately, especially for therapy delivered in languages other than Korean.

Is obesity a problem in South Korea?

South Korea records one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, with roughly 3% of the population classified as obese — the second lowest figure in the OECD. The traditional Korean diet, abundant in vegetables, fermented foods, and relatively free of processed sugars, is a major contributing factor. Nevertheless, rising hypertension and cholesterol rates among younger adults suggest that changing dietary habits and lifestyle pressures — partly driven by the spread of Western fast food — are beginning to leave a mark.

Are there language barriers when accessing healthcare in South Korea?

Korean is the primary language used across most healthcare settings, which can present a real challenge for expats who are not yet proficient. Large hospitals in Seoul and other major cities generally have international patient departments staffed by multilingual personnel who can arrange translation support. In smaller towns and rural areas, English-language medical assistance may be scarce. Building a basic Korean medical vocabulary and carrying translated versions of your prescriptions and health records is strongly recommended.

Will I be covered by South Korea’s national health insurance as an expat?

South Korea operates a mandatory universal health coverage system. As of 2020, 97.1% of the covered population was enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHI), with the remaining 2.9% receiving coverage through Medical Aid. Foreign nationals legally living and working in South Korea for six months or more are generally required to enrol in the NHIS automatically. Those who are not employed should arrange adequate private health insurance. For current eligibility criteria and contribution rates, visit the NHIS English-language website, as these details are subject to change.