As some of you will have noticed, there’s a little Korean Tourism Organisation widget on my blog. I think this has been used by the KTO to measure visitors to my blog for their ‘Blog Korea’ competition, in which I’ve been participating.
Anyway, it appears I’ve made the top 100, so for now that means a small prize, and a possible tour for a few days when I am over in Korea next month. Things have been a touch hectic at home, so I’m looking forward to getting away to the Korean countryside and south coast.
While I’m happy about the win, my left arm is feeling a little sorry for itself. Today I dragged myself in for various vaccinations that are useful safety precautions.
I didn’t really bother with this last time, as we spent almost the entire time in Seoul, but as I’ll be venturing through the countryside I’ve done a bit more research this time. While this is definitely not the sexiest topic, neither is the thought of contracting Japanese Encephalitis. Slim chance of contracting it, but a pretty serious result if you do.
I found the Lonely Planet South Korea Health information page to be a pretty good resource in this regard. You can also get helpful information from the Australian government at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/south_korea, and from the US government at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/south-korea.aspx. The KTO website is unfortunately silent on the topic, but given where the average Korean traveller is going, there probably isn’t much risk, so I can understand this. However, do your research (Google is extremely helpful, ask your doctor, and make sure you do so at least one month before you leave. I’ve left it a few days and late and will have to chase one of my booster shots down when I’m in Seoul.
None of the standard vaccinations was particularly unpleasant. I just happened to mention that I was probably due for my tetanus booster and the doctor threw that one in for free.
So do take your travel seriously. On my last trip to Korea, I found it to be clean and safe for the most part, but like any country, there are risks and you need to make sure you manage them. Be safe.
Authors bio is coming up shortly.