Responding to infectious disease

Infectious disease guidance changes with the situation. This guide tells you where to check.

Basic principles

1. If you have symptoms, get tested and seen.
2. Masks and handwashing reduce spread.
3. Rest when ill and avoid crowded places.
4. Check the current guidance with the KDCA and 1339.
5. Who should be vaccinated and when also changes yearly — check.

Where to check

• KDCA www.kdca.go.kr — outbreak status and guidance
• 1339 — infectious disease call centre
• Public health centre — testing, vaccination, advice
• Disaster texts and the Emergency Ready app — local notices
• 1345 — when you need interpretation

If you have symptoms

1. Phone a nearby clinic or health centre to ask how to attend.
2. Wear a mask when travelling. Avoid public transport if you can.
3. Follow the prescription and rest advice you are given.
4. Breathing difficulty, chest pain or reduced consciousness means 119.
5. Tell your workplace or school and don't force yourself in.

Where to go

• 1339 KDCA call centre
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre
• 119 emergencies
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (interpretation)
• Your local public health centre

Questions people ask

How much does testing cost? It depends on the situation and who you are. Check with 1339 or your health centre. This guide gives no figures.

Do foreign residents get support? Infectious disease response is meant to apply regardless of nationality. Check the details with 1339 or 129.

My residence status is precarious. If you are ill, get treatment first. Local free clinics exist too. See free-clinics.

My employer won't let me take time off. Consult 1350. Working while ill endangers your colleagues too.

Take care

Follow official KDCA guidance, not internet rumour. Unverified remedies and folk treatments are dangerous. Isolation and testing rules change often — always check the latest.

Related

quarantine-rules · cold-flu · vaccination-adults · disaster-alert-understanding · free-clinics

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08