If you are staying in Korea, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine on the same basis as Korean nationals. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) includes foreign residents in its vaccination program, and the vaccine is provided free of charge for high-risk groups. Please check the latest vaccination schedule and your own eligibility by calling 1339 (KDCA) or 1345 (Immigration Contact Center).
Who Is Eligible?
You are eligible for vaccination if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Long-term foreign residents: People who hold an Alien Registration Card (with an Alien Registration Number), or who have a visa valid for more than 90 days
- Permanent residents: People who hold a permanent residency visa (F-5)
- Undocumented migrants: Even if you do not have an Alien Registration Card, you can still get vaccinated. Bring your passport to your nearest community health center (bogeonso) and staff will issue you a temporary ID number so you can book an appointment.
Not eligible: People on a short-term stay of 90 days or fewer (for example, a tourist visa) are not included in the vaccination program.
Cost
At this time, COVID-19 vaccination is provided free of charge only for high-risk groups, including people aged 65 and over, people with weakened immune systems, and residents or patients in facilities with a high risk of infection. Adults who do not fall into a high-risk group can still get vaccinated at a local clinic or hospital, but will need to pay. If you are unsure whether you qualify for free vaccination, call 1339.
Current Vaccination Schedule (2024, 2025 Season)
The 2024, 2025 seasonal COVID-19 vaccination program uses a vaccine effective against the JN.1 variant, and one dose completes your seasonal vaccination. The exception is children aged 12 and under with weakened immune systems, for whom additional doses may be needed after consulting a doctor.
The vaccination period runs from Friday, 11 October 2024 to Wednesday, 30 April 2025.
| Group | Vaccination starts |
|---|---|
| Age 75 and over (born on or before 31 December 1949) | From 11 October 2024 |
| Age 70, 74 (born 1950, 1954) | From 15 October 2024 |
| Age 65, 69 (born 1955, 1959) | From 18 October 2024 |
| People with weakened immune systems and residents/patients at high-risk facilities | From 11 October 2024 |
These dates and deadlines may change, so please check the latest information with 1339 (KDCA) or your local community health center before making an appointment.
How to Book an Appointment
Choose whichever of the three options below fits your situation.
If you have both an Alien Registration Card and national health insurance
You can book online at the KDCA Vaccination Information website (nip.kdca.go.kr).
If you have an Alien Registration Card but no national health insurance
Call the COVID-19 vaccination booking hotline for your area. To find the number, dial your local area code + 120.
If you do not have an Alien Registration Card (including undocumented migrants)
Visit your nearest community health center (bogeonso) in person. Bring your passport (an expired passport, or a certificate of employment issued by your employer, may also be accepted) and staff will issue a temporary number for vaccination purposes. Once you have that number, the health center will help you book your appointment on the spot.
Where Do I Get Vaccinated?
Vaccinations are given at community health centers and designated medical institutions. You can find the nearest participating location using the “Find a designated clinic” feature on the KDCA Vaccination Information website (nip.kdca.go.kr).
- National health insurance subscribers: You can be vaccinated at a community health center or at a designated local clinic or hospital.
- People without national health insurance: Please go to the community health center in your area.
Is Vaccination Compulsory?
No, COVID-19 vaccination is not compulsory. Whether or not to get vaccinated is entirely your own choice. Health experts emphasize that vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness and death, and encourage everyone to get vaccinated when their turn comes.
Questions? Contact These Services
| Where to ask | Contact |
|---|---|
| KDCA Call Center | 1339 |
| Immigration Contact Center (1345) | 1345 / www.hikorea.go.kr |
| Your local district or city office | Area code + 120 |
Useful Links
- KDCA Vaccination Information (nip.kdca.go.kr), Find vaccination sites, download your vaccination certificate
- Government24 COVID-19 Vaccination Information (gov.kr), Check eligible groups and schedules by season
- Hi Korea, Immigration Contact Center (hikorea.go.kr), Questions about visa status and alien registration