Chronic hepatitis B is a condition in which infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) persists for six months or longer, causing ongoing inflammation in the liver. Without proper management, it can progress to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Fortunately, vaccination and regular check-ups make it very manageable and largely preventable.
What is chronic hepatitis B?
When an HBV infection lasts for six months or more, it is called chronic hepatitis B. About 5 to 10 percent of people with acute hepatitis B go on to develop the chronic form. Once it becomes chronic, the risk of progressing to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer rises significantly. In particular, when infection occurs in the newborn period, about 90 percent of cases can progress to chronic hepatitis, which is why preventive treatment right after birth is so important.
How does infection occur?
- Blood and body fluid contact: Direct contact with blood or body fluids containing HBV can lead to infection.
- Vertical (mother-to-child) transmission: A newborn can become infected during childbirth from a mother who carries the hepatitis B virus. This is the most common route of chronic hepatitis B infection.
- Unhygienic procedures: Receiving piercings, tattoos, or acupuncture in settings where equipment is not properly sterilized can lead to infection.
- Sharing personal hygiene items: Sharing items such as razors that can carry traces of blood puts you at risk.
- Sexual contact and blood transfusions: HBV can also spread through sexual intercourse or through receiving blood contaminated with the virus.
What symptoms can appear?
Acute hepatitis stage
Acute hepatitis B may produce no symptoms at all, or only mild ones.
- Discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever
In severe cases, dangerous symptoms can develop, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), and hepatic coma.
Chronic hepatitis stage
Chronic hepatitis B usually causes no noticeable symptoms. Often the only sign is a slightly elevated liver enzyme level on a blood test, meaning liver damage can quietly progress without any obvious warning. This is why regular check-ups are especially important.
If cirrhosis develops
When chronic hepatitis continues for a long time, it can worsen into liver cirrhosis.
- Early stage: General symptoms such as fatigue and weakness
- Advanced stage: Serious complications including jaundice, ascites, and coma
How can it be prevented?
Prevention at a glance
Vaccination
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease. Three doses given at 0, 1, and 6 months provide immunity. In Korea, hepatitis B vaccination is included in the National Immunization Program (NIP) — the government program that funds essential vaccines for children — and can be received at no cost at designated medical institutions and public health centers nationwide. Adults who do not have antibodies are also advised to get vaccinated. You can find vaccination sites through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Vaccination Assistance website. The 2026 National Immunization Program guidelines (for medical institutions and public health centers) are available on the KDCA Vaccination Assistance website, updated as of 12 January 2026.
Before applying, please check the latest information with 1345 (Immigration Contact Center, available 24 hours in multiple languages) or your local Korea Immigration Service office.
Preventing vertical (mother-to-child) transmission
Newborns born to mothers who carry the hepatitis B virus must receive both of the following immediately after birth (within 12 hours if possible):
- Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) injection: Creates an immediate protective barrier before the virus can establish itself in the body.
- First dose of the hepatitis B vaccine: The second and third doses follow on schedule to build long-term immunity.
When HBIG and the vaccine are given together, vertical transmission can be prevented in up to 97 percent of cases.
In Korea, the government runs the Perinatal Hepatitis B Transmission Prevention Program, which covers the costs involved. The program funds one HBIG injection, all three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, and up to two antigen and antibody tests. It is available at designated medical institutions across the country, regardless of your registered address.
You can find participating institutions through the KDCA Vaccination Assistance — Find a Designated Medical Institution page.
Everyday prevention tips
| Behavior to avoid | Reason |
|---|---|
| Do not share razors, nail clippers, or similar items | Trace amounts of blood on shared items can transmit the virus |
| Only get piercings or tattoos at properly sterilized facilities | Prevents blood-borne transmission through unclean equipment |
| Be cautious with acupuncture or dental procedures performed by unqualified practitioners | Unhygienic instruments can cause infection |
| Use condoms during sexual intercourse | Prevents transmission through body fluids |
Treatment and management
When hepatitis B has progressed to the chronic stage, (pegylated) interferon-alpha injections or oral antiviral medications can be used to slow liver damage and help prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The type of medication, duration of treatment, and potential side effects vary by individual, so please consult a specialist to receive appropriate care.
If you are enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI), antiviral medications may be covered (reimbursed) once certain conditions are met. HIRA (Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service) is the government body that reviews and sets reimbursement standards for medical treatments in Korea. For accurate reimbursement criteria and your applicable cost-sharing rate, please check with HIRA (tel. 1644-2000), the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) (tel. 1577-1000), or your treating physician before applying.
If you are a humanitarian stay permit holder, asylum seeker, or otherwise unable to enroll in national health insurance, please also refer to Health Insurance Premium Arrears, Restrictions on Stay Extension, and Household Member Registration for Refugees and Humanitarian Stay Permit Holders.
Where to get help in Korea
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| KDCA Vaccination Assistance | nip.kdca.go.kr |
| HIRA (Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service) | hira.or.kr / tel. 1644-2000 |
| NHIS (National Health Insurance Service) | nhis.or.kr / tel. 1577-1000 |
| Immigration Contact Center | tel. 1345 (24 hours, multilingual) |
Figures, deadlines, and eligibility conditions are subject to change. Before applying, please always verify the latest information by calling 1345 (Immigration Contact Center) or contacting your local Korea Immigration Service office.
Reference links
- KDCA Vaccination Assistance — Hepatitis B
- Perinatal Hepatitis B Transmission Prevention Program — Find a Designated Medical Institution
- Seoul National University Hospital Health Information — Hepatitis B
- HIRA (Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service)
This article was produced by MAP (Migration to Asia Peace) based on Health News Series No. 3, which was developed using health information provided by Samsung Medical Center.