Mosquito bites can cause intense itching, and in some cases they can also lead to infectious diseases such as malaria. In Korea, mosquitoes that carry malaria are most active between April and October. Knowing the right precautions ahead of time will help you get through the summer much more safely.

How to Keep Mosquitoes Out Indoors

  • Use window screens and mosquito nets. Install screens on windows and doors, and sleep under a mosquito net for extra protection.
  • Eliminate standing water. Plant saucers, flower vases, and bowls are places where mosquito eggs can hatch. Empty any containers that collect water, both inside and outside your home, on a regular basis.
  • Apply insecticide. Spraying insecticide around drains, entranceways, and exterior walls can stop mosquitoes and other insects from getting inside.

How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes Outdoors

  • Use less perfume and scented products. Strong fragrances can attract mosquitoes.
  • Shower after outdoor activities. Mosquitoes are very sensitive to the smell of sweat.
  • Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing. Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors, and the more skin you expose, the higher the risk of being bitten.
  • Apply mosquito repellent near grass or wooded areas. It is safest to use products that have been approved as a “quasi-drug” (의약외품) by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).
  • Avoid going out at night when possible. If you have young children with you, it is especially advisable to stay indoors after the evening hours.

Tip: If you contact your nearest public health center (보건소), you may be able to receive or borrow mosquito prevention supplies free of charge. Check with your local public health center in advance. You can search for the public health center nearest to you on Government24 (정부24, the Korean government’s integrated online service portal).

Recognizing Malaria Symptoms

If you are bitten by a mosquito carrying malaria, the following symptoms usually appear 10 to 15 days later:

  • Fever (high temperature)
  • Headache
  • Chills (severe, uncontrollable shivering)
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

For vivax malaria, which is the type that circulates in Korea, a typical clinical pattern is cycles of chills, high fever, and sweating followed by the fever breaking — repeating roughly every 48 hours. At first, the symptoms may feel like a mild cold, which can make malaria easy to miss. If you have visited a malaria-risk area (parts of Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, and others) and then develop these symptoms, please go to a medical facility without delay.

What to Do If Malaria Symptoms Appear

  1. Go to a medical facility (hospital or public health center) right away.
  2. Malaria can be detected in about 15 minutes using a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT).
  3. When caught early, malaria is very treatable. Do not ignore your symptoms.

For the most current information on figures, schedules, or related matters, please contact the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 (1345, the 24-hour multilingual helpline for foreigners in Korea), your local Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인청), or your nearest public health center.