Depending on which random travel advisory site that you Google, you'll hear a listing of vaccinations that you should get before going to Korea. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, etc...
Truth be told, unless you plan on swimming naked in the Han River with open sores and cuts on your body, or drinking ridiculous amounts of tap water, you are likely to have the same health risks as you would back in your home country. With exception to the higher concentrations of air pollution around an urban sprawl like Seoul.
A big reason why you may want to consider getting shots before leaving is because most foreigners who come to teach in Korea, often end up doing some regional travel elsewhere in Asia during their vacations or post-contract. Getting to places like Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, etc...only requires 4-5 hour plane trips.
Regardless of your present plans, it is still advisable to consult a physician for proper recommendations for travel medicine before leaving for Korea.
[edit] Malaria
Malaria is an illness contracted through bites by a particular variety of mosquito. Any person interested in traveling to areas close to the DMZ, that is northern Gyeonggido or northern Gangwondo, such as the Panmunjeom or Joint Security Area, should be advised that a half century of undevelopment in the Demiliatarized Zone has left that area swarming with wildlife, including malaria infected mosquitos. As per the guidelines at CDC Traveler's Health, antimalarials are available in oral tablet form, and it is important to note that Chloroquine is recommended for traveling to South Korea, because the proper antimalarial depends on the variety of parasite that poses malaria risk. Also, it is important to note that antimalarials purchased in South Korea may not conform to the same standards as medications in your home country, so it is advisable to purchase them before you leave.
[edit] See Also
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