South Korea Malaria Detections Continue in 2025

While most malaria cases are detected in Africa, on the other side of the world, malaria outbreaks continue to be detected in South Korea.

According to a post on X, the South Korean government has recently confirmed locally acquired malaria cases and is taking immediate action.

On April 9, 2025, the Ministry of National Defense wrote, 'Recent outbreak of malaria patients among soldiers discharged from military service in border areas such as Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and Cheorwon, Gangwon Province.'

The Ministry of National Defense and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency are working to achieve a 'Malaria-Free Republic of Korea' to eradicate malaria domestically by 2030.

The Joint establishment of the "Second Malaria Eradication Action Plan (2024-2028) includes:

• Free malaria diagnostic tests and treatment prescriptions for one year after discharge at 14 military hospitals nationwide.
• Free diagnostic testing is available two years after discharge at public health centers nationwide.

In 2024, the Agency issued malaria warnings for areas, including Seoul's Yangcheon and Gangseo districts. In 2023, over 719 cases of the mosquito-borne disease were confirmed.

According to the U.S. CDC, travelers going to areas of South Korea should take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

As of April 10, 2025, malaria vaccines are offered in Africa, but not South Korea or the United States.