last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in Northeast Asia
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Precautions
Traveling in the Far East does not inherently involve risks. Only natural hazards in Japan (typhoons and especially earthquakes), along with recurring tensions between the two Koreas, may occasionally pose problems.
For China, beyond cultural differences, travelers may face some health risks if venturing off the beaten path, as well as natural hazards in various parts of the country (floods, earthquakes, pollution, etc.). Additionally, there may be occasional constraints related to visiting Tibet or certain western provinces, depending on the current situation.
Health
Diseases and Hygiene
Far East
Although Japan and South Korea were affected by avian flu in the past, there is no greater danger in traveling to these countries than in Europe.
China
While there are no real risks in major Chinese cities, the situation elsewhere may sometimes require precautions. For instance, malaria and dengue fever are present in the south and parts of central China, rabies cases occur in rural areas, and there are risks of Japanese encephalitis in remote rural zones. Some precautions are therefore necessary if traveling to these areas. It is also worth noting that China has been, or still is, a hotspot for avian flu and H1N1.
Regarding hygiene, if you venture away from large cities or wish to eat local food, good food hygiene is essential. Avoid tap water and dishes or foods that do not appear completely fresh.
Healthcare Facilities On-Site
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Crime and delinquency rates are low in both Japan and Korea, as well as in Taiwan. Similarly, China does not experience significant issues in this regard, although delinquency has been increasing in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as in tourist areas.
Socio-Political Risks
Far East
The Far East has never been heavily affected by international terrorism. The most "well-known" example in this area, the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway, was carried out by a local cult.
As for political risks in the region, the unpredictable nature of the North Korean regime leads to recurring tensions between the two Koreas. These tensions have occasionally escalated into isolated acts of war, as has happened several times in recent years.
China
Several Chinese regions experience internal conflicts more or less frequently. Beyond the well-known situation in Tibet, Xinjiang in the west also faces occasional unrest. Generally, areas considered "problematic" by the Chinese government are either off-limits to foreigners or heavily regulated, as is the case for Tibet. Additionally, travelers may sometimes encounter issues with Chinese authorities, whose notions of "public order" and socio-political orientations are quite strict. They do not appreciate deviations from official recommendations in these matters...
Climate and Nature
Far East
The Far East, particularly Japan, is subject to numerous climatic and natural hazards. Key risks include earthquakes (very frequent), volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, typhoons (common from May to October), and tsunamis. Generally, good prevention and information systems are in place, and it is highly advisable to follow the advice issued for such events. As for wildlife, the only notable concern is the possibility of encountering bears in some parts of Hokkaido.
China
Floods and earthquakes are the two main natural problems in China, though the risks vary significantly from one region to another. Additionally, typhoons affect the southeast coast from May to October, and winters are very harsh in the north (Inner Mongolia) and southwest (Tibet). In another category, many Chinese megacities, starting with the capital, suffer from excessive pollution, which poses health risks.
Regarding wildlife, there are no major issues except for stray dogs in many areas (including cities) and, in the south, mosquitoes that may carry diseases.