Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, national public health agency of South Korea
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a government agency serving South Korea's public health protection nationwide. Its main office is located in Cheongju, with additional locations in Seoul and Cheongwon County to distribute its work across different regions.
The organization traces its roots to 1949 when it was established as the Central Health Centre, undergoing several name changes as its role in South Korea's health system expanded. Growth accelerated in 2020 with a major restructuring that made the agency more independent and better equipped to respond quickly to health emergencies.
The institution serves as South Korea's central hub for disease protection and is viewed by the public as a trusted source for health information. During health crises, the agency regularly provides updates and guidance to the community, showing how deeply it connects to people's daily concerns.
Visitors can explore the modern office and laboratory buildings at the Osong Health Technology Complex and obtain free health and safety information brochures during regular hours or at public events. Advance inquiry is recommended to find out which areas or information centers are accessible to the public.
The agency operates around the clock during outbreak situations and coordinates national quarantine stations at airports and ports across the country. This network of decentralized control points makes it one of the less visible yet critical actors in the everyday health protection of all South Koreans.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
