History of Syphilis and Gonorrhea in Korea

In Korea, systematic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis and gonorrhea, began only after the end of the Korean War. Since the enactment of the Law on Prevention of Communicable Diseases of 1954, STI has been managed and regularly monitored in high risk group. However, the major turning point was the implementation of the Special Law on Prostitution, which was enacted in September 2004. The national policy on STI management had also changed from management of core groups by mandatory to voluntary examinations and treatment of patients by health examinations. The national surveillance system for STI was introduced in 2000 by the revision of the Prevention of Communicable Diseases Act of 1999. The incidence of STI had increased in the 1960s, but began to decline at the 1970s. In the 21st century, the incidence of STI has been increasing again. Currently, more thorough methods of STI management are needed in Korea.