In short: Chronic hepatitis B is far more common among Australians born in Northeast Asia, including Korea, than in the general population. Most people with it feel completely well, and around one in three people living with hepatitis B in Australia have never been diagnosed. Untreated, it can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. A single blood test can tell you whether you have it, whether you are protected, or whether you should be vaccinated. If you were born in Korea or elsewhere in Asia and do not know your hepatitis B status, ask your GP.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Why this matters for Korean Australians
Most of this site is about fatty liver, food and alcohol. But for many people of Korean background, the most important liver check is not about diet at all. It is a hepatitis B test.
- An estimated 227,571 people were living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia in 2024, about 0.83% of the population.
- Prevalence was highest among people born in Northeast Asia (4.93%), which includes Korea, followed by Southeast Asia (3.92%).
- Only an estimated 67% of people living with chronic hepatitis B in Australia had been diagnosed, and only about 28% were receiving regular clinical care.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B in Australia were born overseas and caught the virus at birth or in early childhood, long before they migrated. Infection that early in life is much more likely to become lifelong. Younger people born after countries introduced universal infant vaccination are much less likely to be affected, but many adults who grew up before then have never been tested.
Researchers at UNSW’s Centre for Social Research in Health have run the first Australian survey on hepatitis B knowledge among Korean Australians, with 599 Korean participants, alongside Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipino communities. Across all groups, knowledge of how hepatitis B is spread and what causes it was inconsistent. The encouraging finding was that Korean participants showed the greatest trust in Western-trained doctors of the four groups, which means a conversation with a GP is a realistic first step.
Why you can feel fine and still have it
Chronic hepatitis B usually causes no symptoms for many years. During that time it can slowly cause inflammation and scarring of the liver. Without monitoring, the first sign can be cirrhosis or liver cancer, which are much harder to treat. Regular monitoring, and antiviral treatment when it is needed, greatly reduces those risks.
Hepatitis B and fatty liver can also exist together. Alcohol makes both worse.
What the test involves
It is an ordinary blood test ordered by your GP. It usually checks three markers:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): shows whether you currently have the virus.
- Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): shows whether you are protected, from vaccination or past infection.
- Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): shows whether you have ever been infected.
Together these tell your doctor which of three groups you are in: living with hepatitis B, already protected, or not protected and should be vaccinated.
If the test is positive
- Your doctor will order more tests to see how active the virus is and whether there is any liver damage.
- Many people do not need treatment straight away, but everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs regular monitoring, usually at least once a year.
- When treatment is needed, antiviral tablets are very effective at controlling the virus.
- Your household members, sexual partners and close family should be tested and, if not protected, vaccinated.
- Limiting alcohol and looking after your metabolic health protect the liver further.
If you are not protected: vaccination
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. In Australia it is free under the National Immunisation Program for babies, for catch-up vaccination of people under 20, and for refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age. Some states fund it for additional groups; for example, Victoria funds it for people born in priority countries where hepatitis B is common who arrived in Australia in the last 10 years. Other adults can still be vaccinated but may need to pay for the vaccine. Ask your GP or pharmacist what applies to you.
Where to get help
- Your GP can order the test and explain the results.
- National Hepatitis Infoline (HepLink Australia): 1800 437 222, Monday to Friday during business hours. Free, confidential information and referral for anyone in Australia.
- Many state hepatitis organisations offer information in Korean. Ask the Infoline about translated resources and interpreters.
The bottom line
If you were born in Korea or elsewhere in Asia, or have family members with hepatitis B, and you do not know your hepatitis B status, ask your GP for a test. It is a simple blood test, and knowing the result lets you either get protected or start the monitoring that prevents serious liver disease.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.
Sources
- MacLachlan JH, Romero N, Cowie BC; Richardson L. Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: Hepatitis B National Report. ASHM; 2026.
- Kirby Institute. HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections in Australia: Annual surveillance report 2025, Hepatitis B. UNSW Sydney; 2025.
- UNSW Sydney. Understanding knowledge of hepatitis B in migrant communities to inform national strategies.
- Australian Government Department of Health. Hepatitis B vaccine.
- Victorian Department of Health. National Immunisation Program and state-funded vaccines for adults.
- Healthdirect. Hepatitis Australia (National Hepatitis Infoline details).