Chinese women are flocking to Korea for vaccinations against human papilloma virus, which can lead to cervical cancer.

A staffer at a gynecology clinic in southwestern Seoul said some 30 or 40 Chinese women come every day to get the injections.

It is unclear how the sudden surge was triggered but is likely to have something to do with a social media fad.

Vaccines can offer up to 90 percent protection against transmission of the virus, and three injections are required within a six-month period at a cost of around W600,000, so the patients have to come back to Korea several times (US$1=W1,182).

