Everyone needs to know where to go when they are sick! No matter if you are in a foreign country the knowledge of hospitals and clinics is always a plus. Below we made sure you have all the information available for your needs.
In Korea, hospitals are divided into four categories: clinic (개인병원, 의원), hospital (병원), general hospital (종합병원), and university hospital (대학병원). A university hospital is a large facility with a wide range of services and departments that often houses the most skilled and knowledgeable specialists.
In every large city, emergency and outpatient services are accessible at general and university hospitals. Outside of an emergency, it may be more convenient to go to a smaller hospital or specialty clinic because there are so many of them and you will save time. Koreans will go to the hospital rather than the local doctor for minor problems such as the common cold or flu.
How to get there and what do you need to present?
For clinics or hospitals, the procedure is the same. At the reception counter, you'll need to show your ID card, or, if you're a tourist, your passport. Basic treatment fees are due and payable after your consultation/treatment, though they may increase based on whether or not X-rays, ultrasounds, or other tests are required. If required, follow-up consultations will be scheduled as well.
Because every foreigner residing in Korea for more than 6 months is mandatorily subscribed for the National Health Insurance, the deductions or discounts will be done on the spot, by presenting just your ID card (sometimes they may ask for the insurance card, but not all the time).
If you are given a prescription, you must take it to a pharmacy, which is usually located near the hospital, because hospitals are not permitted to supply medication for home use. Any medication you receive from a pharmacy must be paid for on the spot.
What should you look for, on the application or streets to go there?
When you want to go to see a doctor, search for these words near your home and go to the closest one. With insurance, the National Health Insurance, the consultation shouldn't be more than 5,000 - 10,000 KRW depending on the doctor and clinic, and medicine not be more than 4,000 - 15,000 KRW. These prices are just for your information so make sure you do have enough money. And always remember if you don't have the insurance paid on time, or you don't have one that works in Korea, the price can be double.
Internist or 내과 Those who have concerns about their internal organs should see an internist. If you have a cold, or some allergy you should also go there.
Orthopedic or 정형 외과
Orthopedics is a term used to describe a type of medicine that focuses on your bones, muscles, or joints, so if you have those problems, you should go there.
ENT/Otolaryngology or 이비인후과
Deals with the surgical and medical treatment of head and neck problems.
Pediatric or 소아과
Medical care for newborns and children is provided by pediatricians.
Ob-gyn or 산부인과
As a woman, you should visit this clinic if you have concerns or if you are pregnant.
Dermatologist or 피부과
If you have skin problems, go to this clinic to see a dermatologist who specializes in this area.
Clinic for Plastic Surgery or 성형 외과
Concerns about plastic or reconstructive surgery or if you want to do something related to this field you should visit them.
Optometrist or 안과
If you have vision or eye difficulties, see an optometrist at this facility.
South Korean pharmacies are called 약국
To find one search for the sign or just for the big cross like in any other country.
Medication ordered by doctors can be bought at a neighboring drugstore, just as it is in the hospital's pharmacy.
The medication you receive will most likely be packaged in small plastic bags containing a mixture of tablets — each box will have one dosage, and it will be numbered based on time of day, sometimes your name will be on them as well. Because it isn't usually labelled on the envelope you received it in, be sure you know when and how to take it before you leave. You can ask the pharmacist if they don't write it on the package.
You'll have to go back to the doctor if you need a repeat prescription. Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, cold and flu treatment, birth control, and basic first-aid supplies are also available at pharmacies.
Dentists in South Korea are called 치과의사
They give orthodontic and oral care that is thought to be of excellent quality. Dental work is included in Korean health insurance if it is done for health reasons rather than for cosmetic reasons.
Glasses/Lens stores called 안경 소매점업
They are professionals who specialize in the field of vision correction.
In Korea, optometrists are plentiful, and eye care is often of high quality and reasonably priced. Without making an appointment, you can stroll into an optician's office and request an eye exam. Not to mention that a lot of lens or glasses shops have their own doctors inside.
Contact lens services are easily available, and prescription glasses can be created in less than an hour. In comparison to many western countries, these are particularly inexpensive.
Consult an eye specialist 안과의사 for treatment of eye problems and infections.
Complementary and alternative medicine
Acupuncture and herbal remedies are prevalent therapies in Oriental medicine in Korea. Traditional medicine practitioners are common, and various ginseng-based medicines are available.
Emergency and ambulances
If you are in an accident and you need to call an ambulance but you don't know the number you can say, Call an ambulance! - 구급차 좀 불러주세요! 119 (Fire & Ambulance).
Sometimes ambulances can cost quite a lot of money, but at least the insurance covers some of that. If the ambulance goes to a university hospital the bill will be a little bit higher, so in case of anything, you can ask them to go to a normal hospital.
Knowing Korean is always a plus in these cases because you can communicate with the ambulance EMTs and doctors easily.
If you go to the emergency room you should have enough cash on hand (at least W500,000-W1,000,000), as certain hospitals only accept specific credit cards. However, most hospitals include ATM machines, some of which allow you to access your personal account.
Emergency rooms are pretty expensive so we recommend you to go to a clinic beforehand, sometimes the small hospitals or clinics will be a better option and a cheaper one.
We hope this article has helped you and given you a basic knowledge of where to go for certain problems!
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