In my previous post, I explained how to buy medicine at a pharmacy. But what if the medicine doesn’t work? What if you have a sudden fever or an accident?
This comprehensive Korean Hospital Guide will help you stay safe during your trip.
You need to go to a hospital. Don’t worry about the cost. Korea has world-class medical services that are surprisingly affordable.
In this Korean Hospital Guide, I will explain how to call an ambulance (119), find an English-speaking doctor, and understand the medical costs in 2026.
Emergency Numbers: 119 & 112 🚨
First, save these numbers on your phone immediately. You can call them even if your phone is locked or has no SIM card data.
| Number | Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 119 | Ambulance & Fire | Free |
| 112 | Police | Free |
| 1339 | Medical Hotline (Doctor) | Free |
💡 Did you know?
When you call 119, they provide a “3-way Interpretation Service.” If you say “Help” or “English Please,” they will connect a translator to the call. The ambulance ride is 100% free, even for foreigners.
Step 1: Not an Emergency? Call 1339 First 📞
If you are sick but don’t need an ambulance, do not go to the Emergency Room (ER) immediately. ER wait times can be long and expensive.
Instead, call 1339 (Korea Disease Control Agency Hotline). This is the best tip in this Korean Hospital Guide.
- Service: They will tell you which nearby hospitals are open and have English-speaking doctors.
- Language: English service is available 24/7.
Step 2: Local Clinic vs. University Hospital 🏥
The Korean medical system has two levels. Understanding this will save you time and money.
1. Local Clinics (Dongnae Ui-won)
For minor illnesses like a cold, stomach flu, or minor cuts, go here first. They are everywhere and very fast.
- Search: “Internal Medicine” (Nae-gwa) or “ENT” (Yi-bi-in-hu-gwa) on Naver Map.
- Cost: Approx. 15,000 ~ 30,000 KRW ($10 ~ $22) without insurance.
2. University Hospitals (General Hospitals)
These are massive hospitals like Severance or Asan Medical Center. You usually need a referral letter from a local clinic to go here, unless it is an emergency.
Top 3 International Clinics in Seoul 🌍
If you want a guarantee that the doctor speaks perfect English, visit the “International Healthcare Center” at these major hospitals. They accept international travel insurance.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei): Located in Sinchon/Hongdae area. Very famous for treating foreigners.
- Samsung Medical Center: Located in Gangnam. Top-tier facilities.
- Asan Medical Center: Often ranked as the #1 hospital in Korea.
Medical Cost: Is it Expensive? 💰
Many tourists are afraid of “medical bills” because of the US system. But according to the Korean Hospital Guide, you can relax.
Even without Korean National Health Insurance, the “General Cash Price” is reasonable.
- Doctor Consultation: $15 ~ $30 (Local Clinic).
- X-Ray: $10 ~ $20.
- Emergency Room (ER): $100 ~ $200 (Basic treatment).
Always ask for a “Medical Receipt” (Jin-ryo-bi Yeong-su-jeung) and a “Medical Certificate” (Jin-dan-seo) in English to claim your travel insurance later.
Important: Travel Insurance & Documents 📄
If you have travel insurance, you can get your money back later. But you must ask for the right documents before you leave the hospital.
- Medical Receipt (Jin-ryo-bi Yeong-su-jeung): This proves how much you paid.
- Medical Certificate (Jin-dan-seo): This proves your diagnosis (why you visited).
For more official information on medical services for tourists, check the Visit Medical Korea Website.
FAQ: Visiting a Hospital in Korea ❓
Q: Do I need to make a reservation?
A: For local clinics, you can usually just walk in. For International Clinics, you MUST book an appointment by phone or email.
Q: Can I use my credit card?
A: Yes, almost 100% of hospitals accept Visa and Mastercard.
Bonus: Essential Korean Medical Vocabulary 📝
To make your Korean Hospital Guide even more useful, I have prepared a vocabulary list. Show these words to the doctor if you cannot speak English.
- Hospital: Byeong-won (병원)
- Emergency Room: Eung-geup-sil (응급실)
- Doctor: Ui-sa (의사)
- Nurse: Gan-ho-sa (간호사)
- Health Insurance: Geon-gang Bo-heom (건강보험)
- Injection (Shot): Ju-sa (주사)
- Pain: Tong-jeung (통증)
- Fever: Yeol (열)
- Diarrhea: Seol-sa (설사)
Memorizing these words will help you navigate the Korean healthcare system much faster.
Please share this Korean Hospital Guide with your friends traveling to Korea.
Conclusion: Korean Hospital Guide Summary
I hope you never have to use this Korean Hospital Guide. But knowing that 119 is free and hospitals are affordable should give you peace of mind.
If your symptoms are mild, try the pharmacy first!