🩺 What to Do When You Get Sick or Injured in Korea

Healthcare Seoul Injury Sick Medical Emergencies Practical Guide

Getting sick or injured while traveling is stressful, especially in a country with different medical systems and language barriers. This guide provides practical, step-by-step advice for handling common medical situations in South Korea.

Common Medical Scenarios and What to Do

🀒 Food Poisoning or Stomach Issues

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever

Where to go: Local clinic (μ˜μ›/Uiwon) specializing in internal medicine (λ‚΄κ³Ό/Naegwa)

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Find a nearby clinic: Use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps and search for "λ‚΄κ³Ό" (internal medicine clinic). Most neighborhoods have several options within walking distance.

  2. Check operating hours: Most clinics operate from 9am-noon and 2pm-6pm on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours (usually 9am-1pm). They're typically closed on Sundays and holidays.

  3. No appointment needed: Most local clinics accept walk-ins. Simply go to the front desk and say "λ°°κ°€ μ•„νŒŒμš”" (bae-ga a-pa-yo) meaning "my stomach hurts."

  4. Registration: Present your passport at the reception desk. You'll fill out a simple form with basic information.

  5. Payment: Expect to pay around β‚©15,000-30,000 ($12-25) for consultation. Credit cards are widely accepted.

  6. Pharmacy: After seeing the doctor, you'll receive a prescription to take to a nearby pharmacy (μ•½κ΅­/Yakguk). The doctor or receptionist can direct you to the closest one.

  7. Medication: At the pharmacy, medication typically costs β‚©5,000-15,000 ($4-12) for a few days' supply.

Example scenario: Let's say you try some street food in Myeongdong and develop food poisoning that evening. You use Kakao Maps to find an internal medicine clinic just two blocks from your hotel. Despite your limited Korean, you manage to communicate by pointing to your stomach and making a pained expression. The doctor, with basic English skills, quickly diagnoses food poisoning, writes a prescription, and directs you to a nearby pharmacy. The entire clinic visit takes less than 30 minutes and costs about $20. After taking the medication from the pharmacy for a day, your symptoms improve significantly.

🦴 Minor Injuries (Sprains, Cuts, Burns)

Where to go: Orthopedic clinic (μ •ν˜•μ™Έκ³Ό/Jeonghydoegwa) for sprains or bone injuries, general surgery clinic (μ™Έκ³Ό/Oegwa) for cuts, dermatology clinic (ν”ΌλΆ€κ³Ό/Pibugwa) for burns

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Find the appropriate specialist clinic: Search for the specialized clinic type on a map app.

  2. Reception: Show the injured area to the receptionist or say "λ‹€μ³€μ–΄μš”" (da-chyeo-sseo-yo) meaning "I'm injured."

  3. Treatment: Minor injuries are typically treated quickly and efficiently.

  4. Follow-up care: The doctor will explain if you need to return for follow-up treatment. If you don't understand, use a translation app or ask if someone speaks English: "μ˜μ–΄ ν•  수 μžˆλŠ” μ‚¬λžŒ μžˆμ–΄μš”?" (yeong-eo hal su issneun salam isseoyo?)

For cuts requiring stitches: Most general surgery clinics can handle simple stitches. Expect to pay β‚©30,000-70,000 ($25-55) depending on the size and location of the cut.

For sprains: Orthopedic clinics can provide immediate relief through taping, bracing, and pain medication. X-rays cost about β‚©30,000-50,000 ($25-40) if needed.

Example scenario: Let's say you sprain your ankle while hiking at Bukhansan National Park. Your hotel concierge recommends a nearby orthopedic clinic within walking distance. At the clinic, the doctor takes X-rays to rule out fractures, tapes your ankle professionally, prescribes pain medication, and provides a reusable ice pack. The entire visit, including X-rays and treatment, costs less than $70. The clinic staff also helps call a taxi for your return to the hotel.

πŸ€’ Cold, Flu, or COVID Symptoms

Where to go: Local internal medicine clinic (λ‚΄κ³Ό/Naegwa) or ENT clinic (이비인후과/Ibiinhugwa)

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Mask up: In Korea, wearing a mask when you have respiratory symptoms is expected.

  2. Testing: If you're concerned about COVID-19, rapid tests are available at most pharmacies for around β‚©5,000-7,000 ($4-6).

  3. Clinic visit: Visit an internal medicine or ENT clinic and tell the receptionist your symptoms. Basic English like "I have a fever" or "I'm coughing" is usually understood.

  4. Treatment: You'll likely receive several medications, including antipyretics, cough suppressants, and potentially antibiotics if necessary.

  5. Rest and hydration: Korean doctors typically recommend rest and plenty of fluids, similar to advice worldwide.

Example scenario: Let's say you catch a cold during winter in Seoul. You visit an ENT clinic near your Airbnb and are seen by a doctor within minutes of arrival. The doctor diagnoses a common cold and writes a prescription. At the pharmacy, you receive five different medications, each organized in packets marked with morning/afternoon/evening icons for easy understanding despite language barriers. The entire process from clinic visit to picking up medication takes under an hour and costs about $35 total.

🦷 Dental Emergencies

Where to go: Dental clinic (치과/Chigwa)

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Find a dental clinic: They're plentiful in urban areas and often have "치과" prominently displayed.

  2. Explain the emergency: Say "μΉ˜ν†΅μ΄ μžˆμ–΄μš”" (chi-tong-i isseoyo) for toothache or point to the problematic tooth.

  3. Same-day treatment: Most dental clinics will treat pain or emergencies like broken teeth on the same day.

  4. Cost: Emergency dental treatment typically costs β‚©30,000-100,000 ($25-80) depending on the procedure.

Example scenario: Let's say you break a dental crown while enjoying Korean barbecue. Your hotel recommends a dental clinic in Gangnam where several dentists have studied abroad. The clinic staff speaks sufficient English to understand your situation. The dentist performs a temporary repair sufficient to last through the remainder of your two-week trip, charging approximately $70. You're impressed by the modern facilities and immaculate cleanliness of the clinic.

πŸ‘οΈ Eye Infections or Lost Glasses/Contacts

Where to go: Ophthalmology clinic (μ•ˆκ³Ό/Angwa) for infections, optical shop (μ•ˆκ²½μ /Angyeongjeom) for glasses

Step-by-step guide for eye infections:

  1. Visit an ophthalmology clinic: These specialized eye clinics are common in Korea.
  2. Consultation: The doctor will examine your eyes and prescribe appropriate medication.
  3. Cost: Expect to pay β‚©15,000-30,000 ($12-25) for consultation.

For lost/broken glasses:

  1. Visit an optical shop: Korea is famous for fast, affordable eyewear.
  2. Eye test: Most shops can perform a basic eye test on-site.
  3. Same-day service: Many shops can make new glasses within 1-2 hours.
  4. Cost: Basic frames with lenses start from around β‚©50,000 ($40).

Example scenario: Let's say you develop a painful eye infection while visiting Busan. Your hotel directs you to an ophthalmology clinic across the street. Despite arriving just before the lunch break, the clinic sees you immediately. The doctor diagnoses conjunctivitis and prescribes appropriate eye drops. The medication begins working effectively within 24 hours. The total cost for the consultation and medication is approximately $35.

Serious Medical Emergencies

πŸš‘ When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to an emergency room (응급싀/Eunggeumsil) if you experience:

  • Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Major trauma, fractures, or deep wounds
  • Severe burns
  • Persistent high fever
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe allergic reactions

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Call an ambulance: Dial 119 (English service available) or have your hotel call for you.

  2. Go to a major hospital: Head to a general hospital (쒅합병원/Jonghap byeongwon) with an emergency department.

  3. Emergency reception: At the ER, you'll be triaged based on severity. Present your passport and explain your emergency.

  4. Payment deposit: Most emergency rooms require an upfront deposit (typically β‚©100,000-300,000/$80-240) which will be adjusted based on actual treatment costs.

  5. Treatment: Emergency care in Korea is efficient and high-quality, particularly in Seoul and other major cities.

Example scenario: Let's say you experience severe chest pains while at your hotel in Seoul. The hotel staff calls an ambulance, which arrives within 10 minutes. You're taken to Samsung Medical Center's emergency room, where you receive immediate attention. Doctors perform an ECG, blood tests, and a chest X-ray. The diagnosis is severe acid reflux rather than a heart attack. The hospital provides an English-speaking doctor who explains your condition and treatment clearly. The complete emergency room visit, including all diagnostic tests, costs approximately $180.

πŸ₯ Major Hospital Emergency Rooms in Seoul

Seoul National University Hospital

  • Address: 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
  • Phone: 02-2072-2475
  • International Clinic: 02-2072-0505
  • Metro: Hyehwa Station (Line 4), Exit 3

Severance Hospital (Yonsei University)

  • Address: 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
  • Phone: 02-2228-5901
  • International Clinic: 02-2228-5800
  • Metro: Sinchon Station (Line 2), Exit 2 or 3

Samsung Medical Center

  • Address: 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
  • Phone: 02-3410-2060
  • International Clinic: 02-3410-0200
  • Metro: Cheongdam Station (Line 7), Exit 8

Asan Medical Center

  • Address: 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
  • Phone: 02-3010-5001
  • International Clinic: 02-3010-5001
  • Metro: Cheonho Station (Line 5), Exit 3

Pharmacy Guide

πŸ’Š Finding and Using Pharmacies

Pharmacies (μ•½κ΅­/Yakguk) are easily identifiable by the green cross symbol and are plentiful throughout Korea.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Find a pharmacy: Look for the green cross sign or search "μ•½κ΅­" on map apps.

  2. Operating hours: Most are open 9am-7pm on weekdays and until noon or early afternoon on Saturdays. They're typically closed on Sundays.

  3. 24-hour pharmacies: Limited but available in major cities. In Seoul, areas like Jongno, Gangnam, and Itaewon have some 24-hour options.

  4. Without a prescription: For minor issues like headaches, colds, or digestive problems, you can explain your symptoms directly to the pharmacist. Basic English is often understood.

  5. With a prescription: Simply hand your prescription to the pharmacist. Wait 5-10 minutes for it to be filled.

  6. Payment: Most pharmacies accept credit cards. Costs are typically β‚©5,000-15,000 ($4-12) for basic medications.

Common phrases at pharmacies:

  • "I have a headache": "두톡이 μžˆμ–΄μš”" (du-tong-i isseoyo)
  • "I have a cold": "감기 κ±Έλ Έμ–΄μš”" (gamgi geollyeosseoyo)
  • "Stomach pain": "λ°° μ•„νŒŒμš”" (bae apayo)
  • "Allergies": "μ•Œλ ˆλ₯΄κΈ° μžˆμ–΄μš”" (allereugi isseoyo)

Example scenario: Let's say you need allergy medication in Seoul but don't want to visit a doctor for a simple antihistamine. You find a small pharmacy in Hongdae and communicate your need by pointing to your nose and making sneezing gestures. The pharmacist understands immediately and recommends an appropriate antihistamine. The 3-day supply of medication costs approximately $8 and effectively relieves your allergy symptoms.

Useful Medical Korean for Tourists

πŸ—£οΈ Essential Medical Phrases

Basic symptoms:

  • "I'm sick": "μ•„νŒŒμš”" (Apayo)
  • "It hurts here": "μ—¬κΈ°κ°€ μ•„νŒŒμš”" (Yeogiga apayo)
  • "I have a fever": "열이 μžˆμ–΄μš”" (Yeori isseoyo)
  • "I'm dizzy": "μ–΄μ§€λŸ¬μ›Œμš”" (Eojireoweoyo)
  • "I'm nauseous": "λ©”μŠ€κΊΌμ›Œμš”" (Meseukkeoweoyo)
  • "I have diarrhea": "μ„€μ‚¬ν•΄μš”" (Seolsahaeyo)
  • "I'm allergic to...": "...에 μ•Œλ ˆλ₯΄κΈ°κ°€ μžˆμ–΄μš”" (...e allereugi-ga isseoyo)

At the medical facility:

  • "Where is the hospital?": "병원이 μ–΄λ””μ˜ˆμš”?" (Byeongwoni eodieyeyo?)
  • "I need a doctor": "μ˜μ‚¬κ°€ ν•„μš”ν•΄μš”" (Uisaga piryohaeyo)
  • "Do you speak English?": "μ˜μ–΄ ν•  쀄 μ•„μ„Έμš”?" (Yeong-eo hal jul aseyo?)
  • "How much does it cost?": "μ–Όλ§ˆμ˜ˆμš”?" (Eolmayeyo?)
  • "I have travel insurance": "μ—¬ν–‰μž λ³΄ν—˜μ΄ μžˆμ–΄μš”" (Yeohaengja boheomi isseoyo)

πŸ“± Translation Apps for Medical Situations

  • Papago: Specializes in Korean-English translations
  • Google Translate: Use the conversation mode for back-and-forth communications
  • Korea Travel Buddy app: Includes medical phrases and hospital information

Tip: Pre-download these apps and basic Korean language packs before your trip, as you may not have internet access during an emergency.

Payment and Insurance

πŸ’° How Much Will It Cost?

Unlike many countries, medical costs in Korea are transparent and relatively affordable:

  • Clinic visit: β‚©15,000-30,000 ($12-25)
  • Hospital specialist consultation: β‚©30,000-60,000 ($25-50)
  • Basic blood tests: β‚©20,000-50,000 ($15-40)
  • X-rays: β‚©30,000-60,000 ($25-50)
  • CT scan: β‚©200,000-400,000 ($150-300)
  • Hospital room (per night): β‚©100,000-300,000 ($80-240)
  • Emergency room visit: β‚©70,000-150,000 ($55-120) plus treatment costs

Payment methods: Most medical facilities accept credit cards. Always keep some cash on hand for smaller clinics or pharmacies.

πŸ“„ Insurance Claims

If you have travel insurance:

  1. Get itemized receipts: Always ask for detailed receipts of all medical expenses.

  2. Ask for medical documentation in English: Many international clinics can provide this automatically. At other facilities, request documentation in English: "μ˜μ–΄λ‘œ 된 μ§„λ‹¨μ„œ μ£Όμ„Έμš”" (yeong-eoro doen jindanseo juseyo).

  3. Keep all paperwork: This includes prescriptions, test results, and any medical certificates.

  4. Contact your insurance company: Many require notification within 24-48 hours of treatment.

Cultural Tips for Medical Visits

🧠 What to Expect

  • Efficiency over bedside manner: Consultations tend to be brief and focused.
  • Multiple medications: Korean doctors often prescribe several medications for even simple conditions.
  • Injections are common: For faster relief, injections are frequently offered for conditions where pills might be prescribed elsewhere.
  • Remove shoes: Many clinics require removing shoes before entering examination rooms.
  • Less privacy: Examination curtains might be partially open or consultations might occur with family members present.
  • Traditional and Western options: You may be given the choice between Western medicine and traditional Korean treatments.

Example scenario: Let's say you visit a doctor for a simple cold and are surprised when prescribed five different medications, including an injection for immediate relief. Upon asking questions about the multiple medications, the doctor willingly explains the purpose of each one. Following the prescribed treatment regimen, you notice much faster recovery compared to similar illnesses treated back home.

Preventive Measures

πŸ›‘οΈ Staying Healthy During Your Trip

  • Carry basic medications: Pack pain relievers, digestive aids, and any personal medications.
  • Stay hydrated: Especially when exploring in summer or consuming spicy Korean food.
  • Hand hygiene: Hand sanitizer is widely available in Korea.
  • Mask culture: Korea has a strong mask-wearing culture, especially during illness or poor air quality days.
  • Air quality apps: Download an air quality app as Seoul occasionally experiences high pollution levels.

Final Thoughts

Getting sick or injured while traveling is never part of the plan, but Korea's efficient, high-quality medical system makes it easier to handle than in many other countries. Most tourists are surprised by how affordable, accessible, and advanced Korean healthcare is, even without national health insurance coverage.

With basic preparation and this guide, you can navigate Korean healthcare with confidence, allowing you to recover quickly and get back to enjoying your trip across this beautiful country.

This guide is accurate as of June 2025, but services and prices may vary. For the most current information, contact the Korea Tourism Organization Helpline at 1330 (24/7 multilingual service).