Traveling or living in Korea is exciting, but getting sick while abroad can be stressful—especially if you’re unsure how to visit a clinic or see a doctor. The good news is that Korea has an excellent healthcare system with modern clinics, skilled doctors, and affordable services. This guide will help you understand how healthcare works in Korea, where to go when you feel unwell, useful Korean phrases, and exactly what to expect during your visit. Let’s make your trip to the doctor simple and stress-free!
1. Basic Introduction to Korean Health Insurance
Korea has a universal healthcare system called the National Health Insurance (NHI), which covers most Korean citizens and foreigners with long-term visas (over 6 months). If you work in Korea or are a student, you probably already pay into this system, which gives you big discounts on medical services.
✅ What about tourists?
If you’re only visiting Korea for a short time, you won’t have NHI, but don’t worry. Many clinics and hospitals accept private travel insurance, and even without insurance, medical costs in Korea are generally much more affordable than in many Western countries.
💡 Tip: Before your trip, check if your travel insurance covers international medical expenses, and bring a copy of your policy just in case.
2. Common Types of Clinics and Hospitals in Korea
Korea has a very organized healthcare system, and knowing where to go makes a big difference.
🏥 Clinics (의원, ui-won)
These are small local healthcare providers where you go for minor illnesses like colds, the flu, stomach issues, skin problems, or mild injuries. Most neighborhoods have several clinics. No appointment is usually necessary—just walk in!
Common types of clinics:
- Internal Medicine (내과, nae-gwa) – For colds, flu, stomach aches, and general health.
- Pediatrics (소아과, so-a-gwa) – For children.
- Dermatology (피부과, pi-bu-gwa) – For skin problems.
- Orthopedics (정형외과, jeong-hyeong-oe-gwa) – For muscle, joint, or bone pain.
- ENT (이비인후과, i-bi-in-hu-gwa) – For ear, nose, and throat issues.
🏥 General Hospitals (병원, byeong-won)
These are larger medical centers offering many specialties under one roof. You might go here for checkups, tests, or more serious concerns.
🏥 University Hospitals (대학교 병원, dae-hak-gyo byeong-won)
These are major hospitals with advanced equipment and English-speaking services. They’re great if you need expert care or surgery.
3. Useful Korean Phrases and Words for Clinics, Hospitals, and Doctors
Learning a few key words can make your doctor visit much easier:
| English | Romanization | Korean (Hangul) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic | Ui-won | 의원 |
| Hospital | Byeong-won | 병원 |
| Doctor | Uisa | 의사 |
| Nurse | Ganho-sa | 간호사 |
| Reception desk | Uigyeongdae | 의경대 |
| I feel sick. | Apeu-seumnida | 아픕니다 |
| I have a fever. | Yeol-i isseumnida | 열이 있습니다 |
| I have a stomachache. | Bae-ga apeumnida | 배가 아픕니다 |
| I have a headache. | Meori-ga apeumnida | 머리가 아픕니다 |
| Do you speak English? | Yeong-eo halsu isseoyo? | 영어 할 수 있어요? |
| Where is the hospital? | Byeong-won eodi isseoyo? | 병원 어디 있어요? |
💡 Pro Tip: If you feel shy or uncertain, type your symptoms into a translation app like Papago or Google Translate and show them to the staff.
4. Step-by-Step Guide: How to See a Doctor in Korea
Step 1: Find the Right Clinic or Hospital
Use Naver Maps, Kakao Maps, or Google Maps and search for nearby clinics or hospitals. If you prefer English-speaking doctors, search:
“English speaking clinic near me” or “외국인 진료 (foreigner treatment)”.
Step 2: Check-In at the Reception Desk
When you arrive, go to the 접수 (jeop-su) counter. Here’s what happens:
- Tell them why you’re visiting. For example, “Gamgi” (cold) or “Bae apayo” (stomach pain).
- Hand over your ID (passport or ARC card).
- If you have travel insurance, show your documents.
- Fill out any necessary forms.
Step 3: Wait for Your Turn
You’ll receive a waiting number and be called when it’s your turn. In bigger hospitals, you may wait longer than small clinics.
Step 4: Talk to the Doctor
Most doctors in Korea can understand basic English, especially medical terms. Here’s how you can explain:
- Symptom description: “I have had a fever for 3 days.”
- Duration: “It started yesterday.”
- Severity: “It’s very painful.”
Don’t be afraid to show photos or write things down if needed!
Step 5: Pay for the Visit
After your appointment, return to the reception desk to pay. Costs are typically:
- ₩10,000-₩20,000 ($8-$16) for a basic clinic visit without insurance.
- ₩30,000-₩70,000 ($25-$60) or more at general hospitals.
Step 6: Go to the Pharmacy
If the doctor prescribes medicine, take your prescription to a nearby 약국 (yak-guk) pharmacy. The pharmacist will prepare your medicine, explain how to take it, and off you go!
5. Helpful Tips for First-Time Visitors
✔️ Download a Translation App: Papago works great for medical terms and can translate signs and prescriptions.
✔️ Bring Cash or Card: Most clinics accept both, but smaller ones may prefer cash.
✔️ Use International Clinics: Seoul, Busan, and major cities have clinics that specialize in treating foreigners with English-speaking staff.
✔️ Wear a Mask: Most medical facilities in Korea still encourage masks, especially during flu season.
✔️ Check for Duty Clinics on Holidays: On public holidays or weekends, not all clinics are open. Search for “당번 병원 (dang-beon byeong-won)”, which are clinics on duty that day.
✔️ Emergency? Dial 119: This is Korea’s ambulance and emergency medical service. Operators can connect you to English-speaking help.
Conclusion
Visiting a clinic or hospital in Korea doesn’t have to be scary! Whether you’re traveling or living here, knowing how the system works, where to go, and what to say makes everything easier. Korean healthcare is fast, modern, and affordable, and the staff are generally very helpful—especially if you make the effort to communicate politely.
So, if you’re feeling under the weather during your Korean adventure, don’t hesitate to seek help. Now you know exactly how to handle it.
Stay healthy and enjoy your time in Korea! Annyeong!!