South Korea is world-renowned for its high-quality healthcare system. Whether you are an expat living in Seoul or a tourist passing through, accessing medical care is generally fast and affordable. However, the process might differ from your home country. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting a doctor in Korea, from finding an English-speaking clinic to understanding the costs. 1. Types of Medical Institutions in Korea The Korean healthcare system is divided into three levels. Knowing where to go can save you time and money: Clinics (Uiwon): These are small, local neighborhood doctors for common issues like colds, skin rashes, or minor injuries. No referral is needed. General Hospitals (Byung-won): Medium-sized facilities for more specialized tests or minor surgeries. Tertiary/University Hospitals (Dae-hak Byung-won): Large institutions like Severance or SNUH. Important: If you have Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS), you usually need a refe...
I am a professional with over 3 years of experience working in South Korea. I created this blog to provide practical and reliable information for expats navigating the Korean workplace.