Health Care in Korea

July 01, 2017

Living in Korea provides me with the opportunity to overcome unique and often unforeseen challenges in the most mundane of life activities.

Buying coffee sometimes ends in me wondering if the barista asked if I wanted my coffee to go, or if I had a membership card.

Visiting the bank involves memorizing or writing down the important words I need to know when I get there.

For the most part, these experiences have proven to keep life interesting.

Visiting a doctor in Korea, however, can be one of the... less pleasant experiences. 

Image Copyright @ Jamie
The Basics

For some reason, "going to the doctor" in Korean translates to "going to the hospital" in English. When I first came to Korea and a student was absent, their friends told me the student was hospitalized so I assumed they had broken a limb or fallen into a devastating coma. As I came to learn, this was usually not the case.

There are hospitals for things like inpatient treatment and emergencies. For visits to a doctor, however, the type of clinic you should visit depends on the ailment:
  • 이비인후과 (ee-bee-in-hoo-gwa) - Ear, nose throat
  • 내과 (nay-gwa) - Stomach, digestion
  • 치과 (chee-gwa) - Dentist
  • 안과 (ahn-gwa) - Opthamologist (Vision tests can be conducted at most eye glasses shops; 
  • 한의원 (han-ee-won) - Oriental Medicine Clinic
  • 산부인과 (san-boo-in-gwa) - Gynecologist
  • 피부과 (pee-boo-gwa) - Dermotologist
  • 정형외과 (jeong-hyeong-way-gwa) - Orthopedist
It may sound complicated, but clinics tend to be super efficient and affordable. If you are given a prescription, there is often a pharmacy (약국, yak-gook) on the same block if not in the same building. 

The Reality

As with many things, Korea is great at keeping things simple and convenient. While in Canada you may have to wait for hours in a waiting room and/or weeks for your results, Korea gets things done significantly faster. And cheaper.

Praise aside, not having a firm grasp on the Korean language can cause some anxiety if not complete confusion when it comes to doctors visits. If you're anything like me, the anxiety will deter you from seeking medical attention altogether causing you to let the illness dissipate slowly with the aid of hot tea at home. This behaviour occurs despite knowing that Korea's infamous butt shot can cure literally anything.

A Solution

The Medical Korea Information Center provides a wide variety of services to patients who do not speak Korean, and offer these services in English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic. Some of the services the center provides are help seeking out health institutions, medical services, and medical translations; guidance on VAT refunds related to surgeries; finding solutions for complaints or malpractice (coordinating between agencies, offering legal information); and even tourism information. 



Although the center is located in Seoul (as most things tend to be), it is also possible to contact them by phone and email (details below). This is a service that would be immensely helpful to those of us living hours from Seoul where English-speaking doctors tend to be more sparse. 

If you are able to visit on-site, you can visit the community center which provides free traditional Korean medicine consultations and/or opportunities to try medicinal herbal teas. 



Another service provided by the center is the Korea Medical Reservation online system which allows you to reserve and pay for medical services online.

Despite living in Korea for six years, I can count the number of times that I've visited a doctor/dentist on just one hand. Although the language barrier doesn't entirely explain my avoidance of healthcare, it certainly plays a large part. I'm happy and comforted to know that as time goes by there are increasingly more resources supporting foreigners in Korea. Next step: Having these types of support centers in places other than Seoul. 

For more information about the Medical Korea Information Center: 
www.visitmedicalkorea.com

Phone: 
1577-7129 (within Korea)
+82-1577-7129 (abroad)

Email:
callmcc@khidi.or.kr

Location:
2F Shinil Building, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 9:00-18:00


24 comments

  1. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. Buy Hemp Gummies

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! https://ibaohiem.vn/bao-hiem-bao-viet-an-gia-bieu-phi-va-quyen-loi/#can-biet

    ReplyDelete
  3. The more inclusion and care an individual is going to require, because of a condition or disease they have, the more medical coverage they will require to buy also. www.buyprovigilmodafinil.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. The report is made out of 791 data pressed pages and is additionally includes upwards of 278 figures and tables to help the investigation. blis m18 ingredient supplier

    ReplyDelete
  5. In end I surmise I am arguing for two things. Right off the bat gay individuals should tell or compose a greater amount of their accounts and besides straight individuals should make time to understand them.
    Brian Holm lawyer california

    ReplyDelete
  6. encounters, both god and terrible, with the same number of individuals as I can so they don't need to commit similar errors I did whenbuy modafinil cheap with free shipping,buy modvigil in australia

    ReplyDelete
  7. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. systeme delivrance

    ReplyDelete
  8. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. view more

    ReplyDelete
  9. I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. destructeur diabete type 2

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your article has piqued a lot of positive interest. I can see why since you have done such a good job of making it interesting. buy instagram followers and views

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am totally in favor of this article and just want to conclude that you are really doing a great job. Pharmacovigilance

    ReplyDelete
  12. REQUIRE that all cases overseers (particularly on the off chance that they have power to pay claims), experts held by safety net providers to help on arbitrating cases, and misrepresentation agents be ensured by a public authorizing organization under the domain of the administration to show that they have the essential comprehension for perceiving health care extortion, and the information to identify and examine the extortion in health care claims. online cbd shop

    ReplyDelete
  13. At the point when you change your (health and body) mentality, you change your (health and body) conduct.
    kegal exercise

    ReplyDelete
  14. But these are fallacies that we must obliterate from our minds as we try to lose weight. Loosing weight does not hurt you in any way but it does help you look good and also feel healthy and enjoy your life. build muscle

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject. Liver Transplant Cost In India

    ReplyDelete
  16. Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you! testogen

    ReplyDelete
  17. Health Benefit Manager are having communication as one of the responsibilities for health benefit related schemes and procedures. They must ensure that the employees are well versed with the schemes and benefits. physically health

    ReplyDelete
  18. I needed to thank you for this exceptional perused!! I obviously getting a charge out of each and each piece of it. I have bookmarked this site to see new stuff. cbd flower for sale

    ReplyDelete
  19. There is a need to review the definition of health by the WHO in the light of ongoing research in the field of parapsychology. It has been scientifically proved that soul exists and survives the death of physical body.. The inclusion of soul in the definition of health can help doctors to understand man fully and solve many heath related problems which are awaiting satisfactory explanations. Many leading medical specialists and other eminent scientists are convinced about the existence of soul. Vegan Protein

    ReplyDelete
  20. Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. Full Spectrum CBD

    ReplyDelete
  21. Early in America's pioneer history, schoolteachers were expected to be morally beyond reproach in every detail of their own lifestyle. cpi certification for nurses,

    ReplyDelete
  22. welders help you get the job done in a wide variety of demanding applications. Explore our selection of welding machines, including MIG welders, TIG welders, Stick welders, engine drive welder generators, submerged arc welders and multiprocess welders to find the welder that’s right for you. weld lover

    ReplyDelete
  23. The most reliable printers provide an easy printing option for all your photos, documents and other hardcopies. However, it's difficult to select the ideal one. If you're looking for basic document printing to complete homework assignments, premium photography printing that allows for frames or one that supports scanning, copying, and even the faxing process there's a printer available that can meet your needs. Are you looking for an all-in-1 inkjet printer or a laser printer with black-and-white? We'll assist you in deciding the type of printer you'd like and then determine which printer best matches your needs Best Printer for Avery Labels.

    ReplyDelete

Latest Instagrams

© rindsayloss. Design by FCD.