In short
- Start small. For everyday problems go to a local clinic (의원), not a big hospital — it's faster and cheaper, and big hospitals often need a referral.
- Doctors prescribe, pharmacists dispense. The clinic gives you a paper prescription; you fill it at a pharmacy (약국, green cross sign) — almost always right next door.
- Bring your ARC — with NHIS your coverage applies automatically at checkout. A clinic visit + medicine usually totals under ₩15,000.
- Emergencies: dial 119 (ambulance, with interpreter). For medical advice in English 24/7, call 1339.
Korean healthcare is fast, modern and cheap — but the system works differently from many countries, and knowing the flow saves you time, money and stress. The golden rule: match the facility to the problem.
Which facility for what
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| 의원 (clinic) | Everyday illness — colds, stomach bugs, skin, minor injuries. Just walk in. Cheapest and fastest. |
| 병원 (hospital) | Mid-size, multiple departments — specialists like orthopedics, ENT, dermatology. |
| 대학병원 (university hospital) | Serious illness, surgery, specialist care. Best English support via International Healthcare Centers — but you usually need a referral (진료의뢰서) from a clinic, or you'll pay much more. |
| 약국 (pharmacy) | Fill prescriptions; ask advice for minor issues; buy some OTC meds. |
How a visit works
Find a clinic
Search "의원" (clinic) or a specialty on Naver Maps or Kakao Map. For minor issues, walk in — no appointment needed. International clinics usually require booking.
Check in with your ARC
Hand your ARC (or passport) to reception; you're registered and your NHIS coverage links automatically. If your physical insurance card hasn't arrived, your ARC is enough — ask them to check your enrollment.
See the doctor
Wait for your name/number on the screen. Consultations are short (5–10 min) but efficient. If you need English, ask reception for an English-speaking doctor or an interpreter, or use a translation app.
Pay at the counter
Pay your co-pay before leaving (cards widely accepted). With NHIS you typically pay 30–60% of an already-low bill.
Fill your prescription
Take the paper prescription to a pharmacy (약국) — usually right next to the clinic. Hand it over (you won't get it back; it's one-time use, valid a few days). Medicine is cheap, often a few thousand won.
Emergencies & after hours
- 119 — ambulance / fire, free. When a foreigner calls, dispatch can connect a live interpreter (English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and more).
- 1339 — 24/7 medical advice hotline with English support for non-emergencies and pharmacy questions.
- 112 — police.
- Late-night pharmacy: search "심야 약국" on Naver Maps. Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) also stock basic painkillers, digestive aids and patches 24/7.
Finding English-speaking care
Major university hospitals (Severance, Samsung Medical Center, Asan, Seoul St. Mary's, Seoul National University Hospital) have International Healthcare Centers with English (and other languages) at every step, from booking to results. Many let you submit history and get a cost estimate before you arrive. Outside Seoul, big cities like Busan, Daegu and Incheon have at least one hospital with international services — worth identifying before you need it. Your embassy may also keep a list of English-speaking doctors.
Bringing medication from home
Common questions
Do I need an appointment?
Not for local clinics — walk-ins are normal. International clinics and big-hospital departments usually need booking.
What if I don't have NHIS yet?
You can still be treated with your passport, but expect to pay roughly 2–4× more than an insured resident. Bridge the first 6 months with private insurance if you're not employed.
Can I get medicine at the clinic?
No — Korea separates prescribing and dispensing. The clinic gives a prescription; you fill it at a pharmacy next door.
Are telemedicine apps available?
Some follow-up consultations are possible via apps like Doctor Now or Goodoc, but medication must still be picked up in person at a pharmacy.
Sources: NHIS (nhis.or.kr), HIRA, KDCA 1339, hospital International Healthcare Centers, and current foreigner healthcare guidance. Emergency numbers: 119 / 1339 / 112.
Last verified: July 2026. Costs and services vary by facility and change over time — for medical emergencies call 119, and for advice call 1339. General information, not medical advice.
Need a clinic recommendation?
Ask others for English-friendly doctors in your area — post in the community and tag it Living.