How to Visit a Hospital in Korea as a Foreigner

Need a doctor in Korea?

The process can feel unfamiliar at first, but it becomes much easier when you break it into a few simple steps.

For an overview of the Korean medical system, see our complete guide to Healthcare in Korea for Foreigners.

This guide focuses on the practical side: where to go, how to make an appointment, what to bring, how payment works, and what happens after your consultation.

Step 1. Decide Where to Go

For common health problems, a local clinic is often the easiest place to start.

You will commonly see clinics specializing in:

Cold or stomach problem → Internal Medicine

Sore throat or ear problem → ENT

Skin problem → Dermatology

Joint or back problem → Orthopedics

Eye problem → Ophthalmology

Women's health → OB-GYN

For serious, complicated, or long-term medical conditions, a larger general or university hospital may be more appropriate.

Local Clinic or Large Hospital?

A local clinic is usually better for:

mild illness
common infections
minor injuries
routine consultations
simple follow-up care

A larger hospital may be more suitable for:

serious disease
major surgery
complicated diagnosis
specialist treatment
advanced imaging or procedures

If you are unsure, starting with a local clinic can often be a practical first step.

Step 2. Check Language Support

Before visiting, check the hospital's website or contact the hospital directly.

Look for terms such as:

International Health Care Center

International Clinic

International Patient Center

Large hospitals that regularly treat foreign patients may provide:

English-speaking staff
interpretation
multilingual assistance
appointment support
international-patient coordinators

Language support varies by hospital, so do not assume that every clinic will have English-speaking staff.

For a complicated consultation, surgery, or detailed explanation of treatment, professional medical interpretation can be especially useful.

Step 3. Make an Appointment

Small neighborhood clinics may accept walk-in patients, although policies and waiting times vary.

For larger hospitals, specialist departments, or international-patient centers, making an appointment in advance is usually recommended.

When booking, prepare:

Your name
Nationality
Contact information
Main medical problem
Preferred appointment date
Preferred language

If you are traveling to Korea specifically for medical treatment, contact the hospital before your trip.

Ask about:

appointment availability
required documents
estimated cost
interpretation
medical records
payment methods

Step 4. Bring Your Medical Information

If you have an existing medical condition, bring any information that may help the doctor understand your history.

Useful documents can include:

Passport or ID
Appointment confirmation
Medication list
Allergy information
Previous blood-test results
Pathology reports
CT or MRI images
Previous medical records
Insurance information

If the documents are not in Korean or English, ask the hospital in advance whether translation is necessary.

For complex treatment, clear medical records can reduce unnecessary repeat testing and make the consultation more efficient.

Step 5. Ask About Costs

Before an expensive examination, procedure, or treatment, ask about the expected cost.

Useful questions include:

“How much will this cost?”

“Can I get an estimated cost before treatment?”

Medical fees can vary depending on:

hospital type
specialist
tests
imaging
procedure
medication
insurance coverage

Foreign visitors without Korean health insurance may need to pay the full cost directly.

If you have travel or private medical insurance, check what documents your insurer requires for reimbursement.

Step 6. Register at the Hospital

When you arrive, go to the reception or registration desk.

You may be asked for:

Passport or ID
Appointment information
Contact details
Insurance information

At larger hospitals, an international-patient center may help with registration and guide you to the correct department.

You may receive a patient number or registration card that is used during your visit.

Step 7. During the Consultation

Explain your symptoms as clearly as possible.

Useful information includes:

when the symptoms started
whether they are getting worse
medications you already take
allergies
past medical history
previous treatment

If you do not understand something, ask the doctor to explain it again.

For important treatment decisions, make sure you understand:

diagnosis
recommended treatment
possible side effects
recovery time
follow-up plan

Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Step 8. Pay and Keep Your Documents

After the consultation or treatment, you will usually pay at the clinic or hospital.

If you plan to claim expenses through insurance, ask for the documents you may need.

These can include:

Receipt
Detailed billing statement
Medical certificate
Test results
Prescription information

Requirements vary by insurance company, so it is helpful to check in advance.

Keep copies of all important documents until your insurance claim is completed.

Step 9. Visit a Pharmacy

If the doctor prescribes medication, you may receive a prescription to take to a nearby pharmacy.

Pharmacies are common around hospitals and clinics.

At the pharmacy, tell the pharmacist if you:

have medication allergies
are pregnant
take other medicines
have difficulty taking certain types of medication

Ask how often to take the medicine and whether there are any important precautions.

Step 10. Follow-Up Care

Some conditions require a follow-up appointment.

Before leaving, confirm:

whether you need another visit
when to return
whether more tests are required
how to access test results
whether remote follow-up is available

If you will leave Korea soon, ask the doctor what you should do if symptoms continue after returning home.

Useful Korean Words

Hospital — 병원 (byeong-won)

Pharmacy — 약국 (yak-guk)

Emergency Room — 응급실 (eung-geup-sil)

Doctor — 의사 (ui-sa)

Medicine — 약 (yak)

Appointment — 예약 (ye-yak)

Prescription — 처방전 (cheo-bang-jeon)

Useful Korean Phrases

영어 가능한가요?
Yeongeo ganeunghan-gayo?
Do you speak English?

예약했어요.
Yeyakhaesseoyo.
I have an appointment.

어디가 아파요?
Eodiga apayo?
Where does it hurt?

약 알레르기가 있어요.
Yak allereugiga isseoyo.
I have a medication allergy.

비용이 얼마예요?
Biyongi eolmayeyo?
How much does it cost?

If It Is an Emergency

For a serious or life-threatening medical emergency in Korea:

🚑 Call 119 — Ambulance / Medical Emergency

For police assistance:

🚓 Call 112

Do not wait for a routine clinic appointment if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

severe chest pain
difficulty breathing
loss of consciousness
severe bleeding
signs of stroke
serious injury

Go to an emergency room or call 119.

Final Thoughts

Visiting a hospital in Korea as a foreigner does not have to be complicated.

The key is to prepare before you go.

Choose the right facility.
Check language support.
Bring your medical information.
Ask about costs.
Keep your documents.
And know what to do in an emergency.

For routine health problems, a local clinic may be the simplest option.

For more complicated care, larger hospitals and international-patient centers can provide additional support.

A little preparation can make the entire process much easier.