●■●● Guide for Foreigners: Choosing the Right Medical Department in Korean Hospitals
English-speaking students are often most surprised when they first visit a Korean hospital by the world-class medical services and reasonable medical fees. Compared to the United States or Europe, medical costs in Korea are much cheaper, while the standard of diagnosis and treatment remains very high. However, the structure of the Korean medical system is somewhat unique. It usually operates in a step-by-step system: primary clinics → secondary general hospitals → tertiary university hospitals, so foreigners who are not familiar with this structure may feel confused about where to begin their treatment.
In particular, English-speaking international students are most concerned about the cost of emergency rooms, the scope of health insurance coverage, and whether English interpretation services are available. Without understanding these aspects properly, one may end up paying unnecessarily high expenses or fail to receive the necessary treatment in time. This article summarizes the most frequently asked questions and practical answers for English-speaking students using hospitals in Korea.
In particular, English-speaking international students are most concerned about the cost of emergency rooms, the scope of health insurance coverage, and whether English interpretation services are available. Without understanding these aspects properly, one may end up paying unnecessarily high expenses or fail to receive the necessary treatment in time. This article summarizes the most frequently asked questions and practical answers for English-speaking students using hospitals in Korea.
Credit: [ⓒUnsplash–Matt C / Firefighter in Action]
Description: Korea’s 119 system offers free firefighting and emergency rescue with interpreter support.
●●🟧 Features of the Korean hospital system and common difficulties for foreigners
●✅ All foreigners living in Korea, including international students, can receive medical benefits equal to Koreans at the same cost by enrolling in Korea's National Health Insurance.
●✅ Korean hospitals are divided into very specialized departments, clearly separated into Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, ENT (Ear/Nose/Throat), Dermatology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, General Surgery, etc. Patients must choose the correct department based on their symptoms.
▶ However, foreigners are often unfamiliar with this system and hesitate to visit hospitals, wondering, "Which department should I go to for my symptoms?
●●🟧 Solutions for foreigners having trouble choosing the right medical department
●✅ If you're unsure about which department to choose, it's best to first visit a primary clinic (small neighborhood hospital) near your home. Neighborhood clinics have good accessibility, and if you briefly explain your symptoms at reception, they will guide you to the appropriate department.
●✅ It's common to visit hospitals 2-3 times for treatment, so it's good to select a hospital close to your home or school.
●✅ Even if English isn't well-understood at neighborhood clinics, you can usually communicate by gestures, such as touching your forehead, pointing to your stomach, or using simple hand signals. Most clinics understand these gestures and respond kindly.
●✅ Many primary clinics in Korea can provide basic diagnosis and prescriptions even if the symptoms don't exactly match their specialty. For example, mentioning skin problems at an internal medicine clinic or mild internal symptoms at an ENT clinic usually allows for basic treatment.
●✅ However, for specific symptoms such as eye issues (Ophthalmology), toothache (Dentistry), skin burns (Dermatology), leg injuries (Orthopedics), or women's health issues (Obstetrics/Gynecology), visiting the exact specialized department is the best choice.
●●🟧 Medical care order in the Korean medical system (1st → 2nd → 3rd)
●✅ Korean medical services typically operate in three stages: primary clinic (neighborhood clinic) → secondary hospital (small general hospital) → tertiary hospital (large university hospital).
●✅ Common symptoms such as colds, body aches, indigestion, and minor skin problems can usually be quickly treated at primary clinics.
●✅ However, if your condition is critical or an emergency, you can directly visit the emergency room of a tertiary hospital without going through a secondary hospital.
●✅ In emergencies or on holidays, you can call 119 for ambulance transportation or assistance.
●●🟧 Practical tips when using hospitals
●✅ For minor symptoms, visiting a primary clinic (small neighborhood hospital) is more efficient than a larger hospital. Waiting times are shorter, and even if you select the wrong department, you'll usually still receive appropriate care and guidance.
●✅ Preparing simple Korean or English expressions before your visit is helpful. Examples: "열이 나요" (I have a fever), "기침이 많아요" (I have a cough), "배가 아파요" (I have a stomachache).
💊 Summary
Foreigners visiting Korean hospitals for the first time should start by visiting the nearest primary clinic and clearly describing their symptoms. Most hospitals provide friendly guidance, and even if you initially choose the wrong department, you'll still receive proper care without major issues
💊 If you're still having difficulty choosing the right department
Ask your school teachers or young Koreans nearby, or request phone or KakaoTalk consultation through BP Korea (1660-2672)
●●🟧 Korea’s Emergency Rescue System (119) Guide
●✅ 119 is a nationwide emergency system operated by the Fire Department, integrating emergency medical care, firefighting, rescue, and ambulance services, available 24/7 for free.
●✅ When you call 119, emergency personnel are immediately dispatched, and multilingual interpretation services are available if needed (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Mongolian, etc.).
●✅ Ambulance transport and emergency care provided by 119 are completely free. Foreigners—including undocumented residents or short-term tourists—can use this service at no cost.
💊 Note: After arriving at the hospital, medical treatment fees become your responsibility. Foreigners without Korean National Health Insurance must pay the full cost.
●✅ If you're an international student facing an emergency, always call 119. If there's a fire, call 119; if you're seriously injured, call 119; if you're severely ill, call 119; and if you can’t get to the hospital yourself, call 119.
●✅ In the past, people sometimes misused 119 for minor problems, such as a broken door, insects in their home, or slightly sprained ankles. However, these days such unnecessary calls are heavily criticized, and misuse has significantly decreased.
▶ The 119 service is extremely fast, completely free, and can locate you by smartphone location tracking even if you can't clearly explain your address. Emergency responders usually arrive within about 5-15 minutes anywhere in Korea to assist foreigners.
💊 If you're an international student experiencing hardship—such as skipping meals due to lack of money or not receiving medical care because of finances—please seek immediate help. You can call 119, talk to your teacher, visit a local administrative welfare center, call BP Korea (1660-2672), or bravely ask a Korean neighbor for help.
💊 Korean culture is unique in that even neighbors who rarely interact step up immediately to help in emergencies. Public agencies, private organizations, and individuals are ready to assist you. Don’t suffer alone—always ask for help. Most Koreans offer assistance unconditionally.
●●🟧 How to Use Dental Clinics in Korea
●✅ Most dental clinics in Korea are private and offer various treatments, including cavity care, scaling, orthodontics, implants, teeth whitening, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, laminates, and gum treatments.
●✅ Korean dental care is globally recognized for high-quality treatments and is very affordable. Treatments like implants, orthodontics, and teeth whitening utilize advanced technology, greatly reducing discomfort. International students and tourists frequently choose dental care in Korea and report high satisfaction.
●✅ Dental treatments are covered by National Health Insurance, making basic treatments affordable. However, cosmetic or orthodontic treatments have limited coverage. Treatments such as cavities, scaling, and wisdom teeth extractions have substantial insurance coverage, significantly lowering costs. Even treatments like implants or orthodontics, which have limited coverage, remain considerably cheaper than in the US or Europe.
●✅ National Health Insurance members can receive one insured scaling annually, with patient payments around 15,000–20,000 KRW. International students are strongly encouraged to utilize this benefit.
●✅ Dental treatments often require appointments, so it’s recommended to call ahead to confirm availability. Many clinics offer online or KakaoTalk reservations for more convenient care.
💊 Your stay in Korea is an excellent opportunity to address dental care you've postponed due to costs or fears. Dentists differ in skill, so ask Korean friends for recommended clinics. Most dental clinics have staff who speak foreign languages or offer interpretation services, so confirm this when making your appointment.
●●🟧 Traditional Korean Medicine (Hanuihak)
●✅ Traditional Korean medicine, known as Hanuihak, is widely used in Korea. Hanuiwon (Korean medical clinics) offer acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicines for various health issues and preventive care.
●✅ Treatment at Hanuiwon is covered by National Health Insurance, making costs comparable to regular clinics. Hanuihak is effective for chronic pain, digestive issues, and fatigue recovery.
●✅ Herbal prescriptions are personalized through consultations based on your constitution and symptoms.
●✅ While Western medicine (especially in the US and Europe) focuses mainly on surgery or external treatments, Korea’s Hanuihak has thousands of years of history. It effectively treats sprains, internal organ health, and overall body strengthening.
●✅ Foreigners may find Hanuihak unfamiliar at first—for example, treating digestive issues with acupuncture on the foot, or headaches by treating the back or arms. Hanuihak views the body as interconnected, where pain in one area can originate from elsewhere, so treatment often involves balancing the entire body.
●✅ Hanuihak effectively manages chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, stress, insomnia, allergies, menstrual pain and irregularity, chronic muscle or joint pain, and sprains. These conditions often aren't quickly resolved by Western medicine alone, but holistic Hanuihak treatments provide deeper improvements.
💊 Hanuiwon clinics in Korea are popular among foreigners for treating chronic health issues or fatigue unresolved by standard hospitals. Increasing numbers of foreigners specifically visit Korea for Hanuihak treatments
●●🟧 Buying Glasses and Contact Lenses in Korea is Fast and Affordable
●✅ In Korea, you can easily buy glasses without seeing an ophthalmologist or needing a prescription. Vision tests and purchases can be completed in one quick visit at any optical store.
●✅ Vision tests are usually free, and glasses typically cost between 30,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW. Compared to prices in the US or Europe, glasses in Korea cost less than half, while maintaining very high quality.
●✅ Optical stores are conveniently located in most neighborhoods or near subway stations. They offer a wide range of brands and designs, so shopping can actually be enjoyable.
●✅ A vision test typically takes only about 5 minutes using advanced equipment. Once you choose a frame, your glasses can be ready within just 15–30 minutes.
💊 In fact, it’s common in Korea for customers to spend 30 minutes choosing glasses but only about 15 minutes waiting for them to be made. This makes Korea’s optical stores among the fastest and most efficient in the world.
▶ Due to these advantages, many foreign tourists visiting Korea buy 2 or 3 pairs of glasses during their trips.
●✅ Contact lenses are also very easy to purchase in Korea.
●✅ You can freely buy contact lenses without a prescription, after a quick vision check at optical stores or specialized contact lens stores.
●✅ The most common daily disposable lenses (30-pack) typically cost around 20,000 to 40,000 KRW, significantly cheaper than in the US or Europe.
●✅ Even colored or high-quality lenses usually cost around 50,000 KRW or less. Due to their stylish designs, comfort, and high quality, they’re increasingly popular among foreigners.
💊 Korean contact lenses are particularly famous for their excellent quality, diverse selection, and stylish designs—often considered part of the K-Beauty trend ("K-Lenses"). This has led to rising global demand, with foreign residents in Korea frequently receiving requests from friends back home to buy lenses and ship them overseas.
→ Affordable prices, natural designs, and fast service contribute to this popularity.
💊 Note: Korean National Health Insurance does not cover glasses or contact lenses. You must pay the full cost.
●✅ However, insurance does cover ophthalmological treatments for conditions like conjunctivitis, dry eyes, or declining vision. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to visit a hospital for proper care.
💊 Important Notices
▶ In Korea, online sales of contact lenses and glasses are legally prohibited.
→ You must purchase these products directly at offline optical stores, as this regulation aims to protect consumers’ eye health.
▶ Even so, offline stores offer very affordable prices, a wide selection, and extremely fast service. This makes the experience highly convenient and satisfying for international students and tourists alike.
▶ In Korea, online sales of contact lenses and glasses are legally prohibited.
→ You must purchase these products directly at offline optical stores, as this regulation aims to protect consumers’ eye health.
▶ Even so, offline stores offer very affordable prices, a wide selection, and extremely fast service. This makes the experience highly convenient and satisfying for international students and tourists alike.
●●🟧 Hospital Treatment Costs and Using Pharmacies in Korea
●✅ Medical fees in Korean hospitals are extremely reasonable compared to other countries. When you visit a hospital, you typically pay about 30% of the total treatment cost, while the remaining 70% is covered by National Health Insurance.
●✅ For primary care (local clinics), fees for mild symptoms usually range from about 3,000 to 10,000 KRW with insurance. Secondary hospitals (small general hospitals) require patients to pay about 40%, while tertiary hospitals (university hospitals) require around 50%. Though percentages for secondary and tertiary hospitals are similar, tertiary hospitals often perform more complex tests and procedures, possibly resulting in fees over 50,000 KRW. Still, Korea remains one of the most affordable developed countries for medical care.
●✅ After your doctor’s appointment, you’ll receive a prescription to buy medicine at a nearby pharmacy. (Pharmacies are typically located near hospitals.) Medication costs at pharmacies are also covered by insurance, meaning you only pay about 30% of the total. For common conditions like colds or indigestion, medication usually costs around 2,000 to 10,000 KRW.
●✅ Pharmacies operate independently from hospitals but are usually conveniently located nearby. Simply hand your prescription to the pharmacist, who will prepare your medicine and carefully explain how to take it. Prescriptions generally expire within 3 days, so it’s best to visit a pharmacy right after your doctor's appointment. Common medicines like cold remedies or pain relievers (e.g., Tylenol) are available without a prescription.
●✅ For minor illnesses like colds or upset stomach, total costs—including both doctor’s visit (around 3,000 KRW) and medicine (around 2,000 KRW)—often remain below 5,000 KRW in total, with the entire process usually taking less than 15 minutes.
●✅ Even serious medical treatments in Korea cost far less than comparable treatments in the US or Europe.
●✅ Due to the affordability and convenience, Koreans commonly visit doctors even for minor symptoms. So, if your Korean friend casually says “I’ll drop by the hospital,” don’t worry—it's usually just a routine check-up or minor treatment.
●✅ Foreign students on D-2 or D-4 visas must enroll in Korean National Health Insurance after 6 months, allowing worry-free access to medical care.
💊 Korea’s government strictly regulates medical service fees covered by National Health Insurance, meaning you’ll pay the same fees at hospitals nationwide. You never need to worry about being overcharged.
●✅ Doctors may recommend additional tests if needed, but costs remain reasonable.
●✅ However, foreign tourists visiting Korea solely for medical tourism are not covered by National Health Insurance. Thus, treatment costs may vary significantly between hospitals.
Credit: [ⓒUnsplash-Marcelo Leal / Stethoscope]
Foreigners in Korea receive the same quality of medical care as locals.
Credit: [ⓒUnsplash-Marcelo Leal / Stethoscope]
Foreigners in Korea receive the same quality of medical care as locals.
●■●● Mandatory Korean National Health Insurance for International Students (2025)
●●🟧 Basic Overview
●✅ All international students in Korea (D-2 visa, D-4-1 visa, etc.) are required to enroll in Korean National Health Insurance.
●✅ Once enrolled, students enjoy the same medical benefits as Korean nationals, paying identical standard fees for treatment, medication, and hospitalization.
●✅ Students on a D-2 visa (university students) can use insurance benefits approximately 2 days after arrival. (Example: Hospital visits possible from the second day after entering Korea.)
Students on a D-4 visa (language school students) can enroll after 6 months of entry.
●●🟧 Payment Methods and Fee Structure
●✅ Due Date: Payment must be made by the 25th of each month.
●✅ Payment Method: Monthly auto-debit from a Korean bank account is recommended for convenience
●✅ Monthly Premiums:
▶ General foreign students: 152,790 KRW per month
▶ Students with a D-2 (university) or D-4 (language school) visa automatically receive a 50% discount, paying only 76,390 KRW per month
※ Discounts usually apply automatically, but if you notice being charged double (152,790 KRW instead of 76,390 KRW), the mistake must be corrected promptly
▶ Students with a D-2 (university) or D-4 (language school) visa automatically receive a 50% discount, paying only 76,390 KRW per month
※ Discounts usually apply automatically, but if you notice being charged double (152,790 KRW instead of 76,390 KRW), the mistake must be corrected promptly
●✅ Students using BP Korea will typically receive their first bill with two months' premiums (152,790 KRW) combined into one initial payment. After this, you'll pay 76,390 KRW per month. If the discounted rate isn’t properly applied and you’re charged incorrectly, immediately contact BP Korea (1660-2672) for assistance
●●🟧 National Health Insurance Enrollment Timing
●✅ Entering Korea on the 1st of the month - You must enroll from that month (You will receive your bill due by the 25th)
●✅ Entering between the 2nd and 31st - You must enroll from the following month
●✅ D-2 Visa (University students) - Enrollment begins from your entry date, while D-4 Visa (Language students) - Enrollment automatically starts 6 months after your entry (Mandatory for all students)
●✅ The health insurance fee is prepaid - Your first bill charges two months at once, then each month afterward you pay for the upcoming month
●✅ If you leave Korea permanently, you can apply to refund any unused prepaid amount
●●🟧 Disadvantages of Unpaid Insurance
●✅ If your payment isn't made by the 25th of each month, your insurance coverage will be suspended starting from the 1st day of the month after next (Example: If unpaid by May 25th, insurance stops on July 1st)
●✅ Using medical services during a suspension means you must pay full price without any insurance benefit
●✅ To restore your insurance, you must pay all overdue fees plus an additional penalty fee (around 5%)
●●🟧 Free Health Checkups for Insured International Students
●✅ Korea has excellent healthcare for treating illnesses after they occur, but even better is Korea's outstanding health checkup system designed to detect and prevent illness before it happens
●✅ Every health insurance subscriber, including international students, can receive free health checkups after a certain period of enrollment
●✅ Generally, health checkups are provided once every two years at public health centers or hospitals designated by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) - simply reserve your appointment and visit for a free examination
●✅ Basic health checkups include physical measurement, blood pressure, vision, hearing, blood tests, urine tests, and chest X-ray, and women aged 20 and over also get a free cervical cancer screening (pap smear)
●✅ Free health checkups can detect and prevent various illnesses early, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver dysfunction, tuberculosis, obesity, anemia, kidney disease, vision/hearing issues, and cervical cancer (for women)
●✅ Korea's healthcare system emphasizes preventive care by finding and managing illnesses before symptoms appear, so students are strongly encouraged to utilize free health checkups for optimal health management
💊 If eligible for a checkup, you'll receive notification by mail or text message from NHIS - simply choose your desired checkup center, make an appointment, and bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC) for identification
●■●● Health Insurance Guide for D-4 Visa (Language School Students)
●●🟧 Automatic Enrollment 6 Months After Entry
●✅ Students on a D-4 visa automatically become enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance exactly 6 months after arrival (Example: Entering July 1, 2024 → Automatic enrollment January 1, 2025)
●●🟧 First Bill - 2 Months Prepaid
●✅ Your first bill charges 2 months' fees upfront
●✅ Payment is due by the 25th of your enrollment month
(mandatory prepayment for 2 months)
●✅ From the following month, bills are sent around the 15th of each month and due by the 25th, charging one month's fee each time
●●🟧 Automatic Payment (Auto-Debit)
●✅ If you have a Korean bank account - automatic payment is the easiest and most convenient method
●✅ You can apply for auto-debit on the NHIS website, through the mobile app (‘The 건강보험’), or by visiting an NHIS branch in person (phone applications are not allowed)
💊 Automatic debit (auto-payment) is extremely common in Korea and rarely fails (You can easily apply via the mobile app)
💊 Unlike other countries where credit cards or direct payments are common, becoming familiar with Korea's auto-payment system is highly recommended
💊 Health insurance is an essential safety net for your student life in Korea
▶ Many students start their life abroad at around 20 years old, far from their family and familiar surroundings, and initially experience tension, stress, and frequent minor illnesses like colds and fatigue
▶ On the other hand, some students remain healthy enough to not visit a hospital for an entire year, which can make monthly insurance payments feel unnecessary
However, illness often occurs without warning, and when you're sick, insurance ensures you receive affordable medical care
Korea's healthcare system is highly cost-efficient, and its health insurance benefits are extremely powerful
▶ Therefore, maintaining health insurance is strongly recommended for a stable, enjoyable student life in Korea - especially given Korea's affordable yet high-quality medical services
●●🟧 Frequently Asked Questions from English-speaking Students
●✅ Is emergency room care expensive in Korea?
→ No. Korea’s 119 ambulance service is provided completely free of charge. Foreigners are no exception, and no fee is charged when being transported to a hospital in an emergency. However, once you arrive at the hospital, the cost of treatment and examinations must be covered by the patient.
→ No. Korea’s 119 ambulance service is provided completely free of charge. Foreigners are no exception, and no fee is charged when being transported to a hospital in an emergency. However, once you arrive at the hospital, the cost of treatment and examinations must be covered by the patient.
●✅ Can I go directly to a university hospital?
→ If it is not an emergency, you generally need to first receive treatment at a primary clinic and obtain a referral letter from a doctor before being seen at a university hospital. Korea’s medical system is based on a step-by-step process to prevent unnecessary overcrowding at large hospitals and to ensure efficient treatment.
●✅ Can I get treatment without health insurance?
→ Yes, you can. However, without health insurance, you must pay the full cost yourself, which can be significantly higher. On the other hand, international students are required to enroll in health insurance, so they can enjoy the same benefits as Korean citizens.
●✅ How do general medical fees compare to the U.S.?
→ With health insurance, fees for general departments such as internal medicine, pediatrics, or dermatology are usually around 3,000–10,000 KRW, which is very inexpensive. This is less than one-tenth of the medical fees in the United States, and even including the cost of medicine, the total remains affordable.
●✅ Where can I get English interpretation services?
→ Most major university hospitals operate international clinics and provide English interpretation services. In small local clinics, English may not be widely spoken, but basic medical terms and gestures are usually sufficient for communication. If necessary, you can also use a smartphone translation app to assist with communication.
●●🟧 This article was prepared to provide essential information for those planning to study in Korea
●📗 To begin your student life in Korea smoothly, it is important to have the correct visa preparation and trustworthy local support💊 You can review various visa service options and proceed easily through the official BP Korea website
👉 Visit the BP Korea Official Website
(URL: https://bridgeplankorea.com/) (◀ Click to connect directly)
▶ If you have further questions or need personal advice, please contact us by email (visa@bridgeplankorea.com). We will respond promptly
💊 Notice
This article was prepared with the help of translation tools
Some expressions may sound slightly different due to cultural or linguistic nuances
We kindly ask for your understanding
This blog shares a wide range of practical information about living in Korea.
From transportation tips and health insurance guidance to university insights, skincare advice, and study preparation —
you’ll find helpful guides designed for international students and travelers.
Explore the labels to discover even more useful and detailed content about everyday life in Korea.
From transportation tips and health insurance guidance to university insights, skincare advice, and study preparation —
you’ll find helpful guides designed for international students and travelers.
Explore the labels to discover even more useful and detailed content about everyday life in Korea.
Description: Traditional Korean medicine offers acupuncture and herbal care for everyone.