🏥 What to do if you get sick in Korea? International student hospital usage guide

Have you ever felt lost and upset because you didn’t know which hospital to go to when you were sick alone in a foreign country? 😢

It’s confusing whether you just have a mild cold or it's an emergency, and you may already feel anxious having to explain your symptoms in Korean.

Here’s a summary of how international students living alone can conveniently use hospitals when sick! ✨

🪪 Prepare your ID before treatment

Before going to the hospital, you might be confused about what preparations you need to make first. If your identity cannot be verified, your treatment may be limited, so please make sure to check!

1. Please bring an ID with a photo and registration number, such as a Foreigner Registration Card, passport, or Korean driver's license.

2. You can also verify your identity with a Mobile Health Insurance Card instead of a physical ID.

3. Proof of identity is essential for receiving treatment under the foreigner health insurance at hospitals.

👉 If you make a habit of grabbing your wallet before heading to the hospital, you’ll have no problem adapting to life in Korea!

🩺 Finding the right medical department for your symptoms

Hospital departments in Korea are highly specialized, so it can be confusing deciding where to go. It's best to visit a local clinic near your home before a big hospital.

1. For colds, nasal congestion, and throat or ear pain, go to the Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department.

2. For indigestion, abdominal pain, or diarrhea, the Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology department is appropriate.

3. For eye pain, go to Ophthalmology; for toothache, Dentistry; for skin rashes, Dermatology; for sprains, Orthopedics.

👉 You can check information on specialists by department in Naver Map’s medical information—make sure to check it out!

🌙 Finding hospitals open at night or on weekends

If you suddenly get sick at night or on the weekend, you may worry if you must go straight to a big hospital’s emergency room. If your condition is mild, you may have to wait a long time at the ER, so I suggest other options!

1. Open Naver Map or KakaoMap and search for '24-hour hospital' or '24-hour pharmacy.'

2. You can also easily find the nearest hospital by searching keywords like 'night clinic' or 'weekend clinic.'

3. Before visiting, call the listed number in the app to confirm if treatment is currently available and avoid unnecessary trips.

👉 If you just know how to search keywords in your everyday map apps, you won’t panic late at night!

🚨 Call 119 in a real emergency

If you’re badly injured or having trouble breathing, you may not know what to do and feel scared. You should request help right away instead of going to a hospital yourself.

1. For breathing difficulties, severe chest pain or bleeding, or loss of consciousness, immediately call 119.

2. When calling 119, calmly tell them your location, symptoms, and whether you are conscious and breathing.

3. 119 will assess your symptoms and severity and transport you safely to the most suitable hospital.

👉 In an emergency, don’t hesitate—call 119. They will protect your safety first!

🗣️ When you need Korean language support

When explaining symptoms or making a reservation by phone, you may feel lost if you’re not fluent in Korean. Make full use of foreign language support services!

1. If you live in Seoul, you can get counseling in English, Chinese, etc., and 3-way interpretation from the 120 Dasan Call Center (120+9).

2. The Foreigner Information Center (1345) also offers consultations in 20 languages and three-way calls.

3. If you need professional medical counseling, please use the Medical Korea Support Center (1577-7129).

👉 How to get medical care in peace without worrying about language—be sure to make a note of this!

In Conclusion

✔️ Bring an ID with a photo and your foreigner registration number when visiting the hospital

✔️ For mild colds or abdominal pain, first visit a local internal medicine or ENT clinic

✔️ At night or on weekends, use E-Gen to find an open hospital; in emergencies, call 119

Being sick in a foreign country can feel even lonelier and more upsetting, but with this guide, you can always respond safely and stay healthy!

💡 VIVISA will help you.

VIVISA organizes information like this in an easy-to-understand way.

• Foreigner & student visa information

• Part-time job & labor regulations

• Essential administrative guides for living in Korea

For studying abroad and working part-time in Korea, start easily and worry-free with VIVISA! ✨