Part 3: Emergencies & After-Hours Care

Visiting a Hospital in Korea (Part 3: Emergencies & After-Hours Care)

Emergencies can feel stressful, especially in a foreign country where the healthcare system is unfamiliar. In Korea, knowing where to go and what to expect will help you act quickly and avoid unnecessary confusion. This guide covers what foreigners need to know about emergency care, after-hours treatment, and useful tips for urgent situations.

1. Where to Go in an Emergency

• Emergency Rooms (ERs): Available in all general hospitals (종합병원). They operate 24/7 and handle urgent or life-threatening cases.

• University Hospitals: Major hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital or Yonsei Severance have fully equipped ERs, often with English support.

• 119 Ambulance Service: Korea’s national emergency number is 119. Operators may not always speak English fluently, but some cities offer limited translation support.

💡 Tip: If language is a concern, prepare your address and condition in writing (in Korean) or use a translation app to show the paramedics.

2. After-Hours & Night Clinics

Not all emergencies require the ER. For non-life-threatening issues:

• Night Pharmacies (야간 약국): Some pharmacies rotate schedules to stay open late. You can search “야간 약국” on Naver Maps or Kakao Maps.

• 24-Hour Clinics: Large neighborhoods often have at least one 24-hour or late-night internal medicine clinic.

• Public Health Center On-Call: Some public centers keep limited night or weekend services.

3. Costs: What to Expect

Medical fees vary based on hospital size, treatment, and insurance coverage.

• With insurance: You usually pay only a portion of the total fee (often less than 30%).

• Without insurance: You must cover the full cost, which can be several times higher than insured prices.

• International Clinics: Convenient for foreigners, but generally the most expensive option.

⚠️ Always bring your insurance card (if applicable) and credit card or cash for payment.

4. Useful Korean Phrases

When under stress, clear communication matters. Here are phrases you may need:

• “응급실 가야 해요.” (I need to go to the emergency room.)

• “통역 가능한 분 계신가요?” (Is there someone who can translate?)

• “보험이 적용되나요?” (Does my insurance cover this?)

• “약을 어디서 받을 수 있나요?” (Where can I get the medicine?)

5. Practical Tips for Foreigners

• Bring ID: Carry your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport.

• Keep a List: Note your allergies, medical history, and current medications in English and Korean.

• Locate Nearby ERs in Advance: Search your neighborhood hospitals before an emergency happens.

• Save 119: Store the number in your phone and practice saying your address in Korean.

✍️ Final Thoughts: Stay Prepared, Stay Calm

Emergencies are never pleasant, but Korea’s healthcare system is highly reliable and accessible. By knowing where to go, how costs work, and a few key phrases, you can handle urgent situations with more confidence.