What to Do If You Get Sick in Korea
Hospitals, Pharmacies, Emergency Numbers & Travel Insurance Guide
Getting sick while traveling in Korea can feel stressful. However, Korea has a modern and efficient healthcare system. The key is knowing where to go, who to call, and what documents to prepare.
This guide explains everything foreign visitors need to know.
📌 Table of Contents
- Medical Emergency – Call 119
- Tourist Help & Interpretation – Call 1330
- Pharmacy, Clinic, or Hospital?
- Visiting a Pharmacy in Korea
- Visiting a Clinic in Korea
- Visiting a Hospital or Emergency Room
- Travel Insurance for Tourists
- Medical Documents for Insurance Claims
- Bringing Your Own Medicine
- Useful Medical Phrases (English + Korean)
- Pre‑Travel Medical Checklist
- Step‑by‑Step Action Plan
FAQ
1️⃣ If It Is a Medical Emergency, Call 119 (구급차)
If you have a serious or life‑threatening condition, call:
🚑 119 – Ambulance / Fire Emergency (구급차)
👮 112 – Police (경찰)
Call 119 immediately if you experience:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Heavy bleeding
- Stroke-like symptoms
- Serious injury
✅ Quick Summary
If the situation is urgent or life‑threatening, call 119 immediately. Do not wait or try to go to a pharmacy first.
2️⃣ If You Need Travel Help or Interpretation, Call 1330
📞 1330 – Korea Travel Hotline (관광 통역 안내)
This service helps tourists with:
- Finding nearby hospitals
- Language assistance
- Travel emergencies
- Medical facility guidance
✅ Quick Summary
If you’re unsure where to go or need language support, call 1330 for assistance.
3️⃣ Pharmacy, Clinic, or Hospital: Where Should You Go?
In Korea, medical facilities are generally divided into:
- Pharmacy (약국) – minor symptoms
- Clinic (의원) – non‑emergency doctor visit
- Hospital / ER (병원 / 응급실) – serious cases
✅ Quick Summary
Mild symptoms → Pharmacy
Need doctor but not urgent → Clinic
Serious condition → Hospital
4️⃣ Visiting a Pharmacy in Korea (약국)
Pharmacies are common and easy to find.
A pharmacy may help if you have:
- Headache (두통)
- Mild cold (가벼운 감기)
- Stomach discomfort (복통)
- Motion sickness (멀미)
- Minor cuts (가벼운 상처)
Important:
Pharmacies cannot perform medical tests or provide advanced treatment.
✅ Quick Summary
For minor health problems, a pharmacy is usually enough. If symptoms worsen, visit a clinic.
5️⃣ Visiting a Clinic in Korea (의원)
Clinics are suitable for non‑emergency conditions.
Visit a clinic if:
- You need a prescription (처방전)
- You have a fever (발열)
- Symptoms are getting worse
- You need basic treatment
Most clinics specialize in areas like ENT, dermatology, or internal medicine.
✅ Quick Summary
Clinics are ideal for non‑urgent problems requiring a doctor’s evaluation.
6️⃣ Visiting a Hospital or Emergency Room (병원 / 응급실)
Hospitals provide advanced care including:
- Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI)
- Emergency surgery
- Specialist treatment
Bring:
- Passport (여권)
- Travel insurance info
- Credit card or cash
- Current medication list
Emergency rooms are for urgent conditions only.
✅ Quick Summary
Go to a hospital for serious symptoms or if referred by a clinic.
7️⃣ Travel Insurance: Why It Is Important
Travel insurance may cover:
- Clinic visits
- Hospital treatment
- Ambulance fees
- Prescription medicine
- Medical evacuation
Always check:
- Coverage limits
- Pre‑existing condition rules
- Required claim documents
✅ Quick Summary
Travel insurance protects you from unexpected medical costs in Korea.
8️⃣ What Documents Should You Keep?
For insurance claims, keep:
- Receipt (영수증)
- Diagnosis note (진단서)
- Prescription (처방전)
- Hospital invoice
- Proof of payment
✅ Quick Summary
Never throw away medical documents. Keep everything for insurance reimbursement.
9️⃣ Bringing Your Own Medicine to Korea
Before traveling:
- Bring medicine in original packaging
- Carry a doctor’s note
- Check if the medication is restricted
- Bring only a reasonable amount
Some medicines legal in other countries may be restricted in Korea.
✅ Quick Summary
Prepare medicine carefully and check regulations before traveling.
🔟 Useful Medical Phrases (English + Korean)
- I need a doctor. (의사가 필요해요.)
- I need a hospital. (병원이 필요해요.)
- I have a fever. (열이 있어요.)
- I have chest pain. (가슴이 아파요.)
- I am allergic to this medicine. (이 약에 알레르기가 있어요.)
- Please write down the diagnosis. (진단서를 써 주세요.)
✅ Quick Summary
Save these phrases on your phone in case of emergency.
1️⃣1️⃣ Medical Help Checklist Before Traveling
Before your trip:
✅ Buy travel insurance
✅ Save emergency numbers (119, 112, 1330)
✅ Prepare allergy list
✅ Bring prescriptions
✅ Save hotel address
✅ Quick Summary
Preparation reduces stress and saves time during emergencies.
1️⃣2️⃣ Step‑by‑Step: What to Do If You Get Sick
Step 1: Check if it is an emergency
Step 2: Choose pharmacy, clinic, or hospital
Step 3: Contact insurance company
Step 4: Bring ID and payment method
Step 5: Keep all documents
✅ Quick Summary
Stay calm, choose the right facility, and keep all medical paperwork.
❓ FAQ – Medical Help in Korea
Can tourists visit hospitals in Korea?
Yes, tourists can access clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms.
Is medical care expensive for tourists?
Costs vary, but Korea is generally affordable compared to the US. Insurance is recommended.
Do Korean hospitals accept credit cards?
Yes, most major hospitals accept international credit cards.
Can I buy antibiotics at a pharmacy?
Most antibiotics require a prescription in Korea.
Are there English-speaking hospitals?
Yes, especially in Seoul and major cities.
💬 Have You Needed Medical Help in Korea?
Have you visited a clinic or hospital in Korea as a tourist?
Share your experience or questions in the comments below — your story may help other travelers.
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting sick in Korea can feel stressful, but the healthcare system is modern and efficient.
Remember:
- Emergency → 119
- Minor symptoms → Pharmacy
- Non‑urgent doctor visit → Clinic
- Serious case → Hospital
- Keep all documents for insurance
Being prepared makes your trip safer and more comfortable.