When living abroad, it can be scary to seek medical attention, especially when you don\u2019t speak the local language. In this article, you\u2019ll find practical information that can help you in case of an emergency or health issue in South Korea.<\/p>\n
119<\/strong>: emergency call center (ambulance, firefighters) \nIf you are in a difficult situation and don\u2019t know who to turn to, you can contact the embassy of your home country, which can direct you to the relevant local authorities:<\/p>\n \nAlso remember to register with the foreign affairs ministry of your home country, to be listed as a resident in Korea and receive real-time notifications about risks. <\/p>\n In Korea, there are several healthcare facilities. If you go directly to clinics or large hospitals, consultations will cost you more than if you go through a primary care facility, such as medical offices and health centres.<\/p>\n You can find health centers in every neighbourhood; however, there might not always be English-speaking staff. If you can be accompanied by someone who speaks Korean, it will be easier; otherwise, you will need to rely on a translator like Papago<\/a>. Don\u2019t postpone a consultation because of language barriers.<\/p>\n To find the health center closest to you, you can type \ubcf4\uac74\uc18c in the search bar of Kakao Map or Naver Map<\/a>. Alternatively, you can check the website of the \u201cgu\u201d (district) where you live; you will find the address of the health centres in the area. After a consultation at a health center, you may be referred to a specialist if needed.<\/p>\n If you want to book an appointment directly with a specialist, you can either ask a Korean acquaintance to help you find one, or search by yourself by translating the specialty name into Korean and searching on Naver<\/a> (the search engine) or using Naver Map or Kakao Map. Don\u2019t hesitate to ask for advice in expat groups \u2014 it\u2019s a great way to get recommendations for good specialists.<\/p>\n If you prefer to go directly to an establishment with an international medical center where you can be received in English (among other languages), here is a non-exhaustive list.<\/p>\n \n In 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled that banning abortion was unconstitutional. Since 2021, abortion has been decriminalized.<\/p>\n However, since decriminalization, no real legal framework has been established to regulate the practice, and no policy has been implemented to guarantee simple, safe, and affordable access to abortion, leaving considerable uncertainty around the issue.<\/p>\n It is therefore still quite difficult and costly for women to get an abortion in Korea. But rest assured that it is no longer illegal.<\/p>\n If you need to have an abortion, check women\u2019s Facebook groups in South Korea for recommendations to hospitals offering such healthcare. he topic is often discussed, and you can find support and practical information there.<\/p>\n Here are some Facebook groups: <\/p>\n You can also reach out to certain organizations that can help and support women: <\/p>\n KHAP, the Korean federation for HIV and AIDS prevention, offers free and anonymous STI testing for foreigners residing in South Korea.<\/p>\n KHAP holds testing sessions in Seoul, Busan, and Ansan. You can get blood tests for STIs without an appointment, as well as rapid oral HIV tests by appointment.<\/p>\n Note that tests are not available every day; there are only a few sessions per month. You can check the testing schedule on this page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Information and contact for KHAP: If you are in an emergency, you can of course go to a regular hospital. Tests will need to be paid out of pocket and may not be anonymous.<\/p>\n If you are in South Korea on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV), you likely already have private travel medical insurance such as Globe WHV<\/a>, because it is required as a part of your visa application.<\/p>\n In case of medical consultation or emergency care, you will initially have to pay the costs upfront, then request reimbursement from your insurance provider.<\/p>\n *Private travel medical insurance generally covers related to an accident or illness, not routine check-ups. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t
\n112<\/strong>: the police <\/p>\n\n
Accessing healthcare in South Korea<\/h2>\n
Seeing a doctor<\/h3>\n
Hospitals with an English-speaking reception<\/h2>\n
Hospitals in Seoul<\/h3>\n
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Specialized hospitals<\/h3>\n
Gynecology:<\/h4>\n
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Ophthalmology:<\/h4>\n
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ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat):<\/h4>\n
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Spinal issues:<\/h4>\n
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Hospitals near Seoul<\/h3>\n
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Hospitals in Incheon<\/h3>\n
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Hospitals in Daejeon<\/h3>\n
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Hospitals in Daegu<\/h3>\n
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Hospitals in Busan<\/h3>\n
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Abortion and STI testing<\/h2>\n
Abortion in South Korea<\/h3>\n
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\nWebsite<\/a><\/li>\n
\nWebsite<\/a>
\nEmail: help@help0365.or.kr<\/li>\n
\n1366 (24\/7)
\nEmail: seoul1366@hanmail.net
\nWebsite<\/a>
\nNumber to contact in case of domestic violence, sexual violence, harassment, prostitution. (service in Korean)<\/li>\n
\nDanuri Helpline<\/a>: 1577-1366 (24\/7)
\nNumber to contact in case of domestic violence, sexual violence, prostitution. (service in English)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSTI testing<\/h3>\n
\nWebsite<\/a>
\nInstagram account: @khap.info<\/a>
\nPhone number: 010-2654-4322
\nEmail: khap@kaids.or.kr
\nKakaoTalk<\/strong>: KHAP-1
\nLine<\/strong>: KHAP1<\/p>\nHealth insurance<\/h2>\n
Private travel medical insurance<\/h3>\n