Medical Help

Health and Emergency

Know how to get treatment, use insurance, and find help in urgent situations.

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Note: This page provides general health information only β€” not medical advice. Insurance policies, coverage, and costs vary. Consult a qualified healthcare provider and verify insurance details with your provider directly.

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Clinics vs Hospitals

Korea has a clear two-tier system β€” knowing which to visit saves time and money.

  • β–ΈLocal clinics (μ˜μ›/병원) handle most everyday issues: colds, minor injuries, prescriptions
  • β–ΈBring your ARC card and health insurance card β€” most clinics charge 5,000–20,000 KRW after insurance
  • β–ΈUniversity hospitals and general hospitals are for more serious conditions; expect longer waits
  • β–ΈMany clinics near universities have basic English-speaking staff β€” call ahead if unsure
  • β–ΈFor recommended international-friendly clinics, search "외ꡭ인 μ§„λ£Œ" near your area
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This is general information only β€” not medical advice. For health concerns, consult a qualified medical professional in person.

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National Health Insurance (NHIS)

Most foreign students become eligible for public health insurance after a period of stay.

  • β–ΈForeign nationals who have stayed in Korea for 6+ months are generally enrolled automatically in NHIS
  • β–ΈStudents enrolled at universities may be eligible earlier β€” check with your school's international office
  • β–ΈMonthly premiums vary; your school or district office (ꡬ청) can help with registration
  • β–ΈOnce enrolled, you typically pay 30–50% of clinic fees; the rest is covered
  • β–ΈCheck your status at nhis.or.kr or call 1577-1000 (multilingual support available)
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Insurance eligibility rules can change. Verify your status directly with NHIS (nhis.or.kr) or your university, not solely based on this page.

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Pharmacies

Pharmacies (μ•½κ΅­) are everywhere and can handle many minor issues without a doctor visit.

  • β–ΈYou can buy common over-the-counter medicines directly β€” cold medicine, pain relief, digestive aids
  • β–ΈFor prescription medicine, bring your prescription (μ²˜λ°©μ „) from the clinic
  • β–ΈPharmacies are usually open until 9–10 PM; some operate 24 hours in larger areas
  • β–ΈPharmacists can give basic guidance β€” pointing and using a translation app works fine in most cases
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Ask your pharmacist to write the dosage instructions clearly. Keep medication packaging for reference.

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Emergency Contacts

Save these before you need them.

  • β–Έ119 β€” Ambulance and fire (operators have basic English assistance available)
  • β–Έ112 β€” Police (criminal emergencies)
  • β–Έ1339 β€” Medical advice hotline, 24 hours (some English support)
  • β–Έ1345 β€” Foreign residents helpline, 24 hours, multilingual
  • β–ΈYour university health center number β€” useful for non-emergencies during campus hours
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Save all of these in your phone now. In a real emergency, every second matters.

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Mental Health

Adjusting to a new country is genuinely hard. Support is available.

  • β–ΈMany universities offer free counseling services for enrolled students β€” check your student portal
  • β–ΈKorea Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 1393 (24 hours, Korean; some English support)
  • β–ΈInternational mental health services vary by city β€” ask your international office for a referral
  • β–ΈApps like Talkspace or BetterHelp work in Korea if English-language therapy is needed
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Struggling is not unusual when living abroad. Reaching out early is always the right call.

πŸ“ Find Nearby Healthcare

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Pharmacy

OTC medicine Β· No prescription needed

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