How to see a doctor or find a pharmacy in Korea

For everyday illness, go to a neighborhood clinic (의원, often called 병원). Most clinics take walk-in patients without an appointment: give your name at the front desk (접수), wait to be called, and pay at the desk after seeing the doctor.

Large university and tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원) are meant for serious or complex conditions. For outpatient care there, National Health Insurance generally requires a referral letter (진료의뢰서) from a clinic; without one you may pay the full cost. Emergencies are different — go to the emergency room or call 119.

• Internal medicine 내과Colds, fever, stomach problems, blood pressure, diabetes
• Family medicine 가정의학과General health problems for all ages, check-ups
• ENT (ear, nose & throat) 이비인후과Sore throat, earache, blocked nose, sinus problems
• Pediatrics 소아청소년과Children and teenagers
• Orthopedics 정형외과Sprains, back and joint pain, minor fractures
• Dermatology 피부과Rashes, itching, skin infections
• Ophthalmology 안과Eye pain, red eyes, vision problems
• Obstetrics & gynecology 산부인과Women's health, pregnancy
• Urology 비뇨의학과Urinary problems
• Dentistry 치과Toothache, dental emergencies

• IDPassport or residence card (ARC)
• InsuranceIf you are enrolled in National Health Insurance, your ID is usually enough
• PaymentCredit or debit card; most places accept foreign cards
• Your medicinesNames of medicines you take and any allergies

Residents enrolled in National Health Insurance pay a share of the cost. Visitors and people without Korean insurance pay the full price — a simple clinic visit is usually affordable, but hospital care and tests can add up, so ask about the cost if you are unsure.

If you have travel insurance, ask for a receipt (영수증) and an itemized bill (진료비 세부내역서) before you leave, and keep the pharmacy receipt too.

Clinics don't hand out medicine themselves. The doctor gives you a prescription (처방전) that you take to any pharmacy (약국) — there is usually one near the clinic. The pharmacist will explain how to take the medicine; ask them to write it down if needed.

For minor problems you can go straight to a pharmacy for over-the-counter medicine. Many 24-hour convenience stores also sell a small range of basic household medicines, such as fever reducers, cold medicine, digestive aids and pain-relief patches.

Many clinics are open on weekdays until around 6–7 pm and on Saturday mornings; some stay open later. On Sundays and public holidays only a limited number of clinics and pharmacies open. Use "open near me" to check which ones are open now — and call before you go, because listed hours can differ from the actual ones.

For children, some pediatric clinics are designated as "Moonlight Children's Hospitals" (달빛어린이병원) and see patients in the evening and on holidays.

Call 119 for an ambulance — it is free, and an interpreter can be connected. Signs that need emergency care include chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness on one side or trouble speaking, severe bleeding, a seizure, or a severe allergic reaction. See emergency rooms in Korea.

• Pharmacy약국 (yak-guk)
• Clinic / hospital병원 (byeong-won)
• Emergency room응급실 (eung-geup-sil)
• Registration (front desk)접수 (jeop-su)
• Prescription처방전 (cheo-bang-jeon)
• Receipt영수증 (yeong-su-jeung)
• Itemized bill (for insurance)진료비 세부내역서 (jin-ryo-bi se-bu-nae-yeok-seo)
• Do you speak English?영어 가능하세요? (yeong-eo ga-neung-ha-se-yo?)