Getting Medical Care While Traveling

Where to Go If You Get Sick While Traveling in Korea?

Q: How do I find a pharmacy or clinic open late at night or on a holiday?

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Emergency Medical Portal (e-gen.or.kr) lets you search by area for pharmacies, clinics, and emergency rooms that are currently open. Hours can change, so it's safest to call ahead before visiting.

Q: Is an emergency room visit more expensive than a regular clinic?

Emergency rooms charge additional items such as an emergency management fee that a regular outpatient visit doesn't, and there can be surcharges at night or on holidays. If your symptoms aren't life-threatening, visiting a regular clinic the next day can be more cost-effective.

A step-by-step guide to choosing between a pharmacy, a local clinic, an emergency room, or calling 119, based on how serious your symptoms are.

Pharmacy

Mild symptoms like colds or indigestion, no prescription needed

Local Clinic

Symptoms lasting several days, with a prescription after a visit

Emergency Room

Acute symptoms at night or on holidays, severe pain, or wound closure

119

Immediate life-threatening situations like loss of consciousness or breathing trouble

Section 1

Where to Go, Based on Your Symptoms

This is general guidance only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If you're unsure, contact the nearest medical facility or 119 first.

Severity	Examples	Recommended action
Mild	A mild cold, indigestion, headache, minor scrape	Ask a pharmacy about OTC medicine → visit a local clinic if it lasts several days
Moderate	A fever lasting more than two days, a wound needing stitches, severe abdominal pain	Outpatient visit to a local clinic (internal medicine, surgery, etc.) or general hospital
Severe (night / holiday)	Severe pain that starts late at night, high fever, suspected fracture	Visit an emergency room — calling ahead to confirm availability is recommended
Life-threatening	Loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, a traffic accident	Call 119 immediately — the ambulance crew will direct you to a suitable hospital

This table is a general reference classification only; the right response can vary depending on your medical history, age, and any pre-existing conditions. If you're unsure, contact the nearest medical facility or 119.

Section 2

Using a Pharmacy (약국)

How to find one

A green cross sign marks a pharmacy. Most are open on weekdays from around 9am to 7–9pm, and many close late at night and on public holidays. You can search in real time for pharmacies currently open on the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Emergency Medical Portal (e-gen.or.kr).

Tips for using it

Cold medicine, painkillers, and digestive aids can be bought without a prescription. If you're on medication, bring a note of the active ingredient (in English) or show the pharmacist the packaging — it makes the conversation much easier. Mention any allergies in advance.

Section 3

Using a Local Clinic or General Hospital

Paying for care

Short-term visitors not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance pay the full cost themselves. Paying by credit card in Korean won (KRW) rather than your home currency avoids a double currency-conversion fee (DCC).

Keep your documents

Be sure to get the original receipt and a medical certificate so you can file a travel insurance claim after returning home. Required documents vary by insurer, so it's worth checking in advance.

Language

Hospitals with more experience treating foreign patients may offer consultations in English. Preparing a translation app or writing down your symptoms in advance can make communication easier.

Section 4

Using the Emergency Room & 119

If you believe a situation is life-threatening, don't hesitate — call 119 right away.

How to call 119

State your exact location first (building name, street address, floor).
Briefly describe the symptoms and when they started.
The 119 dispatch center can connect an interpreter for foreign-language emergencies.
The ambulance crew will direct you to an emergency room suited to your symptoms.

Things to know about the ER

An emergency management fee and other items can add cost beyond a regular outpatient visit.
Fees can be higher at night or on holidays.
For mild symptoms, visiting a regular clinic the next day can be more cost-effective.
Search for emergency rooms currently open by area on the Emergency Medical Portal (e-gen.or.kr).

Section 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Can I still see a doctor or visit an ER if I don't have travel insurance?

Yes, you can receive treatment regardless of whether you have insurance. Short-term visitors who aren't covered by Korea's National Health Insurance typically pay the full cost out of pocket, then keep the receipt and medical certificate to file a reimbursement claim with their own travel insurer after returning home.

Q2 How do I find a pharmacy or clinic open late at night or on a holiday?

The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Emergency Medical Portal (e-gen.or.kr) lets you search by area for pharmacies, clinics, and emergency rooms that are currently open. Hours can change, so it's safest to call ahead before visiting.

Q3 Can I get help in a foreign language if I call 119?

The 119 dispatch center can connect an interpreter and supports emergency calls in English and other languages. In a life-threatening moment, the most important thing is to clearly state your exact location (building name, street address) first.

Q4 My symptoms are mild — should I go to a pharmacy or a clinic first?

For everyday mild symptoms like a cold, indigestion, or a headache, it's common to first ask a pharmacy about over-the-counter medicine that doesn't require a prescription. If symptoms last more than a few days or get worse, visit a local clinic (such as internal medicine).

Q5 Is an emergency room visit more expensive than a regular clinic?

Emergency rooms charge additional items such as an emergency management fee that a regular outpatient visit doesn't, and there can be surcharges at night or on holidays. If your symptoms aren't life-threatening, visiting a regular clinic the next day can be more cost-effective.

Q6 Is there a way to check in advance which hospitals have experience treating foreign patients?

Public bodies such as the Korea Health Industry Development Institute's medical tourism information channel can provide information related to treating foreign patients. This page does not recommend any specific hospital or arrange appointments, so please confirm the latest details directly through an official channel.