Living in Korea right now means dealing with the effects of an ongoing medical crisis. Since early 2024, many trainee doctors have protested changes in the healthcare system, causing delays and shortages in medical services across the country. While this situation is stressful for everyone, foreigners often face extra challenges due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with how the system works.
Accessing reliable medical care can feel confusing or overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak Korean well.
This post explains what’s really happening, how it affects foreign residents, and most importantly, how you can find safe, dependable care in Korea. Whether you’re dealing with a minor illness or an emergency, this guide will help you stay prepared.
Table of Contents :
- What’s Happening in Korea’s Healthcare System?
- How the Crisis Affects Foreign Residents
- Where to Find English-Speaking Doctors and Clinics
- Emergency Care: What to Do and Where to Go
- Telemedicine and Online Options in English
- Understanding Your Insurance and Payment Options
- Useful Apps and Resources for Foreigners
- Real Tips from Expats Living in Korea
- FAQ: Foreigners and Healthcare in Korea
What’s Happening in Korea’s Healthcare System?
Since early 2024, South Korea has been facing a serious healthcare crisis. The government increased medical school admissions to train more doctors, but many current residents and interns protested this move. They worry it will lower training quality and reduce job opportunities. As a result, thousands of trainee doctors have stopped working, causing major disruptions across hospitals nationwide.
This crisis continues into 2025. Large hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center report fewer surgeries and longer wait times. Emergency rooms are overcrowded, affecting everyone—but foreigners face extra difficulties due to language barriers and unfamiliar healthcare processes.
How the Crisis Affects Foreign Residents
Foreign residents in Korea face unique challenges during this healthcare crisis. Because medical resources are limited, hospitals often prioritize Korean patients, making it harder for foreigners to secure appointments. Some foreigners have even experienced last-minute cancellations or have been refused treatment, especially in emergency situations.
Language barriers add to the difficulty of communicating with medical staff. Many clinics do not have enough English-speaking personnel, which can lead to confusion and stress. Additionally, understanding health insurance can be complicated. Foreigners without coverage through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) may face high medical bills. Many also struggle to fully understand their healthcare rights and the options available to them in Korea.
Where to Find English-Speaking Doctors and Clinics
Despite the ongoing healthcare crisis, there are still good options for English-speaking medical care in Korea. Major hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Asan Medical Center have international clinics staffed with English-speaking professionals. These clinics usually offer easier access to specialists and emergency services.
The National Health Insurance Service provides helpful information for foreigners seeking medical care, including details on insurance and hospital services. You can visit their official page for foreigners here. In neighborhoods with many foreigners—such as Itaewon and Gangnam—private clinics and community health centers often offer English services. However, due to the ongoing crisis, it’s important to call ahead and confirm the availability of English-speaking staff before visiting.
Emergency Care: What to Do and Where to Go
If you face an emergency in Korea, dial 119 to call an ambulance. Many emergency operators can provide English interpretation to assist you. When you arrive at an emergency room (ER), be prepared for longer wait times due to the ongoing healthcare crisis. Large hospitals in Seoul typically have English-speaking staff in their ERs, but smaller hospitals may not.
If immediate hospital care is not available, consider visiting a public health center or urgent care clinic. These facilities can sometimes provide faster treatment for less serious conditions and may have English-speaking personnel. Always carry your insurance card and passport with you in case you need to prove your identity or insurance status during treatment.
Telemedicine and Online Options in English
Telemedicine has become a helpful alternative during Korea’s ongoing medical crisis. Several services now offer online consultations in English, allowing foreigners to get medical advice without visiting a hospital. Apps like Teladoc Health and MDLIVE provide remote consultations for minor illnesses or follow-up care.
While telemedicine cannot replace emergency treatment or in-person visits for serious conditions, it is a great option for non-urgent health issues. It helps you avoid crowded hospitals and saves time. Before using telemedicine services, always check if your health insurance covers these visits. Also, make sure to use officially approved and legal platforms to protect your privacy and receive reliable care.
If you’re unsure which telemedicine service to use, ask your healthcare provider or visit official health websites for recommended platforms. Telemedicine can be an effective way to manage your health safely, especially during this challenging time.
Understanding Your Insurance and Payment Options
Most foreigners living in Korea on long-term visas are eligible to enroll in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which helps cover part of your medical expenses. If you have NHIS, your treatments and hospital visits will usually be more affordable.
However, if you don’t have NHIS or are staying on a short-term visa, you might need private health insurance or pay medical costs out of pocket. These expenses can be quite high, so it’s important to plan ahead.
When visiting medical facilities, always carry your insurance card and identification, such as your passport. Some hospitals may ask for payment upfront, so it’s a good idea to ask about the expected costs before receiving any treatment.
If you’re unsure about your insurance status, coverage details, or how to apply, contact your insurance provider or check the official NHIS guide for foreigners here: NHIS Foreigners Guide. This resource provides clear information to help you understand your rights and options.
Useful Apps and Resources for Foreigners
Navigating Korea’s healthcare system during a crisis can be challenging, but several apps and resources are here to help. The Seoul Global Center offers support and useful information for foreigners, including medical advice and translation services to make hospital visits easier.
The app Medi Korea provides helpful hospital reviews and details about clinics that offer English-speaking services. Another useful app is Goodoc, which allows you to book appointments with English-speaking doctors quickly and easily.
Additionally, KakaoTalk, Korea’s most popular messaging app, is used by some hospitals for chat consultations, offering a convenient way to get advice without visiting in person. Familiarizing yourself with these apps can save you time and reduce stress when seeking medical care in Korea.
Real Tips from Expats Living in Korea
Many expats share their experiences on forums like Reddit and Facebook groups, offering valuable advice. A common tip is to always call hospitals ahead to confirm if they have English-speaking staff. It’s also helpful to carry a translated copy of your medical history to make communication smoother.
Using community networks for doctor recommendations can save time and reduce stress. Some expats recommend visiting university hospitals when possible, as these often have better resources and more English-speaking professionals.
One Reddit user shared, “During the crisis, I waited several hours at the ER, but the staff at Seoul National University Hospital helped me in English, which was a huge relief.” Hearing real stories like this can help you prepare for what to expect and how to navigate the system.
FAQ: Foreigners and Healthcare in Korea
Q1. Can I get emergency care without speaking Korean?
Yes. When you call 119 for an ambulance, English interpretation is usually available. Major hospitals also tend to have English-speaking staff in their emergency rooms to assist you.
Q2. Is telemedicine legal and safe in Korea?
Yes, telemedicine is legal but only through officially approved platforms. Always verify that the service you use is recognized by Korean health authorities to ensure safety and privacy.
Q3. What if I don’t have Korean health insurance?
If you don’t have National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) coverage, you might have to pay medical bills out of pocket or rely on private insurance. Medical costs can be expensive, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Q4. Are there English-speaking doctors outside Seoul?
Yes, but they are fewer in number. Some clinics in major cities like Busan and Incheon offer English services. It’s best to call ahead and confirm availability before visiting.
Q5. How do I find hospitals that accept foreigners?
You can use resources like the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s list of English-friendly hospitals or visit local community centers that assist foreigners.
Living in Korea during the ongoing medical crisis can be stressful, especially for foreigners. But with the right information and preparation, you can still access quality medical care when you need it. Remember to know where to find English-speaking doctors, keep your insurance details handy, and use available resources like telemedicine and community support.
Stay calm, plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Korea has many dedicated medical professionals and services ready to assist you—even in these challenging times. By staying informed and prepared, you can protect your health and enjoy your life in Korea safely.
