![[2026 Updated] Foreigner's Guide to Korean Hospitals & Pharmacies](/link/news/images/guide_hospital_hero.webp)
Using Hospitals in South Korea
South Korea has one of the best and most accessible healthcare systems in the world. However, if you are a foreign resident, navigating the medical system—especially the costs and emergency rooms—can be confusing.
Medical Costs: With vs. Without National Health Insurance (NHIS)
The cost of medical care in Korea depends entirely on whether you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). By law, any foreigner staying in Korea for more than 6 months must enroll in the NHIS.
If you are an undocumented immigrant or a short-term visitor, you will not have NHIS coverage, which means you must pay 100% out-of-pocket (Non-insured rate / 일반수가).
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (With NHIS) | Estimated Cost (Without NHIS) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Clinic Visit (Cold/Fever) | 5,000 ~ 10,000 KRW | 20,000 ~ 30,000 KRW |
| Emergency Room (ER) Visit | 30,000 ~ 60,000 KRW | 150,000 ~ 300,000 KRW+ |
| X-Ray / Basic Blood Test | 10,000 ~ 20,000 KRW | 50,000 ~ 100,000 KRW |
| MRI Scan | 150,000 ~ 250,000 KRW | 400,000 ~ 800,000 KRW |
Note: Costs vary by hospital level (Clinic vs. General Hospital vs. University Hospital).
Using the Emergency Room (ER / 응급실)
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 119. Emergency operators can connect you to an interpreter.
- Emergency rooms in large hospitals are extremely expensive. If your condition is not life-threatening (e.g., a simple cut, stomachache), it is much cheaper and faster to visit a local clinic during normal hours.
- Weekend Care: Look for "365 Clinics" (365 의원) or "Moonlight Children's Hospitals" (달빛어린이병원) which operate on weekends and nights for non-urgent care.
Korean Pharmacy Rules (약국)
Unlike many countries, you cannot buy antibiotics, high-dose painkillers, or specialized medicines directly from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription.
- Over-The-Counter (OTC): You can buy basic painkillers (Tylenol), cold medicine, digestion pills, and bandages without a prescription.
- Convenience Stores: At night when pharmacies are closed, you can buy emergency medicines (Tylenol, Panpyrin, Festal) at CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven.
Use the Kori Care Local Directory to find foreign-language-friendly hospitals and pharmacies in your specific region.
Korean words you will hear
These words appear on your documents and at the counter. Each card shows the Korean word, what it means, and how to say it. You can show a card to the staff.
