Which clinic to go to first
Korean medical institutions have different roles by size. Going straight to a large hospital with a cold means longer waits and higher costs.
Who needs this
- Anyone seeking treatment in Korea
- With health insurance your share of the cost drops sharply (see the separate guide)
Steps
- Minor symptoms: a local clinic (primary). Colds, indigestion, small wounds.
- If the clinic can't resolve it, ask for a referral letter. It changes how insurance applies at a larger hospital.
- Hospitals and general hospitals (secondary) handle tests and admissions.
- Tertiary hospitals take referrals and focus on severe or rare conditions.
- In an emergency, skip the order and call 119. Ask for interpretation on the call.
Documents
- Alien Registration Card or ID
- Health insurance status (the NHIS can confirm it)
- Any referral letter or test results from another hospital
Where to go
- Local clinic → hospital → tertiary hospital
- Emergency: 119 (ambulance, interpretation available)
- Insurance: NHIS 1577-1000
- Foreign resident help line: 1345
Questions people ask
Can I be treated without insurance? Yes, but you pay the full cost. If you are a long-term resident, check whether you must enrol.
What about nights and weekends? Open clinics and pharmacies can be found through the emergency medical portal or by calling 119.
How much will it cost? It depends on the condition, tests and insurance. Ask at the reception desk in advance.
Source and date
Based on public guidance from the NHIS (www.nhis.or.kr). Cost-sharing rules change.