How to see a doctor
A hospital visit follows a fixed order. Even on your first visit, just follow these steps.
The order
- Registration desk — hand over your ID and confirm your name and date of birth. First-timers fill in a short form.
- Waiting — wait in the waiting room until your name is called. It may appear on a screen.
- Consultation room — tell the doctor your symptoms.
- Tests (if any) — blood tests, X-rays and so on.
- Payment — pay the fee. Card and cash both work.
- Prescription — you receive a paper or electronic prescription.
- Pharmacy — collect your medicine at a pharmacy near the hospital.
What to tell the doctor
- Where it hurts (pointing is fine)
- Since when
- How it hurts (sharp, burning, heavy, constant or occasional)
- Medication you take and any allergies
- Whether you are pregnant
What you need
- Alien Registration Card (or passport)
- Health insurance details
- Payment (card or cash)
- The name or a photo of your current medication
Where to go
- Find a hospital www.hira.or.kr
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpreted advice
- 119 emergencies
Questions people ask
It's hard to describe symptoms in Korean. Write the sentences in a translation app beforehand. Pointing at your body works well too. Large hospitals may have an international clinic.
What if I have no insurance? You can still be treated, but the cost is high. See the medical-cost-without-insurance guide.
Do I need an appointment? Clinics usually take walk-ins. General hospitals may require an appointment.
Can I take my records to another hospital? The administration desk can issue copies of your records and a medical opinion.
Take care
Do not play down your symptoms. Saying "I'm fine" may mean tests are skipped. Describe the pain as it really is.
Related
hospital-system-overview · hospital-registration · pharmacy-use · nhis-card
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / HIRA www.hira.or.kr / As of 2026-08