Choosing where to give birth
Choose your delivery hospital by mid-pregnancy. There is no time to choose once labour starts.
What to consider
- Distance and transport — plan how you would get there if labour starts at night.
- Emergency capability — 24-hour delivery, and whether caesarean surgery is available.
- Newborn care — whether they can respond if the baby has problems.
- Interpretation — an international clinic, or accompaniment by an interpreter.
- Cost — a private room changes it greatly.
- Postnatal care centre links — many are attached to the hospital.
Types of facility
- Obstetrics clinics — smaller and often friendlier. Check emergency surgery capability.
- General and university hospitals — safer for high-risk pregnancy, preterm risk or existing conditions.
- Midwifery centres — natural birth focused. Check their emergency transfer arrangements.
Steps
- Decide by mid-pregnancy.
- Book the delivery. Popular places fill early.
- Check the route and travel time in advance, including at night.
- Pack your hospital bag early.
- Save the emergency contact numbers.
What you need
- Maternity handbook and records
- Alien Registration Card and insurance details
- National Happiness card
- Hospital bag
Where to go
- Find a hospital www.hira.or.kr
- Your obstetrics clinic
- 119 emergencies (rapid labour or bleeding)
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
- Your local Family Center
Questions people ask
Can I give birth without Korean? Yes. Tell the hospital in advance that you need interpretation and ask a Family Center for accompaniment. Large hospitals may have an international clinic.
Can my husband come in with me? It varies by hospital. Ask in advance.
They say I need a caesarean. Sometimes it is necessary. Have the reason explained, and request an interpreter if you do not understand.
Labour started suddenly. Call your hospital and set off. If you cannot travel, call 119.
Take care
Decide "how you will get there" before labour starts. In some areas taxis are hard to find at night. Choose in advance who you will call — husband, colleague or neighbour — and save the number.
Related
childbirth-cost · prenatal-care · postpartum-care · pregnancy-support-card
Source
Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service www.hira.or.kr / As of 2026-08