Patient rights

Everyone treated in Korea has patient rights, regardless of nationality.

Your rights

1. The right to treatment — without discrimination by sex, age, nationality or religion.
2. The right to know and to decide — you may hear an explanation and choose regarding diagnosis, treatment options, likely outcomes and cost.
3. The right to confidentiality — your medical information is not disclosed without your consent.
4. The right to seek mediation — if you believe you were harmed. See medical-dispute.
5. The right to view and copy your records. See medical-records.

Your responsibilities

• Give accurate information to clinicians (past illnesses, medication, allergies).
• Respect and follow the treatment plan.
• Never assault or threaten medical staff.

In practice

• When an explanation is unclear — ask them to explain again. You may request interpretation. See hospital-interpretation.
• When asked to sign a consent form — sign only after you understand it. Never sign what you don't understand.
• When you feel discriminated against — consult 129 or the National Human Rights Commission on 1331.

Where to go

• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre
• 1331 National Human Rights Commission (discrimination)
• 1670-2545 Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency
• 1345 Immigration Contact Centre (interpretation)

Questions people ask

I was refused treatment for being a foreigner. Refusing treatment without proper cause can be a problem. Consult 129 or 1331.

Without insurance, do I have no rights? No. Insurance status and patient rights are separate matters. The cost differs, but the right to an explanation and to your records is the same.

Can undocumented residents get treatment? In an emergency, get treated without hesitation. Medical institutions exist to treat; local free clinics are also available. See free-clinics.

Is a guardian's consent always required? If an adult is able to decide for themselves, their own consent is the rule.

Take care

Never sign a consent form you don't understand. Surgical and procedural consent forms cover risks and costs. You have the right to request interpretation.

Related

medical-dispute · medical-records · hospital-interpretation · free-clinics · discrimination-report

Source

Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / As of 2026-08