What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling in Korea

Getting sick while traveling is never part of the plan, but it happens — especially when you're dealing with jet lag, unfamiliar food, or unpredictable weather in Korea. For foreign travelers who don't speak Korean, figuring out where to go and what to say can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through exactly what to do if you feel unwell in Korea, from minor cold symptoms to genuine emergencies.

Quick Answer

For minor symptoms like a cold, headache, or upset stomach, visit a local pharmacy (약국, yakguk) — no appointment needed. For fever, pain, or anything more serious, go to a clinic or hospital with a tourist-friendly service. Call 1339 for health advice in English, or 119 for emergencies.

Why This Is Difficult for Foreign Travelers

Korea has an excellent healthcare system, but navigating it as a foreigner comes with real challenges. Most clinics and pharmacies operate in Korean only. Pharmacists rarely speak English outside major tourist areas. Hospital intake forms are often in Korean, and insurance paperwork adds another layer of complexity. Even knowing which type of medical facility to visit — pharmacy, local clinic, general hospital, or emergency room — is not obvious if you've never been to Korea before.

Practical Options

• Pharmacy (약국, yakguk): For mild symptoms — runny nose, headache, muscle ache, mild diarrhea — a pharmacy is your first stop. Pharmacies are everywhere in Korea. You don't need a prescription for most basic medicines. Show the pharmacist your symptoms on a translation app if needed.
• Local clinic (의원, uiwon): For moderate symptoms — fever over 38°C, sore throat, ear pain, urinary discomfort — visit a clinic. Most are open 9 AM–6 PM on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Walk-ins are generally accepted. Costs are low (around ₩10,000–₩30,000 before insurance).
• Tourist-friendly hospitals: Several hospitals in Seoul and Busan have international clinics with English-speaking staff. In Seoul: Severance Hospital (Sinchon), Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center. Show your passport at registration.
• Emergency room (응급실, eunggeupsil): For chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction, serious injury, or high fever that won't break — go to the ER or call 119. Don't hesitate. ER staff at major hospitals often speak basic English or have access to phone interpretation.
• 1339 Health Helpline: Korea's national health information hotline. Available 24/7. English interpretation is available. Call 1339 to ask where to go, what to do, or how serious your symptoms are before traveling to a facility.
• 119 Emergency: Korea's equivalent of 911. Covers both fire and medical emergencies. Operators can connect to English-speaking interpreters. Call immediately for any life-threatening situation.

What to Bring to a Clinic or Hospital

• Your passport (required for registration at most facilities)
• Travel insurance card or policy number (take a photo before your trip)
• A list of any medications you currently take (include generic names)
• A note of known allergies, written in both English and Korean if possible
• Cash or a foreign credit card — most clinics and hospitals accept Visa/Mastercard

Common OTC Medicines at Korean Pharmacies

• Tylenol (타이레놀): Widely available; ask for "타이레놀" (Tylenol) for fever and pain
• Cold medicine: "감기약 주세요" (I'd like cold medicine)
• Digestive/upset stomach: 훼스탈 (Hestal) or 정로환 for stomach issues
• Antidiarrheal: 지사제 (jisaje)
• Antacid: 제산제 (jesanje)
• Band-aids / antiseptic: Available at pharmacies and convenience stores

Travel Insurance Tips

Always carry your policy number and the insurer's 24-hour hotline number. Many Korean clinics will treat you first and bill insurance later, but some require upfront payment — keep all receipts. Most international travel insurance covers outpatient clinic visits and ER treatment in Korea. If your insurer requires pre-authorization for hospital admission, call them before going inpatient.

Useful Korean Phrases

• "아파요" (Apayo) — I am sick / I am in pain
• "머리가 아파요" (Meorига apayo) — I have a headache
• "열이 있어요" (Yeori isseoyo) — I have a fever
• "배가 아파요" (Baega apayo) — My stomach hurts
• "약 주세요" (Yak juseyo) — Please give me medicine
• "병원 어디예요?" (Byeongwon eodiyeyo?) — Where is the hospital?
• "영어 하세요?" (Yeongeo haseyo?) — Do you speak English?
• "보험이 있어요" (Boheomi isseoyo) — I have insurance
• "알레르기 있어요" (Allereugi isseoyo) — I have an allergy

FAQ

Can I go to a Korean hospital without speaking Korean?

Yes. Major hospitals in Seoul and Busan have international patient centers with English-speaking staff. For smaller clinics, use a translation app like Papago or Google Translate camera mode to communicate. You can also call 1339 for phone interpretation support before or during your visit.

How much does a clinic visit cost in Korea?

Without Korean national health insurance, a basic outpatient visit at a local clinic typically costs ₩30,000–₩80,000 including a consultation and prescription. Emergency room visits at large hospitals can run ₩100,000–₩300,000+. Keep all receipts for travel insurance reimbursement.

What if I need prescription medicine?

After a clinic visit, the doctor will give you a prescription slip. Take it to the nearest pharmacy (약국). Pharmacies are usually located just outside or near clinics. Show the slip and the pharmacist will prepare your medication — typically at very low cost (₩3,000–₩15,000).

Is the 1339 hotline really available in English?

Yes. The 1339 Korea Health Helpline operates 24 hours and provides English interpretation. It's primarily a health information and guidance line — they can advise on symptoms, direct you to the nearest appropriate facility, and help you understand what kind of care you need.

What if my condition is serious and I can't communicate?

Call 119. Emergency operators are trained to handle calls from non-Korean speakers and can arrange medical transport. At the hospital, show your passport and point to where it hurts. ER staff at large hospitals deal with foreign patients regularly and will find a way to communicate.

Need help ordering food, booking restaurants, taking taxis, or handling Korean-only apps? DOWAME helps foreign travelers in Seoul and Busan get things done without a Korean phone number or Korean card. Concierge support is available from 9 AM to midnight KST.