Capital city, South Korea
Healthcare in Seoul: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Seoul
Excellent, fast and relatively cheap care. Foreigners pay out of pocket without insurance. Call 119 for an ambulance; Korean-language interpreter line 1330 helps.
Hospitals for foreigners in Seoul
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Severance Hospital | Sinchon; International Healthcare Center with English support |
| Asan Medical Center | Large Songpa hospital; international clinic |
| Samsung Medical Center | Gangnam; international healthcare center |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: ₩20,000–60,000 ($15–45) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In South Korea: High-quality, fast and fairly cheap care; big Seoul hospitals run international clinics with English. Visitors pay out of pocket, so carry travel insurance.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies (yakguk) are everywhere but close evenings and Sundays; convenience stores sell basic painkillers and cold medicine.
- Health spending: US$3,137 per person a year (2024); 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people (2022), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 112 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 1330.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter South Korea, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Seoul for foreigners?
Severance Hospital: Sinchon; International Healthcare Center with English support
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Seoul?
About ₩20,000–60,000 ($15–45) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for South Korea?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in South Korea expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Seoul
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: South Korea
- Visit Korea (Korea Tourism Organization)
- Seoul Metro
- Incheon International Airport
- Seoul Global Center
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.