Medical Tourism in South Korea

Seoul has one of the world's best public transit systems, and most major hospitals are directly connected to subway stations. Purchase a T-Money card at any convenience store or subway station for 2,500-4,000 KRW and use it on buses, subways, and taxis. For taxi rides, download Kakao T (Korea's dominant ride-hailing app with about 90% market share), which has full English language support and accepts international credit cards.

Pharmacies (marked with a green cross and the Korean character for medicine) are abundant, with most neighborhoods having several within walking distance. Foreigners can purchase OTC medicines by presenting a passport and describing their symptoms to the pharmacist. Common Western equivalents like Tylenol and ibuprofen are available, though medications are typically dispensed by the pharmacist rather than self-selected from shelves. Note that pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) requires a prescription in Korea.

Tap water in South Korea meets strict safety standards and is safe to drink, though most locals and visitors prefer bottled water out of personal preference. Convenience stores and vending machines sell bottled water for around 800-1,500 KRW. Korean food hygiene standards are high, and food from restaurants, markets, and street vendors is generally safe to consume.

Seoul's Gangnam district, home to many medical tourism hospitals, has extensive accommodation ranging from 4-star hotels to serviced apartments. For extended recovery stays, medical guesthouses and monthly rental apartments near clinics typically cost $60-120 per night or $1,500-2,500 per month. Look for accommodation on flat ground within a 10-minute walk of your hospital or along its shuttle bus route for convenient outpatient follow-ups.

Koreans value respect and courtesy, especially toward elders and medical staff. When receiving items such as documents or medications, use both hands as a sign of respect. Remove your shoes when entering certain treatment rooms if instructed. Family members or hired caregiving aides are commonly expected to assist with non-medical support such as meals and personal care during inpatient stays, so plan to have a companion available.