한국 병원 및 약국 이용 종합 가이드The Comprehensive Guide to Using Hospitals and Pharmacies in South Korea

 

The Comprehensive Guide to Using Hospitals and Pharmacies in South Korea

Exploring a new country is exciting, but unexpected health issues can be stressful. If you fall ill while traveling or living in South Korea, you don't need to worry. South Korea is home to a world-class, highly accessible healthcare system.

Whether you have national health insurance or are visiting as a tourist without local insurance, here is a complete guide to understanding medical costs, purchasing over-the-counter medication, and accessing medical care.

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Part 1: Medical Costs and Insurance

1. With National Health Insurance (국민건강보험 - NHIS)

• Who is eligible: Foreign residents staying for more than 6 months or those enrolled via a local employer or student visa.

• Cost Structure: When you present your Alien Registration Card (ARC), the national insurance covers roughly 50% to 70% of the medical bill.

• Average Cost: A simple consultation at a local clinic (이비인후과, 내과) costs between 5,000 and 10,000 KRW (approx. 4 to 7 USD).

2. Without National Health Insurance (Travelers)

• Who is eligible: Short-term visitors or tourists.

• Cost Structure: Tourists must pay 100% of the medical fee (비급여, Non-benefit).

• Average Cost:

  • Basic Clinic Consultation: Between 30,000 and 60,000 KRW (approx. 22 to 44 USD) depending on the clinic.

  • Emergency Room Visit: Ranging from 100,000 to 250,000+ KRW (approx. 73 to 182 USD) before treatment.

• Tip: Always bring your travel insurance documents to claim a refund after returning home.

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Part 2: Purchasing Medication and Pharmacies

In South Korea, clinics and pharmacies are completely separate. You see a doctor at a clinic, get a prescription, and take it to a nearby pharmacy to pick up the medicine.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: No Prescription Needed

You can purchase basic emergency medications directly from a pharmacy without seeing a doctor:

• Pain Relievers / Fever Reducers: Tylenol, Penzal, or Green (approx. 2,000 - 4,000 KRW).

• Digestive Aids / Stomach Medicine: Beparin or Whal Myung Su (approx. 1,000 - 3,000 KRW).

• Motion Sickness / Hangover Relief: Available at almost every pharmacy.

2. Late-Night and Weekend Pharmacy Regulations

• Night Surcharges (야간 할증): Pharmacies charge a basic surcharge if you visit after 8:00 PM or before 9:00 AM, or on Sundays. The medication cost increases by approximately 30%.

• Convenience Store Medications: Basic items like Tylenol or cold medicine are available at 24-hour convenience stores (like CU, GS25) when pharmacies are closed.

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Part 3: Essential Korean Phrases

• "Gi-chan-ha-da" (Not applicable here, use the following phrases):

• "Byeong-won-eun eo-di-ye-yo?" means "Where is the hospital/clinic?"

• "Yak-guk-eun eo-di-ye-yo?" means "Where is the pharmacy?"

• "I-geot-eun cheo-bang-jeon-i pil-yo-han-ga-yo?" means "Does this require a doctor's prescription?"