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South Korea is one of the top destinations in Asia for high-quality and affordable healthcare, making it ideal for expats and international visitors seeking reliable medical services. With world-class hospitals like Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, and Seoul St. Mary’s, patients have access to advanced facilities, English-speaking staff, and a strong universal healthcare system.
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Expats and travelers can expect excellent care that meets international standards, whether for routine checkups or specialized treatment. This Pacific Prime guide highlights the best hospitals in South Korea that cater to foreign patients, ensuring a smooth healthcare experience throughout your stay.
Healthcare Costs in South Korea
Before we delve into the best hospitals available in South Korea, let’s first discuss the first thing that may pop up in your mind when you hear “hospitals in South Korea”: The cost of healthcare in South Korea.
While public healthcare in South Korea is not free, it is reasonable. The average monthly healthcare cost is 120,000 KRW (which is approximately USD $90.92) per month.
Usually, residents only need to cover 20% of their medical treatment, which typically is just the service fee or copayment. However, if you are employed in South Korea, 5% of your income will go towards the National Health Insurance (NHI).
For self-employed expats, the amount paid will depend on their income.
Is Private Health Insurance Necessary in South Korea?
Whether or not you’ll need private health insurance in South Korea will likely depend on your healthcare needs. For instance, expats who are generally healthy and only need periodic healthcare, private health insurance may not be necessary.
However, if you need continuous healthcare in case of chronic or severe illnesses, or any additional benefits such as dental or vision care for yourself or your kids when visiting any hospital in South Korea, then securing private health insurance is strongly recommended.
Recommended Hospitals in South Korea for Foreigners
Some of the best hospitals in South Korea for expats and visitors to choose from include the Asan Medical Center, Hallym Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and many other university-affiliated hospitals. Each hospital has something for everyone, whether you’re an expat, visitor, or local citizen.
Below, we’ve compiled some of the best hospitals, available for expats and visitors, in South Korea.
Samsung Medical Center Overview
Samsung Medical Center (SMC) is one of Korea’s most renowned hospitals with a deep commitment to providing the highest quality, compassionate care and services to all patients.
Among some of the key departments available in SMC are the bone joint center, brain tumor center, dentistry, pediatrics (including the pediatric adolescent center and pediatric surgery center), psychiatry, transplant surgery, and so much more.
Whether you’re a parent needing pediatric, psychiatric, or dental care for your children or you need more serious treatment such as organ transplant or surgery and bone treatment, SMC has something for every expat and visitor alike.
Contact
06351 81 Irwon-Ro, Gangnam-Gu
Seoul, Korea
82-2-3410-0200
Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital Details
Launched back in 1999 in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, the Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital is the only university hospital and tertiary hospital in Anyang, Gunpo, Uiwang, and Gwacheon. Being a university hospital, Hallym Hospital is dedicated to medical treatment and high-quality medical education.
Notable departments available for expats and visitors include family medicine, rehabilitation medicine, rheumatology, urology, infectious diseases, and general surgery, making this hospital perfect for not only expats and visitors but also their families.
Contact
Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital
22 Gwanpyeong-ro 170beon-gil, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si,
Gyeonggi-do, 14068, Republic of Korea
82-31-380-4026
Why Choose Asan Medical Center
Asan Medical Center, since its establishment back in June 1989, is the leading medical development in Korea featuring competitive medical expertise and cutting-edge technology that is comparable to other leading hospitals.
Thanks to world-class medical professionals, optimal treatment, along with state-of-the-art medical equipment based on advanced medical systems, and a deep emphasis on customer satisfaction, Asan Medical Center has since become a leading medical development in Korea.
Key departments in Asan Medical Center range from basic medical care to serious complications. These include allergies, dentistry, family medicine, infectious diseases, transplantations, rehabilitation, and more.
Contact
88, Olympic-RO 43-GIL,
Songpa-Gu
Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
82-2-3010-5001
Medical Services at Konkuk University Medical Center
Founded back in 1931, the Konkuk University Medical Center (KUMC) has relied on state-of-the-art medical technologies and advanced equipment since its opening back in 2005 in hopes of delivering the highest possible level of medical services.
Additionally, through the Konkuk University Graduate School of Medicine, the hospital also aims to create excellent, well-educated medical staff in order to effectively meet various patients’ healthcare needs.
The hospital’s various departments include various surgeries, family medicine, psychiatry, dentistry, pediatrics, and more. With so many departments to choose from, the Konkuk University Medical Center is perfect for both kids and adults alike.
Contact
Konkuk University Medical Center
120-1 Neungdong-ro (Hwayang-dong), Gwangjin-gu,
Seoul 05030, Republic of Korea
02-2030-8361
International Care at Ajou University Hospital
As one of the key medical service suppliers in Gyeonggi Province, Ajou University Hospital is a teaching and research hospital associated with the Ajou University School of Medicine. International patients will be happy to know that this hospital features an International Healthcare Center.
Located on the ground floor of the hospital, the International Healthcare Center is exclusive for international patients and provides various medical services by accommodating patients with large, spacious offices and comfortable waiting areas as well as qualified English-speaking staff.
Contact
206, World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do,
Suwon City, 16499, Republic of Korea
Yulgok Hall, Room #154
82-31-219-1552
Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital: Facilities and Services
The Catholic University of Korea – Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital is a flagship hospital of the Catholic Medical Center featuring advanced medical equipment and world-class medical professionals.
This hospital is the biggest single-building hospital in Korea with 22 floors above ground and 6 below with 1,374 beds. With the slogan “We will give you new hope through personalized medicine”, the hospital is committed to giving patients hope for health and cure.
As a part of the Catholic medical network, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital will strive to take care of those suffering from ailments and diseases by embodying God and will continue to train talented young people to effectively treat all patients with love and care.
Contact
The Catholic University of Korea – Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital
222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu
Seoul, Republic of Korea
02-2258-5745 (82-2-2258-5745)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Korean healthcare good?
The healthcare system in South Korea is high in quality, allowing both expats and mere visitors or travelers to receive excellent care on par with local South Korean citizens.
Can South Korean doctors speak English?
Most doctors in South Korea can speak English or at least have translators available to help them and their patients. So, if you are an expat or visitor, you need not to worry about the language barrier.
How do I find hospitals with English-speaking staff in South Korea?
Most of South Korea’s best hospitals are found in metropolitan areas, allowing access to a greater selection of hospitals for foreigners in South Korea. We strongly recommend securing private health insurance for free hospital and specialist selections, including English-speaking specialists.
How much does an ultrasound cost in South Korea?
The average cost of an ultrasound in the Republic of Korea is USD $211, with the minimum price being $100 and the maximum being $360. The exact cost of an ultrasound in South Korea will likely depend on the hospital, doctor’s qualification, and procedure complexity.
Conclusion
Whichever hospital in South Korea you choose, you will be happy to know that even as a visitor, you will receive the same level of care on par with any local South Korean citizen or expat thanks to the hospitals having excellently educated medical staff as well as modern equipment and facilities.
What’s more, South Korea’s hospitals are also affordable, which is great news for visitors or new expats in need of healthcare on a budget. Whether you’re a parent seeking general healthcare for your children or you’re in need of serious medical attention, these hospitals will have you covered.
As an international health insurance broker with more than two decades of experience, Pacific Prime has helped both expats and local citizens find an appropriate health insurance plan that matches not only their budget range but also their unique health insurance needs.
Whether you’re an expat in South Korea, a local citizen yourself, or just a visitor, we are more than happy to help you out with completely impartial advice, available to you at no additional cost. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us or get a free quote here for plan comparisons.
Enjoyed this article? You may also be interested in some of our other articles below. Click the links below to check them out!
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Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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