English-Speaking Clinics & Hospitals in Seoul
Foreigners in Korea have multiple options for English-language medical care. This guide covers International Health Services at major hospitals, expat-friendly clinics, costs, and how the Korean healthcare system works.
Big Five Seoul Hospitals (All with English IHS)
Samsung Medical Center
Gangnam-gu · +82-2-3410-2114
JCI-accredited. Strong executive health and cancer center.
Severance Hospital (Yonsei)
Seodaemun-gu · +82-2-2228-5800
Korea's first JCI hospital. Highly rated international service.
Asan Medical Center
Songpa-gu · +82-2-3010-5001
Largest hospital in Korea. Comprehensive international program.
Seoul National University Hospital
Jongno-gu · +82-2-2072-0505
National flagship academic medical center.
Korea University Anam Hospital
Seongbuk-gu · +82-2-920-5114
Well-established, popular with expat community.
Hallym University Sacred Heart
Yeongdeungpo-gu · +82-2-829-5114
Good for residents near Yeouido/Mapo.
Expat-Friendly Neighborhood Clinics
International Clinic (Itaewon)
Pioneer expat clinic since 1986. Family medicine, vaccinations. +82-2-790-0857
Severance Check-Up Center
Dedicated health checkup facility with English service. +82-2-2228-5857
Yonsei Severance Family Medicine Clinic
Primary care with English-speaking family doctors. Sinchon.
Hannam Global Medical Clinic
Popular with US expats. General medicine, pediatrics, vaccinations.
Useful Phone Numbers
- 119 — Emergency (ambulance + fire). English operators available.
- 112 — Police. English operators available.
- 1339 — Korea Disease Control 24/7 medical hotline (English).
- 1345 — Immigration / ARC / visa hotline (multilingual).
- +82-2-2276-7000 — Seoul Medical Center Foreigner Hotline.
- +82-2-1330 — Korea Tourism Helpline (travel + medical referrals, English/Chinese/Japanese).
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Seoul?
Three reliable routes: (1) Visit an International Health Service at a major hospital — Samsung, Severance, Asan, SNUH, Korea University. (2) Use the Seoul Medical Center Foreigner Hotline (+82-2-2276-7000). (3) Call 1339 (Korea Disease Control tourist helpline) for referrals. Neighborhood clinics vary widely in English capability.
Do I need Korean National Health Insurance?
If you're a registered resident (E-1 to E-10 visa, F-series, marriage visa) staying 6+ months, you're automatically enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI). NHI covers 60–70% of hospital costs. Short-term visitors pay full price but travel insurance or international plans (Cigna Global, IMG, Allianz) often reimburse.
What are the "Big Five" Seoul hospitals?
(1) Samsung Medical Center (Gangnam), (2) Severance Hospital (Sinchon), (3) Asan Medical Center (Songpa), (4) Seoul National University Hospital (Jongno), (5) Korea University Anam Hospital (Seongbuk). All JCI-accredited with dedicated International Health Services, English-speaking staff, and multilingual interpreters.
How does a typical doctor visit work?
Register at reception (show passport/ARC), pay basic consultation fee (NHI: ~$3–8, no insurance: $15–50 at clinic, $30–100 at big hospital). Meet doctor (5–20 min). Receive prescription. Pay pharmacy separately (~$3–20 with NHI). For larger hospitals, schedule appointment in advance via call center (+82-2-xxxx-xxxx English line).
What if I have an emergency?
Call <strong>119</strong> for ambulance (free, operators speak English). Major hospital emergency rooms (응급실) operate 24/7 — bring passport. Cost: $100–500 for evaluation without insurance. Triage is based on KTAS (Korean Triage and Acuity Scale) 1–5; emergencies are prioritized over walk-ins.
Where do expats typically go for routine care?
Popular expat clinics: (1) International Clinic (Itaewon) — founded 1986, pioneers of expat care. (2) Severance International Health Service (Sinchon). (3) SNUH International Healthcare Center (Jongno). (4) Yonsei Severance CHECK-UP (for checkups). (5) Hannam Global Medical Clinic. All have English-speaking GPs and pediatricians.
How much does a typical illness visit cost?
Cold/flu visit at neighborhood clinic (NHI-covered): $5–15 total. Big hospital outpatient (no referral, no NHI): $80–150. Specialist visit: $50–100 with NHI, $100–300 without. Blood work: $30–100 depending on panel. MRI: $400–800 (big hospital cash price).
Are prescriptions filled at the hospital?
No — Korea separates prescribing (doctor) and dispensing (pharmacy, 약국). You'll receive a paper/digital prescription to take to any pharmacy. Pharmacies near hospitals are everywhere. Pharmacists are licensed and can explain English drug names.