Medical Facilities Seoul

Staying healthy is the key to happy living wherever you are, but this can be difficult when in a foreign environment. Finding the right foods, getting adjusted to a new climate, new germs and new stresses are all part of the process. Our tips will make it a little easier on you and your family.

Not on any major fault lines or prone to typhoons (unlike Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan) the safety factors to consider are that of disease and pollution. While the air and water in Seoul remain sub standard, efforts have been made at clean-up and it is getting better. However, the combination of pollution, the proximity of many people, and the lower standards of public health, creating a lower immunity while putting you in contact with many germs, it becomes important to make efforts in taking care of your health by washing your hands more often and taking vitamins regularly. Pneumonia and influenza are pretty common, and there is a limited risk of hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, malaria, tuberculosis, etc. so make sure your immunizations are up to date.

Doctors in Korea are often placed on a pedestal - that is they are (or consider themselves) above question. Korean doctors will prescribe a host of pills without any explanation of their names or usages. Bedside manner is also considered rather unimportant here and some if not most will become offended at detailed inquiries since a Korean would normally just trust in their judgment. Getting a second opinion is also unheard of. Many of these pitfalls can be avoided by attending a foreigner clinic where many of the doctors are foreign trained. Finally, if your concerns are not clarified to your satisfaction, be prepared to ask questions and be strong.

Also as antibiotics are commonly over-prescribed many bacteria become resistant to treatment. Be careful not to take antibiotics for only a few days, always insist on the full cycle or none at all.

There are many hospitals where some English is spoken. International clinics exist at large general hospitals such as Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center or Samsung Medical Center. If you are a member of International SOS it is worth while using their services.