Sudden illness: using ERs and hospitals

In an emergency, call 119 immediately instead of going through another helpline. For minor symptoms, use a local clinic on a weekday; at night or on holidays, check E-Gen for open hospitals and ERs.

In an emergency

Call 119 immediately. Ambulance transport is free for foreigners too, and Japanese or English interpretation can be connected, but hospital treatment is billed separately. Do not delay calling 119 by going through 1330 or 120.

Minor symptoms

A local clinic is faster and less expensive for minor symptoms during weekday daytime. At night or on holidays, search E-Gen for open hospitals and ERs.

Whether an ER can see you

The emergency-care system ended in October 2025, but individual ERs have still reported treatment restrictions. Before going, confirm availability through E-Gen or 119.

Travelers without Korean health insurance

You pay the full treatment cost yourself, and it varies by hospital. Before treatment, ask what the cost may be if you do not have insurance.

Care in other languages

Search the Seoul Foreign Resident Center portal's hospital guide, university-hospital international clinics, or Medical Korea. Available languages and hours vary by hospital.

Medical information in Busan

The Seomyeon Medical Tourism Information Center is at 051-818-1320 and operates from 09:00 to 18:00.

Documents for Japanese travel insurance

Keep a medical certificate requested in English, the original treatment receipt, an itemized medical bill and pharmacy receipts. Ask your insurer about any other documents.

Seoul 120 in Japanese

It is available only on weekdays from 09:00 to 18:00; it is not a 24-hour service.

For a life- or health-threatening emergency, call 119 without going through another helpline. Confirm each hospital's availability and cost, and check insurance-claim documents before and after care.