Safety Advice and Travel Insurance for South Korea

Foreign visitors can go to the same healthcare facilities as South Koreans. It’s common for residents to seek care at a hospital instead of first visiting a primary care physician, even in non-urgent situations such as a cold or sprained ankle because of the way South Korea’s Healthcare System is set up. You can do the same, but remember you’ll be expected to pay for your care!

Call 119 for an ambulance. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Korean — assistance in English is available.

Travelers may visit any hospital in South Korea. Foreign visitors can also head directly to a hospital for treatment, as long as they can move on their own.

Many healthcare facilities allow patients to schedule appointments online. If you have a travel policy, and you can spare a moment before seeking care, check with your provider to see if there is a nearby hospital or urgent care center that accepts your insurance.

Healthcare providers in urban areas are likely to speak some English. Providers in rural areas may not be used to speaking English, so bring a dictionary or translator if you have to seek care.

In rural areas, you will find fewer options for care. 90% of South Korean doctors work in cities.

If you have to be admitted to the hospital, try to have a friend or family member accompany you. Hospitalized South Koreans usually have a “bohoja” (guardian) to handle tasks such as getting food and changing bedding. Also keep in mind that large hospitals and other medical settings may require you to wear a mask. If you don’t obey this rule, you could be fined.

South Korea has a public healthcare system for citizens and residents. However, tourists and short-term visitors will not receive free healthcare in South Korea. If you need to go to the hospital or see a doctor, you’ll be expected to pay for your treatment at the time of service — and it can be quite expensive.

A travel medical policy will cover some or all of your expenses if you need care during your stay. Sign up for a policy before your trip to make sure you’re financially protected in case of an unexpected illness or injury. Our licensed brokers would be delighted to help you find an affordable policy with comprehensive coverage.

For your own safety and security in South Korea, check travel alerts before and during your stay. The following pages will let you know about domestic conflicts, disease outbreaks, and other developing situations.

• US Department of State page on South Korea
• Australian government Smartraveller page on South Korea
• Gov.UK Foreign Travel Advice section on South Korea
• Government of Canada travel advisory page for South Korea
• Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs page on South Korea

You can also download South Korea’s own “Emergency Ready” app to your Apple or Android smartphone. During emergency situations, this app provides updates in Korean, English, and Chinese.

Monitoring the sites mentioned above is more of a precaution than a necessity. South Korea is a politically stable country, and its crime rates are very low. However, the country is still technically at war with North Korea. Periodic missile launches from North Korea are one sign of this unresolved conflict.

South Korea has experienced an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years. Fortunately, most of these quakes have been small ones. If a quake strikes while you’re in South Korea, pay attention to instructions from local authorities.

South Korea has some protection from tsunamis, as Japan is the first target for tsunamis that form in the Pacific Ocean. But local quakes may generate a tsunami that can strike the Korean peninsula. Be prepared to head to higher ground after an earthquake. As roads may be damaged or crowded with cars, you will likely have to walk.