The standard of healthcare in Busan is high. Hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, and staff are well trained. Many hospitals in Busan are attached to universities. There are also many reputable private clinics throughout the city.

South Korea's National Health Insurance programme is a compulsory social insurance system that covers the whole population. Foreigners are required to register for the national scheme if they have lived in the country for six months.

Doctors and specialists will claim most of the costs of a consultation from the NHI, and expats will have to pay only a portion of the cost. Prescription medication and traditional medicine (including acupuncture) are also covered and will therefore also incur small costs.

Expats don't have to be concerned about language barriers when it comes to healthcare in the city. Most large hospitals and international clinics have English-speaking staff. It's also common for hospitals to have interpreting services available.

Pharmacies in Busan are also plentiful and easy to find throughout the city, but they are rarely attached to hospitals and seldom open 24 hours. Korean pharmacies, called yak-guk, are usually indicated by the yak symbol displayed at the front of the store or in the window. It's advisable to have a Korean friend or colleague write down what is needed in Korean, as many pharmacists don't speak English well.

Read more about Healthcare and Health Insurance for expats in South Korea. 

Hospitals in Busan

Some of the most reputable hospitals in Busan include:

Dong-Eui Medical Center 

Website: www.demc.kr
Address: 62 Yangjeong-ro, Busanjin-gu

West Busan Centum Hospital

Website: www.wbch.co.kr
Address: 226 Saebyeok-ro, Sasang-gu

Kosin University Gospel Hospital

Website: www.kosinmed.or.kr
Address: 262 Gamcheon-ro, Seo-gu

Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital

Website: www.paik.ac.kr
Address: 875 Haeun-daero, Haeundae-gu 

Busan St Mary's Hospital

Website: www.bsm.or.kr
Address: 25-14, Yongho-ro 232beon-gil, Nam-gu 

Further reading

►Getting Around in Busan provides information on transport in the city

Expat Experiences

"Universal healthcare! I stayed in the hospital here for five days and my bill was the same price as an ambulance ride in the USA would have cost me." Read more about Azra's expat experience in Busan.

Are you an expat living in Busan?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Busan. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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