The standard of healthcare in Seoul matches the standard of most Western cities. Many of the city’s hospitals and international clinics have English-speaking staff and high-quality medical services.

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’ve lived in the country for six months.

Doctors and specialists will claim most of the costs of a consultation from the NHI, and you’ll typically pay around 20 percent as a co-payment. Prescription medication and traditional medicine (including acupuncture) are also covered and will incur small out-of-pocket costs.

Pharmacies in Seoul are plentiful and easy to find throughout the city. While 24-hour pharmacies are rare, there are many pharmacies that are open from 7am to 11pm. Korean pharmacies, called yakguk (약국), are usually indicated by the yak symbol (약) prominently displayed at the shopfront.

Apart from Western-style hospitals, there is also a wide range of Eastern medicine hospitals that cater to those who wish to relieve their symptoms through more holistic practices. Many of the universities in Seoul have hospitals attached, and there are several private clinics as well.

For broader information about healthcare across South Korea, see our guide to Healthcare in South Korea.

Below are some of the most reputable hospitals in Seoul.

Hospitals in Seoul

healthcare professionals

Asan Medical Center

Website: www.eng.amc.seoul.kr
Address: 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu

Samsung Medical Center

Website: www.samsunghospital.com
Address: 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu

Seoul National University Hospital

Website: www.snuh.org
Address: 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu

Severance Hospital

Website: www.sev.severance.healthcare
Address: 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu

The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St Mary’s Hospital

Website: www.cmcseoul.or.kr
Address: 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital

Website: www.kbsmc.co.kr
Address: 29 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu

Seoul National University Children’s Hospital

Website: www.snuh.org
Address: 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu

What do expats say about Seoul's healthcare system?

"Despite the language barrier, the healthcare system in Korea is perhaps one of the most developed in the world! And most of the big hospitals have foreign services, which means someone who speaks English can accompany you to see the doctor. In our experience, most doctors could speak English, so it wasn't a problem. Did you know Samsung is not only making phones, TV or A/C, by the way? Don't be surprised if you see the Samsung Hospital! One of our favourite hospitals in Seoul, actually." 

Read about French and Hong Kong expat Guillaume and Hammer's experiences to learn more in our expat interview about living in Seoul.

Further reading

►For more about the Korean healthcare system, read Healthcare in South Korea

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

Are you an expat living in Seoul?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Seoul. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.

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