The standard of healthcare in Seoul is equal to that of most Western cities. Many of the city's hospitals and international clinics have English-speaking staff, and the majority of them offer high-quality medical services
Although they can't be found attached to hospitals, pharmacies in Seoul are plentiful and easy to find throughout the city. 24-hour pharmacies are rare but there are many pharmacies that close at late hours.
Unlike many Western countries that use the medical cross symbol, Korean pharmacies, called yak-guk, are usually indicated by the yak symbol prominently displayed at the front of the store.
Hospitals in Seoul
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 such as acupuncture. Many of the universities in Seoul have hospitals attached and there are a number of private clinics as well.
Some of the most reputable hospitals in Seoul include:
Asan Medical Center
Website: www.eng.amc.seoul.kr
Address: 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu
Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine
Website: www.jaseng.net
Address: 142-3 Nonhyun-Dong, Gangnam-gu
Gangnam St Mary’s Hospital
Website: www.cmcseoul.or.kr
Address: 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-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.yuhs.or.kr
Address: 50-1, Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu
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
Expat Interviews
"Most doctors, pharmacists, and dentists speak English, and are very helpful." Read more about Malcolm's expat experiences in Seoul.
"The healthcare system in South Korea is very different from the United States, but efficient and inexpensive." Read more of Amanda's thoughts in her Expat Arrivals interview.
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.
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