Get emergency help first when needed
Call 119 for a medical emergency. Severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness and serious injuries need emergency help. Sudden chest pain can also be an emergency, particularly with breathlessness, sweating or nausea. Do not wait for a pharmacy to open or delay emergency care because of the possible bill. The NHS chest-pain guide describes warning symptoms; in Korea, use 119 for an ambulance.
Pharmacy or clinic for non-emergency care
A pharmacy (약국) can advise on over-the-counter medicines for minor symptoms. Look for 약, the Korean character for medicine. Tell the pharmacist about your symptoms, allergies and medicines you already take. “Buying common medications in Korea” explains common medicine names.
A clinic (의원) provides medical assessment and prescriptions. Many specialise in one area, such as internal medicine (내과) or ear, nose and throat care (이비인후과). Check opening hours and whether you need an appointment. A clinician can refer you to a hospital when appropriate.
Finding care after hours
E-GEN, Korea's emergency medical portal, lists emergency rooms, hospitals and pharmacies. Ask your accommodation for help with the Korean search interface. “Finding a pharmacy open at night” covers after-hours options.
Some convenience stores sell a limited range of medicines. Availability does not establish whether a medicine suits your symptoms; read the label and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
Costs
Charges depend on the treatment, facility and insurance cover. Ask the hospital or insurer about payment arrangements for non-emergency care. The insured-patient co-payment percentages in some Korean guidance do not establish an uninsured visitor's bill. “What does medical care cost a visitor?” has more detail.
