International Patient Guide — Korean hospital guide
International Patient Guide

During Your Medical Treatment in Korea

Managing Appointments, Communication & Daily Care

Quick summary
Appointments
Keep one organized schedule
Instructions
Follow the medical team's directions
Medication
Maintain an updated list
Documents
Keep records, bills and prescriptions together
Language barrier
Request available interpretation
Condition worsens
Follow hospital instructions
Emergency
119

Medical treatment in Korea may involve several appointments, tests, procedures, and follow-up visits. Keeping your medical information organized can make the process easier.

During Your Medical Treatment in Korea

KEEP A MEDICAL SCHEDULE

Treatment may involve:

Consultation → Examination → Test Results → Treatment → Follow-Up

Keep a record of:

  • Appointment dates and times
  • Hospital and exact campus
  • Medical department
  • Doctor's name
  • Scheduled examinations
  • Treatment dates
  • Follow-up appointments

FOLLOW MEDICAL INSTRUCTIONS

Carefully follow instructions provided by your medical team.

These may include:

  • Fasting before examinations
  • Medication instructions
  • Wound care
  • Activity restrictions
  • Dietary instructions
  • Preparation for procedures
  • Follow-up requirements

If instructions are unclear, contact the hospital rather than guessing.

KEEP YOUR MEDICATION LIST UPDATED

If medications are added, stopped, or changed during treatment, keep an updated list showing:

Medication · Dosage · Frequency

Inform healthcare professionals about other medications or supplements you are taking when relevant.

During Your Medical Treatment in Korea

KEEP IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TOGETHER

Maintain an organized record of:

  • Medical reports
  • Test results
  • Prescriptions
  • Receipts
  • Itemized bills
  • Appointment information
  • Insurance documents

These may be important for continued treatment or insurance reimbursement.

COMMUNICATION DURING TREATMENT

For complex treatment, make sure you understand:

Diagnosis

Treatment Plan

Benefits & Risks

During Your Medical Treatment in Korea

Medication

Recovery Instructions

Next Appointment

If language is a barrier, ask the hospital about professional interpretation services.

CONTACT THE HOSPITAL IF YOUR CONDITION CHANGES

If you experience unexpected symptoms or problems during treatment, follow the instructions given by your medical team.

For a serious or potentially life-threatening emergency, call 119.

PLAN AROUND YOUR RECOVERY

Treatment can affect:

  • Mobility
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Accommodation
  • Daily activities
  • Travel plans

For significant procedures, avoid creating an overly tight sightseeing or travel schedule around your treatment.

Official resources

Ministry of Health and Welfare

www.mohw.go.kr

Korea Health Industry Development Institute

www.khidi.or.kr

ASK KOREA Transit