Korean Job Discussion Forums

[superacidjax]

If any of you guys get sick and need medical care, I recommend the International Clinic at the Samsung Hospital (Line number 3 Ilwon station in southern Gangnam.) Here's the website: http://english.samsunghospital.com/ihs/ihs_01.html

I went this morning with no appointment and was seen promptly and by a very good doctor (Dr. Yoo.) She practiced in the US for years and is US Board Certified, and speaks English like a native. Most doctors at the international clinics in Korea seem competent, but I especially appreciated her skill and knowledge about western medicine. She's technically a pediatrics specialist, although she's the director of the International Health Department at the hospital. This is a doc that I'd take my kid to see (if I had one.)

She ordered several tests for my issue, and the best part was that she assigned a hospital employee (English speaking) to escort me through the hospital to the various departments I had to visit.

Needless to say, I felt very comfortable and would put Samsung hospital in the same bracket as any of the medical facilities I might visit in the States.

No, I'm not getting a kickback from the doctor or the hospital, I just know how helpless a person can feel without knowing about the medical system in a foreign country. I'm just providing a suggestion in case any of you need the comfort of a great medical facility.

--
SuperAcidJax
www.myspace.com/superacidjaxmusic

[rothkowitz]

Which dept. did you go to?

[Lynns]

Did you use Korean national insurance? I think they only take private insurance, don't they?

[SuperFly]

Do you have any contact info for her? I need to get my records sent over from my Gastro specialist in Phoenix. I had it on my todo list but forgot in all the last minute running around, plus I was sick the week before I left and was in ER three out of the last four days before I left...


Looks like they have a good gastro center too...

[SuperFly]

[superacidjax]

Dr. Shinae Yoo:

Clinical Professor
Pediatrics and Family Medicine
Diplomate Korean Board of Pediatrics
Diplomate American Board of Pediatrics
Sung Kyun Kwan University School of Medicine

Director, International Health Services, Samsung Med. Center

Tel: 02.3410.0200
email: [email protected]


Regarding Insurance: I think they take National Insurance, although I don't know for sure. I paid cash, because I'm "between Visas" and don't have my ARC (used for National Insurance.)

The department I went to was the "International Health Clinic." It's at the back of the second floor of the tall main building. Although the information desk at the front will get you there will no problems.

Hope that helped..

[SuperFly]

It did help. Thanks for the contact info.

[Milwaukiedave]

I'm glad to hear that someone had a good experience with decent hospital in Korea.

I've had both good and bad experience with Korean doctors. Last Saturday, I went to Gil Hospital in Incheon and I swear they were either trying to kill me or rob me blind. What I had was a simple bladder infection and I couldn't go to the bathroom. They did all kinds of tests and then stuck a catheter in me to drain me. Then the doctor preceeded to tell me that I had to keep it in a week. I told my wife no and that I wanted it taken out. They took it out and gave me some medication and sent me home insisting I'd be back that same evening.

Needless to say that didn't end up being the case. We were able to find some cranberry juice at E-mart which helped a lot.

[flyingteacher]

I would second Samsung Medical Center for any medical issues. I have used them for two surgeries and follow up treatments all without problems. It is also the one which the US Military use for any serious issues with their soldiers.

As to speaking English, all the doctors there speak some amount of English, not just the ones at the International Health Center,as well as the nurses if you need to stay overnight. They also have volunteers which will escort you around if you need tests done or if you need to go to different department.

Furthermore, they do take Korean Insurance so that is not a problem.

Enjoy...

[Dazed and Confused]

I've also visited SamSung hospital and had good experiences. I was in the gyno clinic. Unfortunately my favorite doctor moved back to the States and I'm over an hour away from Seoul so now I just go to a local doctor. However, if i ever have a serious problem, SamSung is where I'd go.

[Ginormousaurus]

I, too, had a positive experience there. If given the choice, I will go there again.