Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

I'm having my tonsils removed this week and will spend a few days recuperating in the hospital. I was told I needed to bring "personal" items like my own chopsticks. Beyond the obvious (toothbrush, etc.), are there any other essential items I should bring that the hospital won't provide? I'd appreciate any input from those of you who have been hospitalized here in Korea.

runlikegump · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Location: Seoul

Earplugs or your iPod and spare batteries, in case your roomie is a snorer.
Lots of 100 won coins for the TV in the room (I think I got half an hour for each coin). Your own pajamas if you're taller than about 5'7" (or not if you like wearing capris).
Good luck with the surgery.

Hobophobic · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:20 am Post subject:

ciccone_youth · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Location: Japan

Maybe your own pillow? I don't know.

Good luck. Does insurance cover that? I want to get mine removed, I'm always sick.

quilter · Joined: 11 Feb 2006

Bring a small fan. The last time my wife had a hospital stay the rooms were like saunas. They think a warm room helps you heal faster, when medically speaking it is the opposite, or so I've been told.

inthewild · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Location: Korea

I'd be wary of a place that made me pay to watch TV and where I couldn't trust the staff to keep the pillow clean or have it be comfortable enough to sleep on. And also a place that lacked the funds to keep the AC on in the summer. And wouldn't provide you with chopsticks. Or doesn't have your size for hospital clothes.

Maybe it sounds like I'm being a tool but it's our health we're talkin about so it's alright to be so concerned about it, right?

There are quality hospitals here... look around.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Pack some pudding and bananas so you'll have a break from Korean food if that is important to you.

Be prepared for roomies' family to sleep in the room with you.

Curious patients will be dropping by to chat. Bring your patience.

A big thick book and a deck of cards.

A bottle of aspirin.

njp6 · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Location: Gangnam, South Korea

If you have a laptop, bring that with lots of videos and DVDs (unless you enjoy watching Korean television 24/7). An ipod and earplugs are necessities.

jennateacher · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

You need to bring stuff like your own box of tissues, slippers, cup for water, water too I think, washcloth, odds and ends. I was escorted by the korean Engish teachers and they ran out and got stuff, I do not remember all. I do remember the second time I had to go in I took a bottle of water and then one of them lost it in the emergency room. There will be a fridge in the room that familys stuff with kimchee and sides. Anything you put in it will be poked at.

potblackettle · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Location: South Korea

Bring your own toilet paper.

Oh and GO GAMECOCKS!

inthewild · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Location: Korea

sojourner1 · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:55 pm Post subject:

Seems like they're severely lacking on service and supplies if they can't provide the basics. That's just heartless or simply a logistical deficit.

Gamecock · Joined: 26 Nov 2003

Thanks, y'all.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:42 pm Post subject:

valkerie · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Location: Busan

When my mate broke her leg she forked out for a provate room. Despite paying a small fortune the nurses didn't wash her or even offer to help when she was a little more able.

I was quite shocked as was a nurse a long time ago and in the UK the basic care stuff is essential/obvious in the patient plan.

Nurses here said that that aint their job.