Korean Job Discussion Forums

wayne · Joined: 21 Mar 2006

I have a chronic shoulder injury. It dislocates about once every 2 months either playing sports or if i just move it in an awkward position. Can anyone point me in the right direction so I can start some research on getting it fixed here? Anyone have any experience with surgery, shoulder or otherwise here in seoul or anywhere else in Asia?

Cerriowen · Joined: 03 Jun 2006 Location: Pocheon

Never had surgery here (unless you count a root canal... which they messed up)

However the Samsung medical center in the southern part of seoul is supposed to be good. It doesn't take korean national health insurance though. You'd be paying out of pocket.

kaosjin · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

I've had good luck with Korea University Guro Hospital. I've visited 3 different departments in the last year and had an English speaking doctor in each. Some doctors better than others of course. You would need to find the department you need and make an appointment. They'll guide you from there. The hospital has a website I found easily through Google and there's lots of English info for foreigners. You should be able to find the right department and number there. I've been told it's more expensive than other hospitals. I don't go anywhere else.

Do you have supplementary insurance? Once you've visited a doctor and know how much this adventure will cost you it might be a good idea to get some. I can put you in touch with an agent.

Good luck!

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Samsung is widely considered to be the best hospital in Korea. It's more expensive. You can also PM Doctor Love on this site, who works for East West medical center in Seoul.

Definitely don't have the operation unless you are absolutely convinced you have a good surgeon.

highdials5 · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

All hospitals take insurance, but only something like 60% or something, so you still have to pay.

Trevor · Joined: 16 Nov 2005

Samsung accepts insurance. They have three different levels of doctors, though and the more experienced cost a little more. My advice is to get the most expensive doctor you can.

dean_burrito · Joined: 12 Jun 2007

Definitely pm Dr. Love. I really wish I had known about him prior to getting involved with my hospital. I just had a surgery myself. The language barrier adds quite a bit of stress and many of your questions will go unanswered.

dr. love · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

I can recommend a very good shoulder specialist at our center. If you know the procedure you require or would like to have a consultation send me a pm or give our Center a call at 02-440-7304.

The doctor you will ask to see is Prof. Cho Nam-su. I can recommend him from experience as he performed two surgeries on my clavical.

We are in South Eastern Seoul, Kangdong gu, at Kodeok St (line 5). We have full English Services on offer and a wide spectrum of medical services.

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

I'm not sure about shoulders, but I have to say that Seoul National University has always been very top notch. They get things done, and get them done fast. And health insurance will cover everything!

Very professional and friendly there. Very impressive!

Kiwi Tart · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: Seoul

I second what Dr. Love said.
I also had my collar bone operated on there.
The staff was nice, and I felt that the care was very similar to our Western standards.
The East-West Neo Medical center has great nurses who take you to your appointment and translate everything for you. They make everything as comfortable for you as possible. The doctor's also appear to know what they are doing, and listen to your concerns. I never felt uneasy about having surgery there.

And, on a side note, the food was good.

D.D. · Joined: 29 May 2008

[quote="wayne"]I have a chronic shoulder injury. It dislocates about once every 2 months either playing sports or if i just move it in an awkward position. Can anyone point me in the right direction so I can start some research on getting it fixed here? Anyone have any experience with surgery, shoulder or otherwise here in seoul or anywhere else in Asia?[/quot

Surgery might be needed but it should be the last resort. Find a physio or a chiropractor in Seoul if you live there. Ney York chiropractic in Itaewon or Philip Yoo also in Seoul. First steps are to manipulate the joint and give specific exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles. If you exaust those options then the more invasive procedure might be needed.