Korean Job Discussion Forums

MoneyMike · Joined: 03 Dec 2008

Hey guys, I started having sharp pains in my head about a week ago. The pain is very localized, and only lasts for like a second then goes away. I did a little research on the internet and these symptoms sound like icepick headaches, which aren't really anything to worry about apparently. I sometimes have a dull ache in the same area, however, which isn't a symptom of these kind of headaches.

Anyways, I've been thinking about going in and getting checked out just to be sure. When I told my co-teacher about this, she told me that the doctor would most likely order an MRI, but that they are very expensive.

Anyone have any experience with this? How much am I looking at if I need to get an MRI?

pres82 · Joined: 16 Oct 2011 Location: Seoul

Seoul Nat'l Univ. Hospital. With health insurance -1,000,000 KRW. Nope, that's not a typo.

Pangit · Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Location: Puet mo.

warmachinenkorea · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

I live outside of Daegu and know people that have had them done in Daegu. I have also had one done in Gyeongsan where I live.

Daegu 400-500,000

Gyeongsan 350-450,000.

It might be worth it to travel a little bit.

MoneyMike · Joined: 03 Dec 2008

Damn, that is pricey. Luckily I live down in Gwangju, so hopefully I can pay on the lower end of that spectrum.

The King of Kwangju · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Location: New York City

I would highly recommend you go to the best doctor you can find. Not to freak you out, but who knows? It could be a brain tumor.

If it's a serious problem, you're probably going to want the best MRI you can get, if it's not too late.

A long time ago, I got an MRI at a local clinic in Gwangju. I chose it because it was the cheapest, as I remember around 400,000 won.

Turns out I had a pretty serious problem, and that MRI I got was more or less useless in diagnosing it. These machines need to be calibrated by someone who knows how to calibrate them in order to get a good clear image.

It all turned out all right, but that MRI was essentially like looking through a foggy mirror at something we all needed to see more clearly.

jinks · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: Formerly: Lower North Island

I paid somewhere between 5-700.000 for an MRI at Dongkuk University Hospital in Cheonan two years ago (I can't remember the exact price, sorry) . It was money well spent for the peace of mind that came with the 'clear' result.