Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rjones]

Hi all,

Apologies if this topic has already been posted, I have looked through other posts but I may have missed it!

I'm from the UK and will be moving to South Korea for AT LEAST a year in Feb. Currently, I am on 125 micrograms of Levothyroxine which I get (for free) on prescription here. I am just wondering if anyone has had any experience with getting this particular drug in South Korea? I have spoken to my doctor and he will not give me a years supply so that is out of the question! I know I will have to pay for it, which is no problem but there is an alternative of getting my mum to send some over to me whenever I need it (but I haven't looked into customs and their rules on things like this yet!)

Any experiences anyone has had will be greatly appreciated

Many thanks in advance,
Roxy.

[kingplaya4]

The international clinic in Itaewon will help you, although he may insist on a blood test that proves your thyroid disorder. Otherwise it might be a rough go, besides cancer, Koreans don't get sick, and if they do it's nothing a little kimchi and ginseng can't set right.

[northway]

[tob55]

When you arrive in Korea you will find that it is not the stone ages. The medical professionals in many cases have actually done a portion of their medical study in countries other than Korea, and are familiar with western pharmacology. My suggestion to you is to locate the closest public health center once you arrive in Korea (they are called po-gan-so - 보건소). The cost for foreign services at these places is usually free, except for paying for your medications (sometimes regular medications are free as well). They are a good place to do your regular office visits for regular illnesses and problems. Of course more serious treatment is usually done at the university hospitals here in Korea.

The International clinics tend to charge International prices when it comes to services. My friends who have diabetes and other types of ailments usually go to the public health center because they are way cheaper than the international options. Good luck and pm me if you want to ask more questions.

[Lynns]

There is no problem getting Levothyroxine here. It's available at any pharmacy and it's cheap (at least compared to US prices). You will probably need a local prescription, so bring your current script along with your current supply of pills along with you to show the doctor. If you are going to be in Seoul, I can recommend the international clinic at Suncheonhyang Hospital in Hannam dong. It's a friendly clinic where you can get good medical care and much cheaper than the international clinics at the fancier hospitals.

[yodanole]

Do not say that too loudly on THIS Forum .....


"When you arrive in Korea you will find that it is not the stone ages."

[rjones]

Thank you very much for all of your help on this guys. You have definitely cleared a few things up for me