Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Paladin Brewer]

Hello,

I don't live in Seoul, but I'm in Gyeonggido in a small rural area, so I will go to Seoul if I must. I am looking for an English speaking doctor anyone can recommend that is easy to find and hopefully an appointment isn't necessary. My knee has been hurting for like 4 months now, I've tried to ignore it but now walking is starting to kinda suck, so I thought I should finally go get it checked out

EDIT: I meant to say I don't live in Seoul, oops

[akcrono]

There are a couple clinics in Itaewon. The one on the main strip is kinda expensive. There is another one down by Mr. Kebab on a side street above a 7/11 that is really well priced. The doctor there speaks English. Not sure if a clinic is what you need, but thats about the extent of my knowledge on the matter.

[barnabybarn]

The International Clinic at Soon Chun Yang University Hospital in Hannamdong is the only place a foreigner should consider going for medical treatment in Seoul.

Fees in line with those Koreans charged as it's a state managed hospital - however Dr. Yoo (the clinic's physician) is fluent in English and Spanish. For any other treatment/procedures beoynd your intial consultation you'll be escorted around the hospital by a young lady who will act as a translator for the entire visit.

Everytime I go there the speed and level of attentive service has far surpassed medical treatment I've had anywhere else in the world.

http://www.schch.co.kr/seoul/international/clinic/clinic.do?type=history

[jc1257]

I had a knee injury that I got checked out at the International Clinic in Itaewon after unsuccessfully trying to get it taken care of by myself at a Korean hospital.

The doctor there was really nice and spoke good English. They had did an x-ray and sonogram on site. The sonogram is a lot cheaper than an MRI, which isn't covered under Korean National insurance.

I didn't have anything major wrong with my knee, just stretched and inflamed it really, really bad, but I would assume that he would be able to refer you to someone if he found something major wrong.

http://internationalclinic.co.kr/

[hogwonguy1979]

Asan medical center out near gangbyeon station and jamshil station is pretty good though the int clinic now charges a surcharge in addition to the regular fee but they will have somebody go with you to the specialist to translate. lots of businessmen, embassy, and dod people use it

dr kwak there is good, he practiced in the states.

[Capo]

I like the international clinic in Korea university hospital. The doctor there used to practice in the US and is absolutely fluent. He also doesn't necessarily think like a normal korean doctor who will prescrible a million diffent types of pills etc. If you need to use the other facilities they have student volunteers to take you around to the different departments. I like the doctor and very comfortable with seeing him about anything.

I have been to both the itaewon clinics and various other regular clinics around seoul and can say by far the best experience i have had was Korea university hospital.

For an appointment call Angela 02-920-5677 I've booked same day before usually there is time. I was there this week actually worried about my liver so we did a blood test and it only took 30 minutes to get the result saving me having to go back the next day.

[Paladin Brewer]

Thanks. I'll try that International Clinic at Soon Chung Yang, if I can find it Do I need to make appointments?

There is actually an international hospital closer to me, I went there for my blood tests. But I don't know how to get there alone And if I come to Seoul I can get a cheeseburger

[Landros]

Soon Chun Yang University Hospital in Hannamdong is a fine place and I had a physical done there but I don't speak more than a lick of Korean and I have had great treatment at a number of hospitals. actually I go to an oriental doc for injuries. he treats ankles, knees and back problems. his english is fine. I'd say you will be surprised. I have met so many different doctors bringing my kids in different places and having lived in Korean for a few years and living in different areas. Doctors in general can communicate in English and it is more interesting to meet your local doc.

If you do go in anyway just have your insurance card that you should have from your employer and you be surprised how cheap everything is. for instance I went last week and had a heat pad while relaxing on an automatic massage bed then another set up with cups and suction then acupuncture and these burning things all for 6 bucks.

anyway if it is really serious there are plenty of little hospitals around. I had my elbow operated on and the whole language barrier isn't an issue. the docs all have medical books in English and might not all be comfortable having a regular conversation but can tell you what to do and when to come back and yeah don't let language stop you from saving your time. a lot of nearby places are hella more convenient.

also I seriously don't like being guided around at Soon Chun Yang University Hospital. I'd rather interact with the nurses and docs myself and have them practice their English and treat me. Anyway I do have a korean speaking wife so that helps if things get confusing but I have often just gone alone and rely on English.

[Paladin Brewer]

One more question, what do I actually need when going to a hospital here. Just my ARC? What about for insurance, anything?

[Xuanzang]

[ramen209]

Almost all of the doctors should speak some English in Korea... my advice would be just to try out one close to you.

[Xuanzang]

[ippy]

its actually very likely. I live in BFE and every single doctor ive seen spoke enough english to explain that i was obviously faking it (i snowboard so get a few injuries), and its just a contusion... and of course to take these same three pills Once again: middle of nowhere.

[nero]

[myenglishisno]

Get a clinic to refer you to Yonsei Severence Hospital. They have English speaking staff and a dedication wing for foreigners only. As far as I know, they speak English, Japanese and Russian.