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Living & Surviving in Korea | |
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Health Care in Korea
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You will be working in an environment where you are often surrounded by spluttering/sick/germ-infested children (Korean parents don't keep their children home if they are sick, be warned) so chances are, you will get sick. It is advisable to bring a course of antibiotics from home and ample supplies of sudafed, both of which you should have no problems in getting from your doctor before your departure (health care links). We recommend that you arrange for your local GP in home country to be available by phone, fax or email to give you advice while you are in Korea. (We know of a number of cases where the results of medical tests have been faxed back to the doctor in NZ for checking) In two cases the diagnosis given in Korea was vastly different to what the doctor in NZ thought. Getting a second opinion is not a common practice in Korea as it is seen as 'not the thing to do' No one likes to check the doctor's advice, it is usually trusted and accepted. If any possible medical advice you are being given involves intervention surgery, we advise you do get immediate advice from somewhere else. You may find out that the 'cancer' in your mouth is nothing more than an abscess! From past experience we also recommend that immunization against diseases such as Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis, malaria etc be discussed with your doctor, at least a month before your departure.
The quality of health care in Korea is not up to par with New Zealand or America, but it's getting there - especially in new hospitals. If you have private NZ insurance it is important that you find yourself a hospital that specializes in treating foreigners, such as the Samsung International Hospital, as there can be definite language problems in most Korean clinics and hospitals. A doctor's visit to the Samsung Hospital will set you back W35,000 with medication and testing extra. This should be recoverable with your medical insurance. This hospital is recommended by the U.S Embassy - for diplomats and American citizens. We advise to ring around and ask others where they have gone, but remember DO NOT COME WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE! The insurance that your school will offer to provide is not a good deal, and is not comprehensive nor does it cover all costs. Ambulances are not what you would expect, and it is often better to get to a hospital in a taxi as you risk getting 'delivered' to a small local hospital. In Seoul, there are a number of suitable doctors and dentists that you can see, just ask your Supervisor or other foreigners and they will gladly point you in the right direction. A large green cross on a building is the sign that it is a local clinic or hospital.
The Seoul Dentistry in Pomgye on the Blue line is the only one we know of and have been to, it's brilliant, and all the dentists speak great English. You are treated like Royalty here, as they really want foreign clients. To find it, get the Subway to Pomgye. You want to be on the side of the road opposite to Kims Club, where the subway exits into a bustling shopping area. Once in this area stay on the left side (it is not a road) and keep your eyes peeled for a small Seoul Dentistry sign (about 5mins walking).
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