What To Do When Sick
You may choose to go to hospitals, hospitals of Oriental medicine, or public health centers, which are public medical institutions.

Hospitals

There are both general hospitals (jonghap byeongwon), and private practices (ilban byeongwon). General hospitals are able to treat many ailments; they have the latest medical equipment, the most medical personnel, and ample hospital beds. Still, the large number of people seeking medical attention means that you may have to wait a long period of time before being seen by medical personnel. Private practices, on the other hand, have usually two or three doctors specializing in either internal medicine or pediatrics for example, and see only persons needing that kind of medical attention. These can be convenient because they are closer to home and there is less of a wait.

Hospitals of Oriental Medicine

Hanbang byeongwon are hospitals that treat patients with Oriental medicine. People go to these hospitals particularly when they feel pain, their body feels disjointed, or are feeling physically weak. Herbal medicine and acupuncture are used in treatment. Herbal medications use plant, animal, and mineral ingredients from nature with only simple processing. Acupuncture is a form of treatment that uses long needles. There are nine types of needles, known as the Nine Needles. The needles are applied to the skin and muscles at varying depths to stimulate the blood vessels.

Hospitals of Oriental Medicine

These are public medical institutions. Cities, counties, and city districts all have public health centers (bogeonso), and rural areas have smaller scale facilities called "treatment centers"(jillyoso). They offer light treatment and are inexpensive, and tuberculosis testing, blood pressure examination , and blood testing is free of charge. There are regular check-ups and preventive shots for infants. Centers sometimes offer classes on nutrition and health issues.

Using Hospital Services

University hospitals and other general hospitals have superior facilities, but the number of people seeking medical attention means there are crowds at the reception window. Even when you have been through reception, you may have to wait hours to be examined. This is why for light symptoms such as colds, it can be more convenient to go to a private practice that is in your neighborhood. When you think it best to go to a general hospital, treatment or admission is easier if you go through the process of making reservations.

(1) Ordinary process of examination at a hospital
Present your medical insurance card at the reception counter and explain your condition.
Take the treatment card given you by the reception counter and take it to the window of the department you are sent to, then wait.
Go to the examination room when your name is called and be examined.
After being examined or treated, go to the cashier window and pay the treatment fee.
Take the prescription written for you by the doctor and go to a pharmacy outside the hospital to purchase the needed pharmaceuticals.

(2) In case you are admitted for treatment
There are cases where you may be required to make a financial deposit or have someone guarantee your ability to pay when you are admitted to the hospital for testing, treatment , or surgery.
There are some kinds of hospital rooms not covered by medical insurance, for example, rooms that are not shared and have only one bed.
You should bring your own toiletries, cup, knife, and fork.

Purchasing Pharmaceuticals

Because Korea has separate legal definitions for the professions of doctor and pharmacist, prescriptions must be issued by doctors, and these are then filled out by pharmacists. This means that before purchasing medicines, you must be seen by a doctor. Pharmaceutical products for the treatment of headaches, digestion problems, and minor pains, and other minor ailments may be purchased without a doctor's prescription.

Dial 119 Emergency

Call 119 if someone is suddenly stricken ill or seriously injured. An ambulance will arrive and take the person to the hospital, and the cost is free. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has designated emergency medical treatment facilities pre-specified in each area that are relatively advanced in personnel, equipment, and facilities.

Source: Korea Immigration