Sick in Seoul: Who to Call, Where to Go, and What to Skip

When you get sick on a trip, the first problem isn't the illness. It's knowing who to call. This guide isn't ranking hospitals. It puts the numbers and the options in the order you'll need them.

Please note: This guide is general travel information. It is not medical advice, and it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or pharmacist. If someone's life may be at risk, call 119 immediately. Numbers, hours and rules can change; we checked them on October 7, 2026.

Who do you call when you're sick in Seoul?

Keep the numbers in your phone before you need them; staying connected in Korea covers making calls from a travel SIM or eSIM.

Where do you go for care?

• Minor problems (a cold, a stomach ache): a neighbourhood clinic (의원) first. The Ministry of Health and Welfare asks people with non-severe symptoms to use clinics so that emergency rooms stay free for critical cases.
• Severe symptoms (trouble breathing, sudden numbness, facial paralysis): call 119 for consultation and transfer to a hospital.
• If you need English, the Korea Tourism Organization lists hospitals with international health care centres. In Seoul, as updated on September 11, 2026: Seoul Asan Medical Center (Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30), Severance Hospital (Mon–Fri 08:30–17:30), Samsung Medical Center (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00) and Seoul National University Hospital (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:30). The list says the centres are closed on weekends and public holidays, so a weekend problem starts with a 119 call.
• To see what's open now, use the Ministry of Health and Welfare's emergency portal e-gen, which has an English menu, or the 응급똑똑 app. The Ministry's call centre (129) and the city lines (120) also give this information, but we couldn't confirm their language support.
• For children, Korea has "Moonlight Children's Hospitals" (달빛어린이병원) for minor illness on weekday evenings and at weekends. Hours vary by hospital; find them in e-gen.

How do pharmacies and travel insurance work?

• Common remedies (for fever or an upset stomach) are over-the-counter medicines you can buy at a pharmacy (약국) without a prescription.

• Prescription medicines need a doctor's prescription, which the pharmacy then fills.

• Convenience stores that stay open 24 hours sell only a short, government-designated list of basic medicines, and you can buy just one unit of each item per purchase.

• If you take regular medication, the rules for bringing it into Korea differ by drug. Check them before you travel. This guide doesn't cover them.

• With travel insurance, you may have to pay first and claim later. Ask your insurer what it needs before you leave, and keep the receipt, the diagnosis and the prescription record.

• Seoul's essential apps lists the map and translation apps that make clinic searches easier.

A Note From Daniel — our real human editor

If you can't see a pharmacy or hospital nearby, you can buy simple fever reducers and painkillers at a convenience store. Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and others) sell over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol and digestive remedies. For mild indigestion, a headache, period cramps or muscle pain, you may be able to sort it out right there, so keep that in mind. Of course, if the pain is severe, go to a hospital or pharmacy and talk to a doctor or pharmacist. I want to stress that once more.

Soo's Tip

If you memorize one number, make it 119. Save the others in your phone. 🙂

This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 119.