LINKRIGHTS

I'm sick. How do I go to a hospital?

In Korea, people usually go to a local clinic first and then to a larger hospital if needed. If you are worried about language, you can get interpretation help.

Source
National Health Insurance Service · Ministry of Gender Equality and Family · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency · Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service See sources
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
This translation was prepared by the LINKRIGHTS team and is still being checked. If anything is unclear, ask one of the organisations below.

Is this your situation?

  • I don't know which hospital to go to.
  • It's hard to explain my symptoms in Korean.
  • I suddenly feel sick at night and no clinic is open.
  • I'm scared because I don't know how much it will cost.

Rights you should know

  • Everyone can receive treatment

    Getting medical care when you are sick is a basic right. In an emergency especially, getting treatment first is what matters.

  • You can ask for interpretation help

    In some cases you can ask the Danuri Call Center or your local family center for someone to go with you to the hospital or for phone interpretation.

  • Emotional difficulties can be treated too

    Being unable to sleep, or feeling anxious or depressed all the time, is also something you can get help with. You can start by talking to the Youth Helpline 1388.

Try this

  1. 1.

    Go to a local clinic first

    Colds, stomach upsets and minor injuries can be treated at a clinic near your home, and it costs less. Bring your ID (residence card).

  2. 2.

    If you are badly sick or hurt, call 119

    In an emergency, such as someone being unconscious or bleeding heavily, call 119 and ask for an ambulance.

  3. 3.

    Write down your symptoms before you go

    If you note on your phone when it started, where it hurts and how, it is easier to explain even in simple Korean. You can also use a translation app.

  4. 4.

    If you are worried about the cost, ask first

    At the reception desk you can ask, "I don't have insurance. How much will it cost?" Check whether you have health insurance by calling 1577-1000.

Please note

Only medical staff can make a diagnosis or decide on treatment. LINKRIGHTS does not give medical advice.

Checklists to use with this information

You might also want to know

Where to get help

  • Ambulance & Fire (119)

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideViolence & safetyHealth care

    How they can help

    Call for an ambulance when someone is badly hurt or very ill, or when there is a fire.

    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    119 Website

    nfa.go.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Please help me. I am in danger right now.”
    • “I am at ___. (If you do not know the address, name a building or shop you can see)”
    • “Korean is difficult for me. I need an interpreter.”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 27 September 2026

  • National Health Insurance Service 1577-1000

    Area: NationwideHealth care

    How they can help

    Handles health insurance enrolment, premiums and eligibility, including rules for foreign residents.

    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese
    Opening hours
    Weekdays 09:00-18:00
    1577-1000 Website

    nhis.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Danuri Call Center 1577-1366

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideFamilyViolence & safety

    How they can help

    A 24-hour multilingual call center for migrants, covering daily-life questions and violence support.

    Languages
    Korean · English · Chinese · Vietnamese · other languages
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    1577-1366 Website

    liveinkorea.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “Can I get advice in English, Chinese, Vietnamese?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 6 September 2026

  • Local Family Center (Multicultural Family Support)

    Area: NationwideLocal centresFamilyEducation & school

    How they can help

    Local centres offering Korean lessons, interpretation and study support. On the Family Center portal (familynet), choose your city or province to see nearby centres and their contact details.

    1577-9337 Find one near you

    familynet.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Can young people get advice here too?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 16 September 2026

  • Youth Helpline 1388

    Emergency line

    Area: NationwideMental healthViolence & safety

    How they can help

    A helpline for young people aged 9-24 about any worry: home, violence, school, or the future. Your call is confidential.

    Languages
    Korean
    Opening hours
    24 hours
    1388 Website

    kyci.or.kr

    What to say once the call connects
    • “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about something.”
    • “My Korean isn't very good. Can I still get advice?”
    • “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

    These are examples only. Please follow the organisation's own instructions.

    Last reviewed 24 September 2026

Choose your area
What to say once the call connects

If you are not sure how to start the call, use these sentences as a guide. They are only examples and do not replace advice from the organisation.

  1. 1. “Hello. I'm calling because I'd like some advice about Hospital & Health.”
  2. 2. “This is what happened. (Briefly say when, where and what happened.)”
  3. 3. “Is there anything I can do? What should I prepare?”

Tips for the call

  • If Korean is hard for you, ask: "Can I get advice in another language?"
  • Keep dates, places and things like text messages or contracts next to you so it is easier to explain.
  • You only need to give your name or contact details if the counsellor asks for them.

Follow the organisation's own guidance on how advice works. If you are in danger now, call 112 (police) or 119 (ambulance) straight away.

Sources for this page

Official sources (organisation websites, open in a new window)

Last reviewed 6 September 2026

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