Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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Where to Find Reliable Health Information in Korea: A Guide for Foreign Residents

Living in a foreign country can be both exciting and overwhelming—especially when it comes to navigating the healthcare system and finding trustworthy information. As an international resident in Korea, I quickly realized that not all information is accessible, and not all sources are reliable. In times of public health crises or even routine medical concerns, having access to accurate and timely information is essential.

This post introduces key platforms and organizations where foreigners in Korea can find reliable, up-to-date health information, both in English and other languages.

 

1. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)

Website: https://www.kdca.go.kr
While the main site is in Korean, it offers some English updates, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 or MERS. KDCA is the most authoritative source for public health alerts, vaccination schedules, and guidelines.

Tip: Look for banners or sections marked “ENG” or "Multilingual" during health emergencies.

 

 2. Hi Korea

Website: https://www.hikorea.go.kr
Hi Korea is a government portal for foreign residents, offering immigration and public service guidance, including healthcare system basics, insurance coverage, and vaccination information.

 

3. Emergency Medical Information Center (1339)

Foreigners can call 1339, Korea’s public health hotline, to get 24/7 assistance in English (and other languages). They provide help related to symptoms, disease outbreaks, hospital referrals, and emergency medical guidance.

 You can say: “English, please” after the call connects.

 

 4. KECND (Korean Expat Community for National Disasters)

KECND is specifically designed for foreigners in Korea and aims to provide translated emergency alerts, health-related updates, and shared experiences from expat residents. This platform is especially helpful for community-based support during national health crises.

 

 5. Hospitals with International Services

Many major hospitals in Korea have international clinics that provide health information and consultations in English or other languages:

• Severance Hospital International Clinic (Yonsei Univ.) – https://sev.iseverance.com

• Samsung Medical Center – https://www.samsunghospital.com

• Asan Medical Center – https://www.amc.seoul.kr

These hospitals offer resources about checkups, vaccinations, insurance coverage, and patient rights.

 

6. Local Government Websites (Multilingual Pages)

Cities like Seoul and Busan offer multilingual health and safety updates through their official websites:

• Seoul Global Center: https://global.seoul.go.kr

• Busan Foreign Residents Support Center: http://www.busan.go.kr/english

 

Final Advice: Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

In a rapidly changing world, especially during health emergencies, information is power. The Korean government and various institutions have taken steps to include foreigners in their communication channels—but sometimes it takes a bit of effort to find the right sources.

Bookmark these websites, follow multilingual alerts, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Most importantly, share what you learn with others in the community. A well-informed foreigner is not only safer but can also help others stay safe.