Health & medical
119, 112 and the numbers that bring an interpreter onto the line
Call 119 for a fire, a rescue or an ambulance and 112 for the police, even if you speak no Korean, and say where you are before anything else. If you cannot talk, the fire agency also takes 119 reports by text message, photo, video call, its 119 app and a web form it set up for foreign residents who are not fluent in Korean. For interpretation, the volunteer line BBB (1588-5644) answers in 20 languages around the clock, while 1345, 1330 and 1339 each keep their own hours.
Last verified:
Free flu shots in Korea start on different days by age
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) runs the 2026-2027 National Immunization Program for influenza from September 21, 2026 to April 30, 2027. The free shot covers children aged 6 months and older who were born between January 1, 2012 and August 31, 2026, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and over who were born on or before December 31, 1961. Each group starts on a different day. Children who need two doses and pregnant women start on September 21, children who need one dose on September 28, and people aged 75 and over on October 12. You can get the shot at any nearby designated clinic or public health center, whatever your registered address. If you are not in a covered group, you pay at a clinic. The influenza advisory was already issued on September 11, before the shots begin.
Last verified:
A health insurance bill comes even if you did not apply
A foreigner who does not work at a company becomes a self-employed insured without applying after living in Korea for six months. For study, general training, marriage-based immigration, permanent residence, and non-professional employment statuses, this starts from the day of entry. Premiums are calculated in the same way as for Koreans, but if the amount is lower than the overall average premium, the average premium is charged. In 2026, that amount is 158,630 won per month, and students pay half. The payment deadline is not the next month, but the 25th of the previous month. If you fall behind, insurance will not apply at the hospital, and visa extension is limited to 6 months or less.
Last verified:
Going to a Korean medicine clinic
A hanuiwon is a medical institution like any other, and a doctor of Korean medicine holds a separate national licence. Acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and chuna therapy are covered by national health insurance; herbal decoctions are covered only for six conditions, and only under a pilot scheme. Knowing where that line falls is what keeps the bill from surprising you.
Last verified:
Seeing a doctor when you are sick
Unless it is serious, start at the nearest local clinic. Once you know where to go and whether you have health insurance, the rest is simpler than it looks.
Last verified:
