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SAFETY · GUIDE
Call 119 for a medical emergency, use a pharmacy only for non-emergency advice and medicines within its role, and bring your symptoms, medicines, allergies and insurance details to a clinic or hospital.
USE IT ON THE TRIP
QUICK ANSWER
WHAT TO DO
For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, major bleeding, chest pain, stroke signs or another immediate threat, call 119 and give your location first.
Watch out Do not delay emergency care to search for an English-speaking facility.
Write symptoms, when they started, current medicines with generic names and doses, allergies, conditions and a reachable emergency contact in Korean and English where possible.
A pharmacy can help with non-emergency over-the-counter needs and direct you onward. Use a clinic or hospital when examination, diagnosis, a prescription or urgent treatment may be needed.
Look for 약국 · 의원 · 병원 · 응급실
Large hospitals may have international care centers. For non-emergency travel interpretation, use 1330; in an emergency, call 119 first.
Check the active ingredient, dose, timing, interactions and whether it duplicates something you already take. Keep the labeled package and receipt.
Watch out A familiar brand name can contain a different formulation in another country.
Ask for an itemized bill, medical note or prescription record as available, and keep payment evidence. Contact your insurer through its official channel as soon as practical.
COMPARE OPTIONS
| Option | Best for | Cost | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy | Non-emergency medicine questions and products within the pharmacist's role. | Medicine and consultation-dependent · Walk-in during opening hours | A pharmacy does not replace examination or emergency care. |
| Clinic or hospital outpatient care | Symptoms requiring examination, diagnosis, prescription or follow-up. | Facility and treatment-dependent · Walk-in or appointment depending on facility | Language support, hours and payment arrangements vary. |
| Emergency medical service | A serious or rapidly worsening condition. | Treatment and transport rules vary · Immediate response through 119 | Give location first and do not wait for travel-insurance approval. |
AVOID THESE MISTAKES
Do this instead Call 119 first; interpretation and travel assistance can follow.
Do this instead Provide the generic ingredient, dose and a photo of the labeled package.
Do this instead Show the pharmacist or clinician everything you already take and your allergies.
Do this instead Collect itemized payment and care records before departure when possible.
TRAVELER FAQ
Call 119 for emergency medical services. Give your location first, then describe the condition.
A pharmacist can advise within the pharmacy role, but symptoms needing examination, diagnosis or urgent treatment belong at a clinic, hospital or emergency service.
Many large hospitals have international care centers. For non-emergency travel interpretation, contact 1330; do not delay 119 in an emergency.
Bring generic ingredient names, doses, schedule, reason for use, allergies and photos of original labeled packages.
Keep itemized bills, receipts, prescription or treatment records and the insurer's case reference, subject to your policy's requirements.
Every changing rule stays attached to the organization responsible for it.
Last checked August 22, 2026. Korea Era edits these guides from official sources and does not decide eligibility, fares or schedules on your behalf.