The Short Answer
- Neighborhood clinic: ₩20,000–70,000 (about $14–50 USD) for consultation, ₩10,000–30,000 (about $7–21 USD) for meds — 5–10× cheaper than the US
- Emergency room: ₩100,000–400,000 (about $70–290 USD) for a basic visit, ₩600,000+ (about $430+ USD) with CT/MRI
- Simple fracture (cast only): ₩100,000–200,000 (about $70–140 USD) total. Acute toothache: about ₩110,000 (about $79 USD) for emergency treatment
- Night/weekend visits add a 30–50% surcharge — for non-urgent issues, skip the ER and find a night clinic instead
- Travel insurance works on pay-upfront, claim-later basis. Documents (receipt, diagnosis, prescription) are everything
Can Foreigners Use Korean Hospitals?
Yes, absolutely. Korean medical institutions are open to everyone regardless of nationality. Foreign tourists not enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) must pay the full cost of treatment out of pocket—but even then, it is far cheaper than comparable care in the US, Europe, and most developed countries.
In 2025, foreign patients visiting Korea hit 2.01 million, surpassing the 2 million mark for the first time in history (Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2026.4.24). Of all foreign patients, 87.7% used neighborhood clinics, and 87.2% were concentrated in Seoul. By department: dermatology (62.9%), plastic surgery (11.2%), and integrated internal medicine (9.2%) led the way.
Cost Differences by Medical Institution Type
Korean medical institutions are divided into four tiers. The larger the facility, the higher the consultation fee.
| Type | Examples | Foreigner First-Visit Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinic (의원) | Neighborhood internal medicine, orthopedics | ₩20,000–70,000 (about $14–50 USD) | Short wait, best for minor issues |
| Hospital (병원) | 30–99 beds | ₩50,000–100,000+ (about $36–70 USD+) | Specialist care, diagnostic equipment |
| General Hospital (종합병원) | 100+ beds, 7+ departments | ₩70,000–150,000+ (about $50–110 USD+) | Multiple departments, inpatient care |
| Tertiary Hospital (상급종합병원) | University hospitals (Seoul National Univ., Severance, etc.) | ₩50,000–120,000+ (about $36–86 USD+) | For severe/complex cases, appointment required |
How Much Difference Does Health Insurance Make? — The One Calculation That Matters
For clinic-level outpatient care in Korea, the out-of-pocket rate is 30%. That means a Korean NHIS member pays only 30% of the total treatment cost; the other 70% is covered by the national insurer. A foreigner without insurance pays 100% of the same treatment. A rough rule of thumb: you will pay about 3× what a Korean patient pays out of pocket.
Example: From January to November 2026, the total consultation fee for a clinic first visit was ₩18,840 (about $13 USD) (as resolved by the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee; slated to rise to ₩19,980 from December 2026). A Korean patient pays about ₩5,650 of that. A foreigner pays the full amount.
But this is only an estimate. Treatment for uninsured patients is not bound by the NHIS fee schedule, so the actual amount charged varies from one clinic to another. The Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA) itself states that "there is no price cap on non-covered items."
Non-covered items cost the same for Koreans and foreigners. Procedures like MRI, manual therapy, crowns, resin fillings, and teeth whitening—things NHIS never covers—are priced identically regardless of nationality. There is no dual-pricing system based on nationality in Korea.
3 Principles to Save on Medical Costs
- Go on a weekday, during daytime hours. Weekdays 6 PM–9 AM and public holidays add a 30% surcharge on the base consultation fee (for clinics, Saturdays 09:00–13:00 count as surcharge hours; hospital-level starts from 1 PM). If you receive anesthesia, treatment, or surgery considered "emergency" during those hours, those items get an additional 50% surcharge (100% for severe emergencies). The cutoff is based on when treatment starts, not arrival time—so get checked in before 5:30 PM to be safe.
- For mild symptoms, skip the ER—find a night clinic instead. ERs add an emergency medical management fee on top of treatment costs. And since September 2024, non-urgent or mild patients who use large Regional Emergency Medical Centers now face a 90% out-of-pocket rate.
- Before signing any non-covered treatment consent form, ask for a written total estimate. Under Article 45 of the Medical Act, every hospital must publicly post its non-covered treatment prices and disclose them on the HIRA website (hira.or.kr).
Case 1: Fractures — What If You Break an Arm or Ankle?
This is one of the most feared scenarios for any traveler. A misstep on stairs, a slip on ice, a bike accident—fractures can happen in an instant.
Simple Fracture Not Requiring Surgery (Cast Only)
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost (Non-Covered) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic first visit | ₩20,000–70,000 (about $14–50 USD) | Neighborhood clinic is cheapest |
| X-ray (1 area) | ₩20,000–50,000 (about $14–36 USD) | Varies by area and hospital |
| Splint (half cast) | ₩20,000–30,000 (about $14–21 USD) | Materials + procedure |
| Full cast | ₩30,000–40,000 (about $21–29 USD) | Materials + procedure |
| Crutches | About ₩20,000 (about $14 USD) | Separate purchase |
| Total | About ₩100,000–200,000 (about $70–140 USD) |
Fracture Requiring Surgery (Metal Plate Fixation, etc.)
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ER visit + X-ray/CT | About ₩200,000–400,000 (about $140–290 USD) | |
| Fracture surgery (metal plate fixation) | ₩4,000,000–10,000,000 (about $2,900–7,100 USD) | Wide range depending on complexity and materials |
| Hospitalization (1 day) | ₩200,000–400,000 (about $140–290 USD) | Premium rooms cost more |
| Total | About ₩5,000,000–15,000,000+ (about $3,600–10,700+ USD) | Varies by hospital and surgical method |
⚠️ Surgery Costs Are Estimates Only
Fracture surgery costs vary enormously depending on the body part, surgical technique, implant materials (type of metal plate), and length of hospital stay. The figures above are estimated ranges compiled from foreigner-oriented guide sites and hospital disclosure data. There is no official "average fracture surgery cost for foreigners" statistic published by the Korean government or HIRA. Always request a written estimate before consenting to surgery. These numbers are exactly why travel insurance exists.
When MRI or CT Scans Are Needed
| Test Type | Estimated Cost (Non-Covered) |
|---|---|
| CT scan | ₩180,000–400,000 (about $130–290 USD) |
| MRI (1 joint area) | ₩500,000–1,070,000 (about $360–760 USD) (1.5T vs 3.0T, large variation by hospital) |
Based on 2026 Seoul general hospital disclosures: brain MRI ₩850,000 (about $610 USD), shoulder MRI ₩1,050,000 (about $750 USD). Prices vary widely between hospitals, so check the HIRA website (www.hira.or.kr) or the Health e-Eum app beforehand.
Case 2: Food Poisoning & Gastroenteritis — When Your Stomach Turns Against You
Food poisoning and acute gastroenteritis are among the most common ailments for travelers in Korea. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, there were 265 food poisoning outbreaks affecting 7,624 people in 2024, with 50% of all cases concentrated in July–September. The main culprits: Salmonella (32%), Norovirus (20%), and pathogenic E. coli (13%).
Mild to Moderate (Neighborhood Internal Medicine)
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Internal medicine first visit | ₩20,000–70,000 (about $14–50 USD) | Clinic level |
| Prescription meds (3–5 days) | ₩10,000–30,000 (about $7–21 USD) | Anti-diarrheals, intestinal regulators |
| IV fluid (ringers) therapy | ₩40,000–90,000 (about $29–64 USD) | For dehydration, non-covered |
| Basic blood test | ₩10,000–40,000 (about $7–29 USD) | If needed |
| Total (with IV) | About ₩100,000–200,000 (about $70–140 USD) | |
| Total (without IV) | About ₩50,000–100,000 (about $36–70 USD) |
Severe Cases Requiring an ER Visit
| Situation | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| ER, mild (basic exam + IV) | ₩200,000–400,000 (about $140–290 USD) |
| ER, moderate (including CT) | ₩600,000+ (about $430+ USD) |
Over-the-Counter Anti-Diarrheals (No Prescription Needed)
If you do not have a bacterial infection (no fever), you can buy these OTC meds at any pharmacy:
| Type | Price (Pharmacy) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pain reliever/fever reducer (e.g., Tylenol 500mg 10 tablets) | About ₩3,200 (about $2 USD) (pharmacy average) | Convenience store: 8 tablets ~₩3,600 |
| Digestive aid (e.g., Ggaswhalmyeongsu) | ₩1,200–3,000 (under $2 USD) | Convenience store: ₩2,400–2,700 |
| Anti-diarrheal | ₩1,250–15,000 (about $1–11 USD) | Varies by type |
If You Have a Fever, Go to a Hospital
If bacterial gastroenteritis is suspected (fever above 38°C/100.4°F, bloody stool, severe abdominal pain), taking anti-diarrheals alone can actually be dangerous. You likely need antibiotics, which means a doctor visit is mandatory. In Korea, all antibiotics are prescription-only—you cannot buy them at a pharmacy.
Case 3: Cold & Body Aches — When You Come Down With Something Mid-Trip
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic first visit | ₩20,000–70,000 (about $14–50 USD) | Family medicine / internal medicine |
| Prescription meds (3 days) | ₩10,000–30,000 (about $7–21 USD) | |
| Rapid influenza antigen test | ₩20,000–40,000 (about $14–29 USD) | If needed |
| IV fluids (for cold/fatigue) | ₩40,000–80,000 (about $29–57 USD) | Non-covered |
| Total | About ₩30,000–100,000 (about $21–70 USD) | ₩30,000–60,000 without tests/IV |
Case 4: Burns & Cuts — Hot Tteokbokki Broth or a Nasty Slip?
Scalding broth from street food, sizzling samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ) grills, and cuts from a fall are surprisingly common travel mishaps.
Burns (1st to 2nd Degree)
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic first visit + disinfection & dressing | ₩25,000–50,000 (about $18–36 USD) | Neighborhood surgery/dermatology clinic |
| Specialized burn clinic, per outpatient visit | ₩40,000–70,000 (about $29–50 USD) | Daily visits recommended? ~₩200,000–300,000/week |
| Moist wound dressing (e.g., Mepiform) | ₩7,000–50,000 per sheet | Non-covered; varies by hospital |
| Burn scar laser (optional, after returning home) | ₩50,000–100,000 per session |
For minor burns, you can self-treat from a pharmacy. Povidone-iodine solution: ₩600–1,200; Madecassol Care ointment (10g): about ₩7,100; Fucidin ointment (10g): about ₩7,400; hydrocolloid bandages: ₩2,000–4,000 each. Note: OTC drug prices are set freely by each pharmacy, so the same product can vary. And burn-specific antibiotic ointment (Silmasin/silver sulfadiazine) is prescription-only in Korea.
Cuts & Lacerations (Stitches/Sutures)
Most Important Tip in This Article — The Nighttime Plastic Surgery Suture Trap
Wound closure (창상봉합술) is an NHIS-covered procedure by default. But some nighttime plastic surgery clinics will tack on non-covered injectables "to reduce scarring" and bill you over ₩1,000,000. In 2025, a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul's Sinchon area charged ₩1,100,000 for a child's forehead suture and ₩1,270,000 for a chin suture—sparking a dispute involving 20+ patients. The receipts revealed just two injectables priced at ₩660,000 and ₩950,000. HIRA's stance: "There is no price cap on non-covered items."
What to do: Say "Please treat this under national insurance coverage" (급여로 해주세요). The clinic director in that very case admitted, "If the patient doesn't want them, we do 100% insured treatment." Check the total before signing any non-covered consent form.
| Treatment Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple 2–3cm suture, hand/arm (surgery clinic, daytime) | ₩60,000–120,000 (about $43–86 USD) | NHIS-covered pricing |
| 3cm suture, face/neck (NHIS-covered) | ₩70,000–100,000 (about $50–71 USD) | Suture fee itself ~₩50,000 |
| Face suture (nighttime plastic surgery, non-covered materials) | ₩300,000–1,100,000 (about $210–790 USD) | Worst cases: up to ₩2,500,000 |
| ER suture (mild) | ₩130,000–300,000 (about $93–210 USD) | Includes emergency management fee |
| Stitch removal (at a different clinic) | ₩15,000–25,000 (about $11–18 USD) | Usually free at the clinic that did the sutures |
| Tetanus shot (Td/Tdap) | ₩15,000–40,000 (about $11–29 USD) | Essential if injured by soil/rusty objects |
| Abrasion cleaning & dressing | ₩20,000–30,000 (about $14–21 USD) | Mostly the consultation fee |
Case 5: Sudden Toothache — Aching or Broken Tooth During Your Trip?
Dental care in Korea is 50–80% cheaper than in the US, which explains why foreign patients visiting dental clinics surged by 128.9% year-on-year in 2025—the highest growth rate among all medical institution types (Ministry of Health and Welfare). This is the one area where a travel mishap can turn into “a chance to get treated affordably.”
Estimated Costs by Situation
| Situation | Estimated Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dental first-visit consultation | ₩16,000–17,000 (about $11–12 USD) | — |
| Panoramic X-ray | ₩30,000–35,000 (about $21–25 USD) | 5 min |
| Re-cement a fallen crown | ₩30,000–100,000 (about $21–71 USD) | Same day, 30 min |
| Acute toothache — emergency pulp opening (1 session) | Total ~₩110,000 (about $79 USD) | Same day |
| Full root canal — front tooth | ₩200,000–300,000 (about $140–210 USD) | 2–3 visits |
| Full root canal — molar | ₩400,000–700,000 (about $290–500 USD) | 2–5 visits |
| Crown (zirconia) | ₩500,000–800,000 (about $360–570 USD) | 1–2 weeks |
| Crown (PFM porcelain-fused-to-metal) | ₩350,000–550,000 (about $250–390 USD) | 1–2 weeks |
| Chipped tooth — resin restoration (same day) | ₩100,000–200,000 (about $71–140 USD) | Same day |
| Resin filling, 1 tooth | ₩60,000–200,000 (about $43–140 USD) | Same day |
| Simple extraction | ₩30,000–40,000 (about $21–29 USD) | Same day |
| Full bony impacted wisdom tooth extraction | About ₩40,000–100,000 (about $29–71 USD) (same day; including CT, anesthesia, medication) | Same day |
| Scaling (cleaning) | About ₩60,000 (about $43 USD) | 30 min |
| Univ. dental hospital night/holiday first visit (non-covered: prosthodontics, orthodontics) | ₩53,000 (about $38 USD) | — |
Dental Emergency Field Guide
- If you chip a tooth: Do not wrap the fragment in dry tissue. Place it in milk or saline solution and bring it with you. Control bleeding with gauze, 10 minutes of pressure.
- If a crown falls off: Bring the crown with you. If the underlying tooth is intact, re-cementing costs just ₩30,000–100,000 (about $21–71 USD), same day. Lose the crown, and a new one is ₩500,000–800,000 (about $360–570 USD).
- Wisdom tooth extraction: do it at least 3–5 days before your flight. Swelling and bleeding can worsen with cabin pressure changes.
- If your stay is 5+ days: Getting a root canal + crown done in Korea is 3–4× cheaper than in the US for American residents (Korea: ₩980,000–1,580,000 vs US equivalent: $2,500–3,500). Some clinics even offer same-day root canal + same-day crown.
- Finding a dentist at night or on weekends: Use the emergency medical portal e-gen.or.kr or dial 119 (the emergency dispatch center can guide you to open clinics and pharmacies).
Case 6: Heat Stroke & Allergies — Seasonal Emergencies
Summer (July–August): Heat Waves and Heat Stroke
In the summer of 2025, Korea recorded 4,460 heat-related illness cases nationwide—the highest since the record-breaking 2018 summer (4,526 cases) (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency). There were 29 deaths. Notably, 29% of all cases were concentrated in the last 10 days of July.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government tracked 815 heat-related illness cases over three years. The #1 location where they occurred: “roadside” (31.4%)—more than outdoor worksites (20.7%). In other words, sightseeing on foot makes you the most typical at-risk group.
| Situation | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Mild heat exhaustion (neighborhood clinic) | ₩30,000–70,000 (about $21–50 USD) |
| Dehydration requiring IV | +₩30,000–100,000 (about $21–71 USD) |
| Heat stroke, ER (IV + blood tests + cooling) | ₩100,000–400,000 (about $71–290 USD) |
| Severe heat stroke, hospitalization (1 day) | ₩150,000–600,000 (about $110–430 USD) |
How to Escape the Heat for Free
Seoul operates libraries, community centers, banks, and supermarkets as heat shelters (무더위쉼터)—about 3,770 locations as of 2025. Search "폭염 → 재난안전시설 → 무더위쉼터" on the Seoul Safety Nuri website to see them on a map.
An even better option: 8 foreigner-only heat shelters run by the Seoul Tourism Organization. Located at Seoul Tourism Plaza, Myeongdong, Gwanghwamun, Garosu-gil, Dongdaemun, Itaewon, Jongno, and Seocho tourist information centers, they operate daily from 12:00–15:00 with air-conditioned rest areas and free bottled water, iced coffee, and vitamin drinks (space remains open even after drinks run out).
Winter (December–February): Cold-Related Illness and Ice Slips
The 2025–2026 winter season recorded 364 cold-related illness cases (14 deaths), mostly affecting vulnerable domestic populations—homeless individuals, the elderly, and those with cognitive impairments. The risk of hypothermia for short-term tourists is statistically extremely low. The real winter danger for travelers is not hypothermia but slipping on ice (see Case 1). A fall on ice resulting in a sprain or bruise with X-ray and splint treatment typically costs ₩150,000–400,000 (about $110–290 USD).
Food Allergies — Hidden Traps in Korean Cuisine
Korea legally requires labeling for 19 allergens: eggs, milk, buckwheat, peanuts, soy, wheat, mackerel, crab, shrimp, pork, peaches, tomatoes, sulfites, walnuts, chicken, beef, squid, shellfish (oysters, abalone, mussels), and pine nuts.
3 Things Travelers Used to US/EU Labeling Norms Will Miss
- Sesame is not a mandatory labeling allergen in Korea. The sesame allergy rate among Koreans is under 0.1%, so it is not on the list—but sesame oil and sesame seeds are in bibimbap and nearly every vegetable side dish (namul). Ask verbally, every time. Cashews, pistachios, and other tree nuts, celery, and mustard are also not required to be labeled.
- Dishes that look vegetarian often have anchovy or salted shrimp stock as a base ingredient. This applies to most kimchi, soups (guk), and stews (jjigae).
- Soy (soy sauce/ganjang, soybean paste/doenjang, chili paste/gochujang) is nearly impossible to avoid. If you have a soy allergy, Korean cuisine itself is high-risk.
| Situation | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Hives/rash (clinic, antihistamine/steroid injection) | ₩50,000–120,000 (about $36–86 USD) |
| Anaphylaxis, ER (epinephrine + 4–8 hour observation) | ₩100,000–400,000 (about $71–290 USD) |
| Overnight observation admission | About ₩300,000 (about $210 USD) |
| Pharmacy antihistamine (Zyrtec/Claritin, 10 tablets) | ₩4,000–5,000 (about $3–4 USD) |
Assume You Cannot Get an EpiPen in Korea
The US brand EpiPen is not distributed in Korea. The only epinephrine auto-injector available domestically is 'Jext Prefilled Pen' (젝스트프리필드펜주, about ₩60,000)—but it is prescription-only, local pharmacies do not stock it, and it is only dispensed at university hospital pharmacies. Getting a prescription requires an allergist appointment, making it essentially impossible to obtain within a travel itinerary.
If you have a severe food allergy, bring at least two unexpired auto-injectors from home.
Korean Phrases to Use at Restaurants
- 이 음식에 메밀 들어 있어요? — Does this contain buckwheat?
- 이 음식에 땅콩 들어 있어요? — Does this contain peanuts? / 새우 — shrimp? / 참깨 — sesame?
- 저는 ○○ 알레르기가 있어요. — I have a ○○ allergy.
Korean restaurants generally do not proactively ask about allergies, so showing an allergy card written in Korean is your safest bet. You can also use the Naver Papago app’s camera translation to check menus and packaged food labels.
Essential Tips for Using the ER
-
ERs charge an “emergency medical management fee” on top of treatment costs. The amount varies by facility type—starting around ₩60,000 for NHIS members, roughly double for uninsured. The exact amount is posted at each hospital; confirm before checking in.
Crucially, if your condition is not an actual medical emergency, you pay this fee entirely out of pocket.
-
Going to a large hospital ER with mild symptoms costs much more. Since September 2024, non-urgent and non-emergency patients using large Regional Emergency Medical Centers face a 90% out-of-pocket rate. For a cold, mild stomach bug, or simple laceration, a night clinic or small ER is far cheaper.
-
119 ambulances are free in principle, but using one for non-emergency purposes may incur a charge.
-
Large hospital ERs with international clinics make English communication far easier. Top choices in Seoul: Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center, and Gangnam Severance.
-
Need medical interpretation? Call 1330 (Tourism Information & Interpretation, 07:00–24:00). Run by the Korea Tourism Organization, this free interpretation service supports 3-way calls at hospitals and pharmacies in 8 languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese.
How to File a Travel Insurance Claim
The Basic Rule: Pay Upfront, Claim Later
Most Korean hospitals and clinics do not support direct billing with foreign travel insurance. The standard process: you pay the full amount on-site, then file a reimbursement claim with your insurer after returning home.
That said, the international clinic desks at major university hospitals—Samsung Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Severance, Asan Medical Center—can sometimes arrange direct billing with global insurers like Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare. This requires a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) issued in advance, so confirm with both the hospital and your insurer before your visit.
6 Documents You Must Collect Before Discharge
| # | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical fee receipt | Proof of payment |
| 2 | Itemized bill | Shows what each item cost |
| 3 | Medical certificate / doctor’s note (English recommended) | Proof of diagnosis and treatment |
| 4 | Copy of prescription | Record of prescribed medications |
| 5 | Pharmacy receipt | Proof of medication payment |
| 6 | Medication packet/label | Information on medications taken |
English medical certificate issuance fees vary by hospital, typically ₩10,000–40,000 (about $7–29 USD). Many travel insurers accept a Korean certificate + your own translation, so check your policy terms in advance.
Emergency Contacts & Medical Interpretation
| Service | Number | Hours | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency rescue & hospital guidance (ambulance) | 119 | 24 hours | Korean, 3-way interpretation available |
| Tourism info & interpretation | 1330 | 07:00–24:00 | English, Japanese, Chinese, etc. (8 languages) |
| KDCA call center | 1339 | 24 hours | Foreigner 3-way interpretation (via 1330/1345) |
| Foreigner comprehensive info | 1345 | 09:00–22:00 | 20 languages |
| Medical institution consultation | 1577-7129 | Weekdays 09:00–18:00 | 6 languages |
Pharmacy Tips
- Late night & weekends: 240 late-night pharmacies operate nationwide (39 across Seoul’s 25 districts). Search “심야약국” on Naver Map or Kakao Map, or call 119 (the emergency dispatch center provides pharmacy guidance).
- Convenience stores: CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven sell OTC safety-stocked medications 24/7—Tylenol, cold medicine, digestive aids, pain relief patches.
- Communication trouble? Call 1330 for 3-way interpretation, or use Naver Papago to translate your symptoms and show the pharmacist.
- Korean symptom phrases:
- 배가 아파요 — stomachache
- 설사해요 — diarrhea
- 열이 나요 — fever
- 머리가 아파요 — headache
- 목이 아파요 — sore throat
Summary: Estimated Total Costs by Case
| Case | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold/body aches (clinic) | ₩30,000 ($21 USD) | ₩100,000 ($71 USD) | ₩30,000–60,000 without tests/IV |
| Food poisoning/gastroenteritis (clinic) | ₩50,000 ($36 USD) | ₩200,000 ($140 USD) | With IV therapy |
| Food poisoning/gastroenteritis (ER) | ₩200,000 ($140 USD) | ₩600,000+ ($430+ USD) | Extra for CT/detailed tests |
| Simple fracture (cast) | ₩100,000 ($71 USD) | ₩200,000 ($140 USD) | No surgery required |
| Fracture requiring surgery | ₩5,000,000 ($3,600 USD) | ₩15,000,000+ ($10,700+ USD) | MRI, hospitalization, rehab extra |
| Burn (clinic first visit + dressing) | ₩25,000 ($18 USD) | ₩70,000 ($50 USD) | Daily visits: ~₩200,000–300,000/week |
| Laceration suture (NHIS-covered) | ₩60,000 ($43 USD) | ₩120,000 ($86 USD) | Nighttime plastic surgery non-covered: ₩300,000–1,100,000 |
| Acute toothache (emergency pulp opening) | ₩110,000 ($79 USD) | ₩150,000 ($110 USD) | Higher end with night surcharge |
| Molar root canal + crown | ₩980,000 ($700 USD) | ₩1,580,000 ($1,130 USD) | US equivalent: $2,500–3,500 |
| Re-cement fallen crown | ₩30,000 ($21 USD) | ₩100,000 ($71 USD) | Same day, 30 min |
| Heat stroke (ER) | ₩100,000 ($71 USD) | ₩400,000 ($290 USD) | Including IV + blood tests |
| Allergic reaction (clinic injection) | ₩50,000 ($36 USD) | ₩120,000 ($86 USD) | |
| Anaphylaxis (ER) | ₩100,000 ($71 USD) | ₩400,000 ($290 USD) | Overnight observation ~₩300,000 |
| ER (mild, no scans) | ₩100,000 ($71 USD) | ₩400,000 ($290 USD) | Night/weekend surcharges extra |
| ER (with CT/MRI) | ₩600,000 ($430 USD) | ₩2,000,000+ ($1,430+ USD) | Scales with severity |
Sources & Data
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, "2025 Foreign Patient Attraction Results" (2026.4.24) — mohw.go.kr
- Ministry of Health and Welfare, "2025 Non-Covered Treatment Cost Disclosure" press release (2025.9.3) — mohw.go.kr
- Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), Non-Covered Treatment Cost Disclosure System — hira.or.kr
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, "2024 Food Poisoning Statistics" — e-Nara Index
- OECD Health at a Glance 2025: Korea — oecd.org
- CareInKorea — Medical Costs Without Insurance (2026.3) — careinkorea.com
- KoreaReadyGuide — Hospital Visit Cost for Tourists (2026.6) — koreareadyguide.com
- Korea Tourism Organization, 1330 Tourism Information — visitkorea.or.kr
- Seoul Metropolitan Government, MeSic Medical Interpretation Service — seoul.go.kr
- Daily Medipharm, "ER Surcharge Expanded to 150%" (2024.7.25) — dailymedipharm.com
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, "2025 Heat-Related Illness ER Surveillance Results" (2025.10.16) — kdi.re.kr
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, "2025–2026 Winter Cold-Related Illness ER Surveillance Results" (2026.3.11) — korea.kr
- Seoul Metropolitan Government, "3,770 Heat Shelters in Operation" — mediahub.seoul.go.kr
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Food Safety Korea, "Allergen Labeling Requirements" — foodsafetykorea.go.kr
- Dental News (치의신보), "2026 Dental Fees & Out-of-Pocket Costs" (2026.1.7) — dailydental.co.kr
- Dental News (치의신보), "Dental Clinics #1 in Foreign Patient Growth" (2026.5.6) — dailydental.co.kr
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital, Non-Covered Treatment Fee Disclosure (Medical Act Art. 45) — severance.healthcare
- Korea Daily (미주중앙일보), "Dental Cost Comparison — How Much Cheaper in Korea" (2025.3.26) — koreadaily.com
- Green Economy News (녹색경제신문), "Non-Covered Wound Suture Overcharging Controversy" (2025.10.28) — greened.kr
- Doctor's News (의협신문), "Wound Suture Fee Revision" (2021.10.28) — doctorsnews.co.kr
- Dentist News (치과의사신문), "Saturday/Night/Holiday Treatment Surcharge System" (2023.12.22) — dentistnews.kr
- Bokjiro (복지로), "Emergency Medical Management Fee for ER Use" — bokjiro.go.kr
- Daily Pharm (데일리팜), "Regional OTC Drug Price Comparison" (2026.7) — dailypharm.com
- Health Korea News (헬스코리아뉴스), "Korea's Only Epinephrine Auto-Injector, Jext" (2021.3.29) — hkn24.com
- New Daily (뉴데일리), "Seoul Heat-Related Illness: 815 Cases Over 3 Years" (2026.7.20) — newdaily.co.kr
※ Note: The costs listed above are estimates for uninsured foreign tourists. Actual costs vary significantly depending on the hospital, region, and severity of the condition. NHIS-covered items are calculated as "roughly 2.5–3× the NHIS rate." Non-covered item prices are based on hospitals' publicly disclosed rates to HIRA. Always confirm costs directly with the hospital before your visit. In an emergency, your health comes first—costs second.