Doctors & Hospitals

Meds, Allergies and Hospitals

South Korea has pretty strict rules when it comes to medications; they are a lot tighter than in most Western countries. Some drugs that are common back home, like ADHD meds (Adderall, Vyvanse), strong sleeping pills, or painkillers with codeine or opiates, are either banned or heavily restricted there. Even if you have a valid prescription, you usually can’t just bring them in without getting approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) first. Things like cannabis oil or CBD products are completely off-limits, even if they’re legal where you’re from. In general, you can bring a small amount of regular prescription meds (usually up to a month’s supply) if they’re not controlled substances, but it’s always safest to check the MFDS website before traveling.

 Korea takes medication rules very seriously.

You can check the name of your medication and its availability in Korea here

Restricted Medications in South Korea

1. 
   Adderall (amphetamine salts)

2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

3. Ritalin (methylphenidate) – restricted, requires approval

4. Codeine – in prescription or OTC form

5. Tramadol

6. Morphine

7. Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)

8. Fentanyl

9. Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin)

10. Diazepam (Valium)

11. Alprazolam (Xanax)

12. Lorazepam (Ativan)

13. Clonazepam (Klonopin)

14. Temazepam (Restoril)

15. Cannabis (marijuana)

16. CBD oil (even if THC-free)

17. THC products

18. Melatonin (as a supplement, not approved)

19. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

20. L-DOPA supplements

21. Certain Japanese OTC painkillers (e.g., EVE, Lulu)

22. Herbal medicines containing restricted ingredients

23. Any medication containing pseudoephedrine in large quantities

Medications not available in Korea

1. Adderall (amphetamine salts)

2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

3. Modafinil

4. Codeine (in cough syrups and painkillers)

5. Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl – restricted in some forms)

6. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine-based products)

7. Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
   Melatonin (over-the-counter supplement)

8. Tramadol

9. Xanax (alprazolam – restricted without approval)

10. CBD oil (including THC-free varieties)

11. 5-HTP

12. L-DOPA supplements

13. Ritalin (methylphenidate – restricted)

14. Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet)

Hospitals in Korea

1. Cost

Healthcare in Korea is remarkably affordable compared to many countries around the world, thanks in large part to the national health insurance system. Most jobs in Korea provide health insurance coverage, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for medical visits and prescriptions. A standard doctor’s appointment typically costs around 5,000 KRW and up, depending on the reason for the visit.

Because healthcare is so accessible and inexpensive, Koreans often visit clinics even for minor ailments, such as a common cold or mild flu symptoms. Doctors frequently prescribe medication during these visits, and with insurance, prescriptions are also very affordable.

2. Direct Access to Specialists

Unlike in many Western countries, where patients usually need to see a general practitioner first, in Korea, patients can directly visit specialists based on their symptoms. This allows for faster, more targeted care, though it may require some research to find the right specialist.

Common Specialists:

• 이비인후과 (ENT) - Ear, nose, and throat issues

• 정형외과 (Orthopedics) - Bones, joints, and musculoskeletal issues

• 피부과 (Dermatology) - Skin conditions

• 내과 (Internal Medicine) - Common illnesses, colds, and chronic conditions

• 안과 (Ophthalmology) - Eye care and vision

• 산부인과 (Obstetrics & Gynecology) - Women’s health, pregnancy, and reproductive care

• 정신건강의학과 (Psychiatry) - Mental health concerns

• 한의원 (Oriental Medicine / Traditional Korean Medicine) - Often visited for pain management, muscle aches, and holistic treatments

In addition, large university hospitals are available for specialized or complex care. Some well-known doctors at these hospitals may have waiting lists, so planning ahead is advisable.

3. Dental & Vision Coverage

Basic health insurance in Korea also covers dental and vision care. Routine dental visits, treatments, and even glasses are relatively affordable, making it easy for residents to maintain oral and eye health without significant financial burden.

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English-Friendly Hospitals List

(please note a lot of the available services are in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do)

General list of doctors

Gooddoc- https://www.goodoc.io/

DDM- https://www.ddm.go.kr/health/contents.do?key=1360

Internal Health (GP/Primary Care Doctor)

Seoul- https://www.seoulbon.co.kr/multilingual

Busan-https://bsm.or.kr/eng/04_international/0101.asp

Mental health

General List of English-Speaking psychiatrists- https://seoulcounseling.com/english-speaking-psychiatrists-in-south-korea/

Dongjak-(British English)- http://suwongonggam.com/sub/sub_01_03_i.php

Gangnam- https://en.seoulcentralmhc.com/

Suwon(American English)- http://suwongonggam.com/sub/sub_01_03_b.php