What is healthcare in Korea, South like?

Facilities and Health Information

Hospitals in the Republic of Korea are generally well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. High quality general and specialty dental care is available in Seoul. Western-style medical facilities are available in major urban areas of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and a few other large cities. However, not all doctors and staff in these major urban areas are proficient in English. Most clinics in rural areas do not have an English-speaking doctor. A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English is available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. Pharmacies are first-rate, and most prescribed medications, except psychotropic medications, can be obtained with a prescription. See information on importing prescription medication in the section on Special Circumstances under Customs Regulations.

ROK ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment, and the ambulance personnel do not have the same level of emergency medical training as do those in the United States. However, ambulances operated by the fire department (dial 119) will respond very quickly and take patients to the nearest hospital.

Drinking Water Source - % of rural population improved

87.9%

Drinking Water Source - % of total population unimproved

2.2%

Drinking Water Source - % of urban population improved

99.700000

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.07%

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

10.3

People Living with HIV/AIDS

9,500

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.02

Sanitation Facility Access - % of urban population improved

100.000000

Sanitation Facility Access - % of rural population improved

100%

Disability Access In Korea, South

Accessibility

While in the Republic of Korea, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation different from what is found in the United States. ROK law mandates access to transportation, communication and public buildings for persons with disabilities, and the Korean government continues efforts to improve accessibility and accommodation for persons with disabilities.

Since 2008, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has implemented its third five-year plan to introduce a comprehensive set of policies for individuals with disabilities. This plan encourages public and private buildings and facilities to provide barrier-free access to the disabled. It also calls for more job opportunities for ROK citizens with disabilities and establishes a task force to introduce a long-term care system for the disabled. The ROK government also maintains a national rehabilitation research center that focuses its efforts on increasing opportunities and access for persons with disabilities.

Metro (subway) cars and buses in Seoul offer priority seating for the disabled. Most metro stations have escalators and elevators. Metro platforms include Braille inscriptions for the information and safety of the visually impaired; however, the Braille is for Korean speakers. Travelers are encouraged to contact individual bus companies and subway associations for more information. Cross walks typically have audio signals for the visually impaired. Older buildings and streets are generally less accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Residents of the Republic of Korea who possess ROK alien registration cards can contact their local ward office for information on assistance for individuals with disabilities that may be available to them. The assistance provided may vary by ward.

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