While rare, knowing how to handle emergencies during your Korean surgery trip provides peace of mind. Here's your emergency preparedness guide.

Before Your Trip

Preparation

  • Save emergency numbers
  • Understand your insurance coverage
  • Know nearest hospital to accommodation
  • Have clinic's 24-hour contact

Emergency Numbers

  • Korean Emergency: 119
  • Police: 112
  • Tourist Helpline: 1330
  • Your embassy

Medical Emergency Signs

Seek Immediate Help For

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Severe bleeding
  • High fever (over 39°C/102°F)
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Extreme pain not controlled by medication
  • Signs of infection spreading

What to Do

Step 1: Assess

  • Is it truly emergency or concern?
  • Life-threatening → 119
  • Urgent but stable → clinic first

Step 2: Contact

  • Call clinic emergency line
  • If no answer, go to hospital
  • Bring surgery documentation

Step 3: Document

  • Take photos if relevant
  • Note timeline of symptoms
  • Keep all records

Hospital Care in Korea

What to Expect

  • High-quality emergency care
  • Translation services often available
  • Payment may be required upfront
  • Get detailed records

Contacting Your Clinic

  • Use emergency contact provided
  • Be specific about symptoms
  • Follow their guidance
  • They may meet you at hospital

Insurance and Costs

  • Keep all receipts
  • Contact insurance immediately
  • Get English documentation
  • Clinic may cover complications

After Emergency

  • Follow all medical advice
  • Consider extending stay
  • Document everything for insurance
  • Communicate with home doctors