Health Information

Emergency Medical Information Center
English speaking doctors are available 24 hours a day to assist foreigners and provide them with relevant medical information in emergencies 24 hours a day. 

• Within Korea, dial 119

A list of physicians and dentists (PDF-512.72KB) known to speak acceptable English has been prepared by the U.S. Embassy to assist American citizens. This list is not meant to be an exhaustive one, nor should inclusion in the list be construed as official Embassy endorsement or recommendation of specific physicians and dentists. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or hospitals whose names appear on the list.

To make your stay in South Korea as rewarding as possible, we would like you to be aware of existing health hazards and facilities that you may need to use in protecting yourself against disease.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Information on vaccinations and other health precautions
• Detailed country specific health information

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad

Food sanitation in Korea is usually up to U.S. standards. However, you should take precautions when eating at small street vendors. When eating out in the local economy, food can be considered safe when it is cooked thoroughly. Make sure that hot food is served hot and cold food is served cold.

Local city water is considered safe for drinking. However, most local people drink bottled, boiled, or specially treated purified water. When in doubt, beverages which are either bottled or otherwise packaged are usually safe to drink.