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Is There an English-Speaking ENT Near Apgujeong in Gangnam, Seoul?

Answered by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

Getting here from Apgujeong

Apgujeong and Apgujeong Rodeo are among the busiest districts for visitors and long-term foreign residents in Gangnam. Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic is at 703 Seolleung-ro, south of Apgujeong, near Gangnam-gu Office Station. Options include:

• Subway: from Apgujeongrodeo Station on the Suin-Bundang Line, ride toward Gangnam-gu Office Station and use Exit 3-1. The building is directly in front.
• Taxi: a short drive down Seolleung-ro. Show the driver 강남구청역 3-1번 출구.
• Bus: routes 301, 342, 472, 3011 and 4412 stop at Gangnam-gu Office Station.

Nasal breathing problems versus cosmetic concerns

Apgujeong is well known for cosmetic clinics, and some visitors are unsure where to go for a nose that does not breathe well. An ENT focuses on function: airflow, sinus drainage, smell and sleep-disordered breathing. Common functional problems include:

• A deviated septum blocking one or both sides
• Enlarged turbinates causing constant congestion
• Nasal valve collapse, where the side walls of the nose narrow on breathing in
• Chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps

If you previously had cosmetic nasal surgery and now have trouble breathing, an ENT examination can identify which part of the airway is narrowed.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a rhinology subspecialist. During his years as clinical assistant professor at Yonsei and assistant professor at Ajou, his work included septoplasty, rhinoplasty, rhinitis surgery and sinus surgery, and he has published research on rhinoplasty techniques and co-authored the Korean Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery textbook. He also treats general ear and throat conditions.

At our clinic, nasal surgery is functional, meaning therapeutic. Evaluation begins with nasal endoscopy and, when needed, a CT scan. Medical treatment comes first. If structural surgery is appropriate, options such as septoplasty, turbinate reduction or nasal valve reconstruction are discussed openly, including recovery and limitations. Surgery is done under local anesthesia, and most patients go home the same day.

What a functional nasal assessment involves

A breathing assessment looks at each part of the airway in turn. The front of the nose and the nasal valve are checked while you breathe in, sometimes with gentle lifting of the cheek skin to see whether airflow improves. The septum and turbinates are inspected before and after a decongestant spray, which shows how much of the blockage is swollen lining and how much is fixed structure. This distinction guides whether medication alone is likely to help or whether a structural procedure deserves discussion.

Everyday problems we see too

Not every visit is about surgery. Residents and visitors from Apgujeong come in for colds, sore throats, ear infections, allergy flare-ups, nosebleeds and dizziness. Consultations are in English, and documents such as receipts and English medical certificates are available for insurance or work.

Hours and contact

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00–19:00, Wednesday 14:00–19:00, and Saturday 09:00–14:00. WhatsApp +82-10-5344-4464; walk-ins welcome. Directions and parking details are on our location and hours page, and the international patient guide describes the visit in more detail.

Seek emergency care for a nosebleed that will not stop with 20 minutes of firm pressure, breathing difficulty, or swelling and redness spreading around the eye.

Related questions

Do you perform cosmetic rhinoplasty?

The clinic's surgical focus is functional, therapeutic nasal surgery that improves breathing and sinus health. Dr. Kim will explain which procedures are appropriate for a breathing problem and discuss honestly what functional surgery can and cannot change.

My nose has felt blocked since a past cosmetic surgery. Can you check it?

Yes. Dr. Kim can examine the internal nose with endoscopy to look at the septum, turbinates and nasal valve, and arrange imaging if needed. The aim is to identify the cause of obstruction before discussing any treatment.

Is the Suin-Bundang Line the easiest route from Apgujeong?

From Apgujeongrodeo Station, the Suin-Bundang Line reaches Gangnam-gu Office Station directly. Exit 3-1 puts you in front of the building. A taxi along Seolleung-ro is also quick outside rush hour.

This answer is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.