Home › ENT Patient Questions – Gangnam, Seoul

Do I Need an Appointment, or Can I Walk In to an ENT in Gangnam, Seoul?

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

Walk-ins are welcome

Most neighborhood ENT clinics in Korea, including ours, run on a walk-in basis. You do not need a booking to be seen for a sore throat, blocked nose, earache or dizziness. A short WhatsApp message beforehand is still useful for checking how busy the clinic is.

Opening hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 09:00–19:00
• Wednesday: 14:00–19:00 (afternoon only)
• Saturday: 09:00–14:00
• Sunday and public holidays: closed

Reception closes 10 minutes before the clinic closes. Lunch-hour and early-evening slots after office hours tend to be popular with working professionals, and Saturday mornings can be busy.

When messaging ahead makes more sense

• You are considering same-day nasal surgery and want to plan testing, consultation and the procedure
• You want a longer discussion about chronic problems such as chronic sinusitis, snoring or sleep apnea
• You need an IV therapy session in a private room
• You are arriving close to closing time

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

When you walk in, reception registers you with your passport or Alien Registration Card and asks about your main symptom. Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified ENT specialist and former assistant professor at Ajou University, then sees you and speaks with you in English.

Because many tests are done in the clinic, a walk-in visit can often include the examination you need on the same day. For example, an allergy test for suspected allergic rhinitis, a hearing test for ear fullness, or endoscopy for hoarseness. Results are explained before you leave, along with a clear plan: medication, follow-up visits, or further evaluation if needed.

Tips to make a walk-in visit smooth

• Bring your passport or ARC and a list of medications you take.
• Write down when symptoms started and what you have already tried, including pharmacy medicines.
• If you need paperwork for your employer, school or insurer, mention it at registration so the right document is prepared.
• Use public transport if possible; parking in the building's mechanical tower is limited to certain vehicle sizes, with 30 minutes free.

Full directions are on our location and hours page.

How long a visit usually takes

A straightforward visit for a cold, ear infection or sore throat is usually short once you are called in. Allow extra time if tests are likely, for example an allergy panel, hearing assessment or imaging, and if you need documents such as an English medical certificate prepared before you leave. Follow-up visits for nasal suction, ear cleaning or post-surgery dressing are generally quicker than the first consultation, and many patients fit them into a lunch break.

Do not wait for opening hours if...

Some symptoms should not wait for a clinic to open. Seek emergency care for breathing difficulty, a rapidly swelling throat or neck, high fever with severe headache and neck stiffness, a nosebleed that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure, or sudden facial weakness. For sudden hearing loss, see an ENT as soon as possible, ideally within days, because early treatment matters.

Related questions

What are the quietest times to walk in?

Waiting times vary day to day, so the simplest approach is to message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-5344-4464 before you come. Saturdays and the hours right after work are often busier, and Wednesday has afternoon hours only, which concentrates patients into fewer hours.

Is the clinic open on Sunday?

No. The clinic is closed on Sundays and Korean public holidays. If you have an urgent ear, nose or throat problem then, a hospital emergency department is the appropriate place, and you can follow up with us on the next opening day.

Can I book surgery on my first visit?

The clinic uses a same-day system where testing, consultation and surgery can happen together when appropriate. Whether surgery is suitable depends on your examination and test results, so it is discussed with Dr. Kim during the consultation.

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.