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Where Can International Students See an ENT in Gangnam, Seoul?

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

Walk in with your ARC or passport

International students in Seoul, including university students, exchange students and language-school learners, use local ENT clinics just like Korean residents do. You do not need a referral. Many students are enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) after arrival; your ARC lets the clinic apply that coverage. If you have private student insurance instead, you pay at the visit and claim afterward.

Common ENT problems for students

• Sore throat and pharyngitis during exam season or after dorm colds
• Allergic rhinitis or fine-dust irritation in a new climate
• Swimmer's ear and ear blockage from earbuds or wax
• Laryngitis and voice strain from singing, clubs or teaching part-time
• Nosebleeds in dry winter dorm rooms
• Tonsillitis and swollen glands

Documents for your school

Universities and language schools often ask for medical proof of illness for missed classes or exams. The clinic can issue:

• An English medical certificate (a non-covered item, separate fee)
• Korean-language medical documents
• Itemized receipts and copies of records for student insurance

Check your school's requirements before your visit, for example whether a diagnosis, the date of visit or a recommended rest period must be stated. See English medical certificates.

What we do at Gangnam Yonsei ENT

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk taught medical students and residents as a clinical assistant professor at Yonsei University and an assistant professor at Ajou University School of Medicine before opening his clinic. He is board-certified in otolaryngology, and consultations are in English, so you can ask questions freely.

For a sore throat, he checks the tonsils and throat and decides whether the cause is likely viral or bacterial. For voice problems, he may look at the vocal cords with laryngoscopy. For ear blockage, he can perform gentle ear cleaning under direct vision rather than letting wax be pushed deeper. He recommends only what you need, which keeps visits efficient and affordable.

Living in a dorm or shared housing

Colds and throat infections spread quickly in dormitories and shared apartments. Wash hands often, avoid sharing cups, and rest when you have a fever instead of pushing through classes. Dry, heated rooms in winter make nosebleeds and sore throats more likely, so a small humidifier or a bowl of water near the heater can help. If you have long-standing allergies, bring your usual medicines from home and a copy of the prescription.

Student budget tips

• Confirm your NHIS enrollment status; it significantly lowers costs for covered care.
• Ask before optional, non-covered tests if cost is a concern.
• Keep all receipts if your student insurance reimburses medical costs.
• Do not stop antibiotics early once you feel better, unless the doctor advises it.

Getting here

The clinic is at Gangnam-gu Office Station Exit 3-1 (Line 7 and Suin-Bundang Line). Saturday morning hours, 09:00–14:00, suit students with weekday classes. Full details are on the location and hours page.

Seek urgent care for

Breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, a one-sided throat swelling that pushes the uvula aside (possible peritonsillar abscess), or high fever with a stiff neck. Go to an emergency department for these.

Related questions

Will my school accept an English medical certificate?

Most schools accept official medical certificates, but requirements differ. Ask your international office what must be included, such as dates or diagnosis. Dr. Kim's certificate states his findings from the examination and is signed by him.

I am not enrolled in NHIS yet. Can I still go?

Yes. You can be seen without NHIS, but you pay the full fee. Keep receipts in case your student insurance reimburses the cost, and check with your school about when NHIS enrollment applies to you.

Can I come on a Saturday?

Yes. The clinic is open Saturday from 09:00 to 14:00, and walk-ins are welcome. Saturday can be busy, so arriving earlier in the morning usually means a shorter wait, especially if you also need a medical certificate.

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.