Home › International Patients – Gangnam, Seoul

English-Speaking ENT in Gangnam, Seoul for Patients from Europe

🌍 Welcoming patients from around the world · Consultations in English with Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD, former professor at Yonsei & Ajou University

Direct access instead of a referral system

Many European systems, including those in the Netherlands, Denmark, Italy and Spain, route patients through a family doctor before a specialist. Others, such as Germany and France, allow more direct access but often with waits for a Facharzt or ORL appointment. Korea is closer to an open-access model: outpatient specialist clinics see patients on a walk-in basis. At our English-speaking ENT clinic, you register at reception and see the doctor, often with endoscopy or hearing tests the same day.

The European Health Insurance Card does not apply outside Europe. Students and workers from the EU who stay long term may fall under Korea's National Health Insurance, while short-term visitors usually rely on travel or private international insurance.

Consultations in English with a former professor

All consultations are in English. If you prefer to describe symptoms in German, French, Spanish, Italian or another language, you are welcome to bring a friend or use a translation app, but the doctor will speak with you in English. Dr. Kim Yoo Suk trained at Yonsei University, was a clinical assistant professor there and an assistant professor at Ajou University, and completed fellowship training abroad. He subspecializes in nose and sinus disease but treats every type of ear, nose and throat condition, and he explains each finding and option clearly so you can decide with confidence.

Documents for European insurers

European private insurers and travel policies commonly reimburse after the fact. Ask for:

• An itemized receipt in English (amounts shown in Korean won)
• An English medical certificate with the diagnosis
• Copies of medical records or test results

Some insurers want documents in their own language; English is widely accepted, but check first. Some statutory insurers in Europe will partially reimburse care abroad, so ask yours what they cover and whether they need a specific claim form completed by the treating doctor. If so, bring that form with you to the visit. See our insurance claim documents guide.

Common ENT complaints among Europeans in Seoul

• Dry, cold winters with strong heating can lead to nasal congestion and nosebleeds, especially for people from milder Atlantic or Mediterranean climates.
• Spring fine dust and yellow dust irritate the airway; read about fine dust rhinitis.
• Sore throats and laryngitis during the dry season, particularly in people who use their voice at work; see laryngitis.
• Ear pressure after a long-haul flight of 11 to 13 hours from Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam.

Practical tips

• Bring your passport or Residence Card. Your European insurance card is not used for registration.
• Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; some European debit cards are not, so carry a credit card.
• Prescriptions go to a separate pharmacy. Korean pharmacies dispense by prescription, and medicine names often differ from European brands.
• Europeans used to buying certain medicines from a pharmacist may find some require a prescription in Korea.
• Emergency number: 119 (not 112, which is the police in Korea).

If you are relocating for work, see our guide for expats in Seoul. Directions and hours are on our location page, and more guides are on the International Patients hub.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my EHIC at a Korean clinic?

No. The European Health Insurance Card only works within the EU, EEA, Switzerland and certain partner countries. In Korea you pay the clinic directly. Keep the itemized receipt and English medical certificate to claim from your travel, private or statutory insurer if your policy covers care abroad.

Is consultation available in German, French or Spanish?

Consultations are in English only. Dr. Kim speaks English, and many European patients are comfortable with that. If you prefer your native language for describing symptoms, bring a bilingual friend or use a translation app on your phone during the visit.

Will my European insurer accept documents in English?

English documents are widely accepted by international and travel insurers, but some statutory insurers may ask for a translation. Check with your insurer before your visit, and request an itemized receipt, English medical certificate and record copies from the clinic.

General information for international patients, reviewed by an ENT specialist. Insurance coverage and claim rules depend on your own insurer — please check with them. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.