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English-Speaking ENT in Gangnam, Seoul for Patients from the Middle East

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

Seeing an ENT in Korea

Many patients from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and neighboring countries are used to either government hospital referral pathways or private specialist clinics. Korea is closer to the private-clinic model: you can walk into an English-speaking ENT clinic without a referral, see the specialist that day and often complete tests in the same visit.

Language

Consultations are in English. We do not offer Arabic or Farsi consultations or interpreters. If you or a family member prefer Arabic, bring a relative or friend who speaks English, or use a translation app. Family members are welcome to accompany you into the consultation if you wish.

Your doctor

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist, formerly a clinical assistant professor at Yonsei University and an assistant professor at Ajou University School of Medicine. His subspecialty is rhinology, including septoplasty, sinus surgery and turbinate surgery, and he trained in endoscopic sinus surgery in Japan and endoscopic skull base surgery in the United States. He also treats ear and throat conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, tonsil problems and voice disorders. In line with the clinic's philosophy, he recommends surgery only when it is truly needed.

Desert climate to Seoul: common ENT issues

• Dust and sinus problems. Patients from desert regions often have a long history of dust exposure and chronic sinusitis. Seoul's spring yellow dust can make it flare.
• Air-conditioning to heating. Moving from heavy air-conditioning at home to dry Korean winter heating can worsen congestion and nosebleeds.
• Nasal obstruction. Some visitors come specifically to evaluate a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates.
• Long flights. Flights from the Gulf take roughly 9 to 11 hours; flying with congestion can cause ear barotrauma.

If surgery is recommended

All functional nasal surgeries are performed at the clinic under local anesthesia, with same-day admission, and most patients go home the same day without a guardian. For example, septoplasty takes about 20 to 30 minutes with packing for one day. Testing, consultation and surgery can sometimes be arranged on the same day. Plan your travel around follow-up visits, since sinus surgery typically involves weekly checks while crusting clears over two to three weeks. Discuss flight timing with Dr. Kim before booking your return. If possible, plan to stay in Seoul for at least two to three weeks after sinus surgery so that follow-up dressing and endoscopic checks can be completed here.

Documents and insurance

• Itemized receipt
• English medical certificate
• Copies of records, test results and imaging

The clinic does not bill government programs or insurers directly. If your embassy, employer or government sponsor reimburses treatment abroad, confirm their document requirements first. Our insurance claim documents guide has more detail.

Practical tips

• Bring your passport. Card payment is standard.
• Prescriptions are filled at a separate pharmacy; tell the doctor if you need to avoid certain ingredients for religious reasons, such as gelatin capsules or alcohol-based syrups.
• Emergency number: 119.

Getting here: directions and hours are on our location page, and more guides are on the International Patients hub.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arabic spoken at the clinic?

No. Consultations are in English only, and the clinic does not provide Arabic interpreters. Many patients bring a family member or friend who speaks English, or use a translation app. Family members are welcome to join the consultation if the patient wishes.

Can I have nasal surgery and fly home soon after?

Nasal surgery here is done under local anesthesia and most patients go home the same day, but you should not fly immediately. Packing, crusting and follow-up visits affect timing. Discuss your travel plans with Dr. Kim during the consultation before booking flights.

Can my medicines avoid gelatin or alcohol?

Tell Dr. Kim and the pharmacist about any dietary or religious restrictions. Alternatives are often available, such as tablets instead of capsules, but this depends on the medicine. Ask before you take a new prescription.

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.