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Throat, Voice & Tonsil Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a former university professor and board-certified otolaryngologist, assesses sore throats, tonsil problems, voice changes and reflux in English.

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

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The throat clinic at Gangnam Yonsei ENT treats sore throat, tonsillitis, tonsil stones, peritonsillar abscess, vocal cord nodules and polyps, hoarseness, chronic cough and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Laryngoscopy lets the doctor examine the voice box directly. Tonsillectomy is considered for frequent infections, sleep apnea, abscess or suspected tumor.

Throat & Voice – Gangnam Yonsei ENT Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul

Throat and voice care in English

The throat includes the pharynx, the tonsils and the larynx (voice box). Because these structures are involved in swallowing, breathing and speaking, throat symptoms can affect daily life and work, especially for teachers, presenters and others who rely on their voice.

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist who treats all ENT conditions, including throat and voice disorders, and has co-authored research on hyaluronic acid vocal fold augmentation. He explains findings and options in English.

Sore throat and tonsil problems

Most tonsil infections are treated with medication. Tonsillectomy is generally considered when tonsillitis recurs about four to five or more times a year, when enlarged tonsils contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, after a peritonsillar abscess, or when a tumor is suspected. A flu rapid test may be used when influenza is a possible cause of fever and sore throat.

Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow, or a muffled voice with one-sided throat swelling.

Voice disorders and hoarseness

Hoarseness is a change in voice quality, often from swelling or a lesion on the vocal cords.

Laryngoscopy allows the doctor to see the vocal cords and identify the cause. Many voice problems improve with voice rest, treatment of contributing factors, and voice therapy , which teaches healthier voice use. Hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, particularly in smokers, should be examined by an ENT doctor.

Reflux, globus and chronic cough

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when stomach contents reach the throat and voice box. Unlike classic heartburn, it often causes throat clearing, hoarseness, a lump-in-the-throat sensation (globus) or a chronic cough .

Management typically combines lifestyle measures, such as raising the head of the bed by about 15 cm and avoiding late meals, with medication that is often continued for three to six months. Other causes of chronic cough, such as postnasal drip , are also considered.

Before you visit

Note when your symptoms started, whether you have fever, how often throat infections recur each year, and any voice demands at work. Bring a list of current medications.

The clinic is near Gangnam-gu Office Station, Exit 3-1. Check the location and hours page and the international patient guide before your visit, or browse all treatments and tests .

If you have had throat or voice problems treated elsewhere, bring the names of medicines used and any previous laryngoscopy findings so Dr. Kim can compare. Avoid shouting or whispering before your visit if your voice is strained.

Frequently asked questions

  • When is tonsillectomy recommended?

    Tonsillectomy is generally considered for tonsillitis recurring about four to five or more times a year, enlarged tonsils contributing to obstructive sleep apnea, a history of peritonsillar abscess, or a suspected tumor. The decision depends on your history and examination.

  • What causes long-lasting hoarseness?

    Common causes include vocal cord nodules, polyps, Reinke's edema, granuloma, laryngitis and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Laryngoscopy allows the doctor to see the vocal cords. Hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks should be examined.

  • How is throat reflux treated?

    Treatment usually combines lifestyle changes, such as raising the head of the bed about 15 cm and avoiding late meals, with medication that is often taken for three to six months, followed by reassessment.

  • Are tonsil stones dangerous?

    Tonsil stones are usually harmless but can cause bad breath, a foreign-body sensation or discomfort. An ENT doctor can confirm the diagnosis and discuss management options if they are frequent or bothersome.

See an English-speaking ENT in Gangnam, Seoul

Patients from around the world visit Dr. Kim Yoo Suk for nose, sinus, ear and throat problems. Message us on WhatsApp or walk in — 2 minutes from Gangnam-gu Office Station, Exit 3-1.