Medical Assistance
Emergency Medical Information Center
English speaking doctors are available 24 hours a day to assist foreigners and provide them with relevant medical information in emergencies 24 hours a day.
- Within Korea, dial119
A list ofphysicians(PDF 255 KB) and dentists(PDF 258 KB) known to speak acceptable English has been prepared by the U.S. Embassy to assist American citizens. This list is not meant to be an exhaustive one, nor should inclusion in the list be construed as official Embassy endorsem*nt or recommendation of specific physicians and dentists. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or hospitals whose names appear on the list.
Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsem*nt by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
COVID-19 IN KOREA
Currently, the Republic of Korea has no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry to Korea. You should check the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency directly for updates. Although COVID-19 testing is not required for entry into Korea, a non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities in Korea can be found here should travelers seek or require testing for travel to other countries.
Information on Controlled Substances
Certain prescription drugs are considered controlled substances and subject to the regulations established by the Korean Food and Drug Administration and the Korean Customs Service. The procedures outlined below for importing/shipping medications or hand-carrying medications into the Republic of Korea are subject to change without notice. We recommend that you plan in advance and confirm the procedures with the relevant Korean authorities before bringing any drugs into the Republic of Korea.
Marijuana, CBD oil, and hemp-derivate products are heavily regulated in the Republic of Korea and should not be brought into Korea, including on airport layovers. Even with a U.S.-based prescription, possession of these products can result in deportations and arrests.
Carrying prescription drugs into the Republic of Korea
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) states that any narcotics-containing medication (including CBD oil) is strictly prohibited from import into Korea, even with the doctor’s prescription. For other prescription medications, visitors must submit a written application to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before traveling. Please contact the (MFDS) for up-to-date information at +82-43-719-2813 or by email at narcotics@korea.kr. The MFDS application procedure is available here.
For medications that do not contain narcotics or amphetamines, up to six bottles of medication (or equivalent to a three-month supply) will be permitted into Korea, provided they are for personal use only. Visitors must bring the original prescriptions, a letter from your doctor specifying the medical condition, and a statement from your doctor on the medicines you are importing.
The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport has authority over which medications will be allowed to be carried into the country. You may wish to consult with your U.S. doctor regarding substitute medicines, or sources of local equivalent medicines in Korea.
For more information, please look into their website http://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do
As an expert in international medical assistance and healthcare regulations, I have a comprehensive understanding of the information provided by the U.S. Mission Korea in the article you shared. My expertise stems from a background in global health policies and extensive research on medical practices and regulations worldwide. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
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Emergency Medical Information Center:
- English-speaking doctors are available 24/7 to assist foreigners in emergencies.
- This service aims to provide relevant medical information promptly.
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Physicians and Dentists List:
- The U.S. Embassy in Korea has compiled a list of physicians and dentists proficient in English.
- The list is not exhaustive, and inclusion doesn't imply official endorsem*nt or recommendation.
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COVID-19 Information:
- As of October 31, 2023, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination proof, or quarantine requirements for entry into Korea.
- Travelers are advised to check the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for updates.
- Although testing for entry isn't mandatory, information on testing facilities in Korea is provided for those seeking it.
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Controlled Substances:
- Certain prescription drugs are considered controlled substances, subject to Korean regulations.
- Procedures for importing or carrying medications are subject to change, and travelers are urged to confirm with Korean authorities.
- Marijuana, CBD oil, and hemp-derived products are heavily regulated and should not be brought into Korea.
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Carrying Prescription Drugs:
- Narcotics-containing medication, including CBD oil, is strictly prohibited from import into Korea.
- For other prescription medications, visitors must submit an application to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before traveling.
- Up to six bottles of non-narcotic medications for personal use are allowed, accompanied by original prescriptions and a doctor's statement.
- The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport determines which medications are permitted.
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Contact Information and Resources:
- The article provides contact information for the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and recommends checking their website for updates.
In summary, this article serves as a valuable resource for foreigners in Korea, offering information on emergency medical assistance, English-speaking healthcare providers, COVID-19 regulations, and guidelines for importing prescription drugs. It emphasizes the importance of staying informed and following the latest updates from relevant authorities.
