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Medical Assistance
By
9 MINUTE READ
May 14, 2026

Emergency Medical Information Center

English-speaking medical professionals are often available after-hours to assist foreigners and provide them with relevant medical information.

  • Within Korea, dial 119

A list of physicians (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 endorsement 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.

For medical evacuation assistance, please refer to the list of medevac service providers. (PDF 113 KB)

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 endorsement 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 Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) 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, without express written approval from the Korean government. Even with a U.S.-based prescription, possession of these products can result in deportations and arrests.

Please note that food products containing poppy seeds, including popular bagel seasoning blends, are considered illegal in Korea. Attempting to travel into Korea with these products could result in a criminal investigation resulting in fines, entry and exit bans, or even imprisonment.

We strongly recommend U.S. travelers to Korea refer to the Korean FDA website (https://www.foodsafetykorea.go.kr). You can search for
specific products on their website.

Bringing prescription drugs into the Republic of Korea

Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety requires all travelers—regardless of nationality—to obtain advance approval before entering Korea with medications containing controlled substances, including but not limited to CBD/THC oil, amphetamines, opiates, and benzodiazepines. This requirement has been in effect since October 23, 2009, under the Enforcement Rule of the Narcotics Control Act. You can apply online through the website. The application procedure is available here. For questions or current information, please email the Ministry directly at narcotics@korea.kr.

For non-controlled medications, you may bring up to six bottles (or a three-month supply) into Korea for personal use. Bring your original prescriptions, a letter from your doctor specifying your medical condition, and a statement from your doctor listing the medicines you are importing. Please also consider asking your U.S. doctor about substitute medicines or local equivalents available in Korea.

The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport makes final decisions about items allowed into the country. Review the Korean Customs website for information on customs clearance and goods requiring declaration and inspection.

U.S. Citizen Services