Sick in Seoul: Prioritizing Your Health While Studying Abroad

While studying abroad, it is important to take good care of your health to optimize not only your physical well-being but also your mental health. However, if you do get sick, do not hesitate to go to a pharmacy or clinic. Dealing with health issues in a foreign country can be scary, especially if you are not comfortable in the language, however, I’m here to share some resources and tips that I learned! That being said, trust your instincts, and reach out to the CIEE coordinator if you have any questions or concerns.

To help with cold-like symptoms or seasonal allergies, I found that going to a pharmacy can be an easy solution. There are several pharmacies (약국) right by the Yonsei campus and the dorms. If you tell the pharmacist your symptoms, they will discuss with you to give you medicine to take care of it. I’ve found that convenience stores do not always carry medicine, so pharmacies are where you can get a variety of over-the-counter medications, as well as Band-aids, feminine care products, and topical care for a blister or cut.

If you are experiencing something more serious or something you are concerned about, going to a clinic may be the best solution. 

Early into my time in Seoul, I developed a persistent and painful sore throat. It would not go away even with medication from the pharmacy, so I decided to go to the clinic. I went to Yonsei Severance International Health clinic which is about a 10 minute walk from the Yonsei dorms. I made my appointment through calling the clinic and was able to get a same-day appointment. My experience there has been very positive, and I have usually been able to get an appointment scheduled pretty quickly. You can also schedule appointments through their online form, however, it may take a bit longer to get an appointment that way. The clinic has English-fluent specialists, and offers interpretation services for Japanese, Russian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Mongolian patients. 

Because it was my first time going to the clinic, and my mind was pretty foggy from the sickness, I asked a friend to come with me, which is something I recommend doing as helped a lot when it came to sorting out insurance, communicating with the clinic staff, and overall just having moral support when you feel very unwell. Remember to bring your passport and (if you have not yet received your ARC) have your insurance plan/ card with you.  

Although being sick is one of the last things you want to happen when studying abroad, being in Seoul is a good place to be if you are. The doctors and nurses I interacted with at Yonsei Severance International Health Clinic were very thorough and made sure that they were able to diagnose and treat me properly. So don’t hesitate to get the care you need if you are feeling unwell! Again, reach out to the Seoul CIEE coordinator if you have any concerns. Taking care of yourself, physically and mentally, is the key to having the best possible study abroad experience!