Navigating the aisles of a South Korean grocery store can be an adventure, especially if you’re not familiar with the language or the art of decoding nutrition labels on Korean food packaging. Understanding these labels can be a game-changer when it comes to making informed food choices. Before we continue, it’s important to note that this blog does not intend to provide medical or nutrition advice. Instead, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills to decipher South Korean food labels confidently. So, let’s dive into the world of Korean nutrition labels! Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article, but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations. Where to Find Nutrition Labels on Packaging In South Korea, the location of nutrition labels varies depending on the food’s packaging. You’ll typically find the labels on the back of the packaging, but not all packaged foods follow this pattern. Nutrition information may also appear on the front of packages (shown in the images of Hetbahn Cooked Multi-grain Rice below) or on the sides of packages (shown in the images of Peacock Egg Potato Salad below). These label placements might differ from what you’re accustomed to in your home country, so it may take you some time to adjust. Since each section of the overall nutrition label may also appear in different locations depending on the package, so it’s important to use keywords to identify the various components of nutrition labels. For example, the ingredients list has been highlighted with an orange box in the images below to show some variations of the placements. Rather than relying on the location of the list to be consistent, look for the word “원재료명” to identify the ingredients list (also highlighted with an orange box in the images below). From there, you can analyze the ingredients using translation apps, as we’ll discuss later in the blog. The Basics of Korean Nutrition Labels Before we dive into reading the nutrition labels, let’s address some basic information related to Korean nutrition labels. Overseeing Authority The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is responsible for overseeing nutrition label standards. They ensure that labels provide accurate and useful information to consumers. Be sure to refer to information from the MFDS for the most up-to-date nutrition label standards. Comparing with Labels from Other Countries If you’re accustomed to labels from other countries, you might notice differences in layout and terminology used in Korean nutrition labels compared to labels from your country. The information required to be reported on Korean food labels may be different from the requirements of other countries, and vice versa. Still, the overarching principles of nutrition labels are universal. “kcal” vs “cal” for Calories Calories are a measure of energy, particularly in reference to the amount of energy in food or drinks. For some readers, it may be puzzling to see “Calories” or “Cal” expressed as “kcal.” Don’t worry; “kcal” is simply another way to express calories. One big Calorie (that’s a calorie with a capital ‘C’) is equivalent to 1 kilocalorie, both of which are equal to 1,000 small calories (that’s a calorie with a lowercase ‘c’). For more information on the topic of caloric units, you can check out the following articles by the American National Health Library and the United Kingdom National Health Services. Now, let’s break down the various components of Korean nutrition labels. Calories and Serving Size Let’s start by dissecting the calorie and serving size information. This information is listed on the same line as the nutrition information label, which is written as “영양정보” in Korean. Calorie Breakdown Nutrition labels in Korea use “kcal.” As discussed in the section above, a “kcal” is equivalent to the ‘Calories’ terminology you may be familiar with on other countries’ food packages, such as the United States. Serving Size Understanding serving size is important because it determines the nutritional values provided by a food product. Serving sizes can be presented in several ways on packaged food. The serving sizes are generally listed by mass (e.g., 30 grams). Here are a few examples of how serving sizes may be denoted: Example: Calories and Serving Size Using the Peacock Egg Potato Salad as an example, we will highlight the nutrition label, serving size, and calories. A serving of 110 g of Peacock Egg Potato Salad contains 200 kcal, which is equal to 200 Calories (with a capital ‘C’). As shown in the image below: Ingredients and Allergens Identifying the ingredients and allergens in a food product is important for making conscious and safe food choices. We will give an overview of how to identify the ingredient list, allergens, and possible risk of cross-contamination when reading Korean nutrition labels. Ingredient List The ingredient list on the nutrition label will tell you what’s in the product in descending order of quantity, similar to the US. You can identify the ingredient list on a nutrition label by the Korean word “원재료명.” You can use translation apps to help you read through an ingredient list, and we’ll discuss some translation resources later in the blog. Allergens: “Contains” and “May Be Produced In a Factory That…” In this section, we’ll look into a critical aspect of Korean nutrition labels: allergens. These labels provide essential information to help you identify and steer clear of common allergens in food products, ensuring safe and informed consumption. Allergens are usually highlighted with a contrasting background color at the end of the ingredient list. The allergen box may be a variety of colors, such as yellow, red, and gray. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) sets the required allergens for listing on food packaging. This list includes some common allergens that packaged food in Korea may contain, but it’s not an exhaustive one. You can use translation apps to identify allergens not listed below. Manufacturing facilities can sometimes handle allergens that aren’t part of the final product, which could lead to potential cross-contamination. As a result, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety mandates including this information on the product’s packaging. You’ll usually find this cross-contamination disclosure in a bulleted list, often positioned near the nutrition or ingredient information. The wording of the disclosure may include variations such as: Example: Ingredients and Allergens Using the Dongwon My Plant Vegan Tuna as an example, we will highlight the ingredient list, allergen list, and cross-contamination risk disclosure. As shown in the image below: Nutrient Breakdown Now, let’s decode the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals section on Korean food labels. Like the calories and serving size, this information is found under the nutrition information (영양정보) section of a food label. Macronutrients Some of the most common macronutrients displayed on Korean labels include the following with their Korean translations. You can use translation apps to identify nutrients not listed below. Vitamins and Minerals This nutrition label section highlights the key vitamins and minerals included in the food item. The vitamins are not necessarily present on all food packaging, but we have included an example of a vitamins and minerals section in the image below. The word “비타민” is accompanied by its corresponding English letter and number. For example, “Vitamin B6” would be written as “비타민 B6” in Korean. Daily Values (DV%) This percentage indicates how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet. The percent daily values on Korean labels are based on a 2,000-calorie daily intake. This daily caloric intake may not align with your country’s guidelines or physician’s recommendations, so you can adjust your intake as needed. The product label will list each nutrient in its appropriate units, such as milligrams (mg), grams (g), or micrograms (µg). Alongside, you’ll find the corresponding percent value, calculated based on a daily intake of 2,000 calories. Example: Nutrient Breakdown Using Market O Nature O! Granola Pop as an example, we will highlight the macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, and percent daily values. As shown in the image below: Additional Information Here are a few additional tips for navigating packaged food in Korea. Expiration Dates Ensure your food is fresh and safe by following these instructions. Keep in mind that in Korea, dates follow the order of year/month/day. Expiration dates on food packages may vary in location and can be represented by a few words, such as: We have highlighted two examples of expiration dates with an orange box in the images below. Special Symbols or Icons Keep an eye out for any unique symbols or icons on labels; they may convey important information. Storage When exploring Korean packaged food, keep an eye out for storage symbols. These small icons guide you on how to store your food for optimal freshness. Food that should be frozen will usually have a snowflake symbol. The image below of Mom’s Dish Chicken shows an example of the snowflake icon in a light blue square. For items requiring refrigeration, keep an eye out for the term “냉장 제품” or simply “냉장,” accompanied by various symbols. You might see icons like a refrigerator or a snowflake (which can be confusingly similar to frozen). The image of Maniker Mung Bean Chicken Stew Package below has an example of the fridge icon outlined by a blue square. The Joowon Duck packaging uses a leaf symbol alongside “냉장” to indicate that the product should be refrigerated, as shown in the blue square. Recycling Check for recycling symbols and guidelines on food packaging. Keep in mind that garbage and recycling regulations differ by district, so consult your local waste disposal resources. You can watch the video below made by Seoul National University Office of International Affairs students to learn some of the basics of waste disposal and recycling in Korea. Cooking Instructions Packaged foods may have cooking instructions on the packaging when appropriate. Cooking instructions may be displayed in a number of ways and can be identified by images, times, and numbered steps. The orange boxes below highlight a few examples of how cooking instructions may be displayed on different products. Reading Korean Nutrition Labels Practice Let’s analyze the nutrition label from a T Asia Kitchen Pu Phat Phong package to put all the previously outlined information into practice. The first image below shows the front of the T Asia Kitchen Pu Phat Phong package, and the second image shows the back. We will number and identify each section on the food nutrition label below. The front of the package may offer a preview of some nutrition information for a product, such as: Now, when you look at the back of the package, you can see the following information moving from the top to the bottom of the package. Overall Example Translations Translation resources, such as Papago or Google Translate, may be helpful tools if you need language assistance while navigating Korean food labels. Using Papago to Read Labels Papago is a great tool for translating ingredients on food packaging. With the Papago app, you can snap a photo of the ingredients list and have the information translated in seconds. However, as with any translation app service, the information may not always be translated accurately. Watch the video below for a tutorial on how to use the image translator on Papago. Additional Resources For Reading Korean Food Labels Our Muslim readers can learn more about navigating food labels to find halal-friendly packaged food by checking out the blog Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels. For more information and handy tools on Korean nutrition labels: Conclusion Understanding Korean nutrition labels is a valuable skill when navigating South Korean grocery stores. Navigating Korean nutrition labels can seem daunting at first, but with the insights shared in...

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Are you a Muslim traveler or resident in South Korea, feeling overwhelmed by the lack of halal food options? Fret not, because help is at hand! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the city of Incheon, uncovering its hidden gems of halal food options. From restaurants to grocery stores, we’ve compiled a list of halal options that will make your food hunt a breeze. Additionally, we’ll be sharing some useful tips and tricks to help make your search for halal food in Incheon a less stressful experience. Read on to find out more! Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Halal in Korea Halal is an Arabic word that means “lawful or permitted.” The term halal is generally used in reference to Islamic dietary practices, but it extends to other Islamic practices as well. When I first arrived in Korea, one of my main worries as an observing Muslim was access to halal and Muslim-friendly food. While living in Songdo, Incheon, I found it (understandably) challenging to access strictly Halal options as Songdo is a fairly new city. However, with a bit of research and helpful recommendations from new friends, I was able to locate halal food options near Songdo in the Incheon area. Korea has a Muslim population of over 200,000. As the Muslim community continues to grow in Korea, so do the halal and Muslim-friendly food options. The diversity of the Muslim population in the area creates a wonderful environment to enjoy and explore a variety of halal cultural cuisines. Continue reading to discover some of the halal resources available in Incheon. DISCLAIMER Please note that the restaurants mentioned in this blog may self-certify as halal, but they may not have official certification from a recognized halal certification authority. The information provided in this blog post is based on research and recommendations, but it’s always advisable for individuals to exercise their own discretion and verify the halal status of the establishments before dining. About Incheon Incheon, officially named the Incheon Metropolitan City (인천광역시), is in the northwestern region of South Korea. You can see the city of Incheon (인천시) outlined in blue on the map to the left. Incheon is made up of 8 districts (-gu) and 2 counties (-gun). Many islands of Incheon extend into the Yellow Sea. The Jung-gu district of Incheon is home to the Incheon International Airport (sometimes called the Seoul–Incheon International Airport), which is the largest airport in South Korea. And it’s likely the airport you arrived at when you reached Korea! Incheon is bordered by Seoul and Gyeonggi Province by land to the East. A subway ride from Incheon to Seoul can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours depending on where you are traveling to or from. We recommend using Naver or Kakao Navigation apps when visiting Incheon. Both Naver and Kakao Navigation have English. Halal Restaurants in Incheon There are a variety of halal and halal-friendly restaurants in Incheon for a quick bite or a sit-down meal with friends and family. The restaurants below are only a few of the locations listed in the South of Seoul app in the Incheon area. Download the South of Seoul app for easy access to halal options in your area. Bupyeong-dong Bupyeong-dong, Incheon-si exists near Bupyeong Station. Dongchun-dong Dongchun-dong, Incheon-si exists near the Songdo Golf Club. Ongnyeon-dong Ongnyeon-dong, Incheon-si exists near the Songdo Golf Club. Songdo-dong Songdo-dong, Incheon-si exists near Incheon National University Station, Technopark Station, Campus Town Station, and more. Please note that Swagat India Restaurant is not advertised as halal, but they do offer Muslim-friendly seafood and vegetarian options. Yeonsu 2-dong Yeonsu 2-dong, Incheon-si exists near Yeonsu Station and Woninjae Station. Yonghyeon-dong Yonghyeon-dong, Incheon-si exists near Inha University Station. Halal Grocery Stores in Incheon If you prefer cooking at home or are craving a home-cooked meal, visit the halal grocery stores in Incheon for what you may need. The marts have a variety of offerings like halal meats, herbs, spices, international food products, and more. Gojan-dong Ongnyeon-dong Seoknam-dong Online Resources and Apps Along with the growing number of Muslim-friendly restaurants and grocery stores in South Korea, there are now several convenient online delivery options available for those seeking halal groceries. The following websites offer a range of halal meats, spices, produce, pantry staples, sweets, and more. Yes!Halal Al Bazaar Coupang MUFKO App South of Seoul App Naver Maps/Kakao Maps General Local Resources The local mosques/masjids listed on the Seoul Central Mosque website may be able to provide additional information and resources for Muslims residing in Korea. Additional Tips for Muslim-friendly Food in Korea Aside from halal meat options, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants are also great options for Muslim travelers or residents. Korea is a peninsula, so there is an assortment of fresh seafood offerings throughout the country. View the “Online Resources and Apps” section above for helpful tips on finding seafood and vegetarian restaurants. We also want to offer some information that may be helpful during day-to-day shopping and eating out during your time in Korea. Checking Ingredients of Packaged Goods As you’re shopping in Korean grocery stores, it’s important to be able to navigate nutrition information on food packaging to check for non-permissible ingredients. The allergen warning line will generally alert if the product contains meat or uses meat by-products (e.g., gelatin). Learn more in the following SOS blog post which addresses reading food labels: Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels. Helpful Phrases When Ordering Food Some restaurants may offer foods that contain non-permissible ingredients, but you may be able to ask them to adjust your order so those ingredients are not included. You can try saying or showing the following phrases when placing an order. Translation programs, such as Papago or Google Translate may also be helpful in translating your requests while ordering food. Sharing Halal Information with the Community While the above list provides a good starting point, it’s important to note that there may be additional halal resources in Incheon that are not included. We encourage you to explore and try out different halal establishments during your stay or travels in South Korea. If you come across any new halal or Muslim-friendly spots, we would love for you to share them with us in the South of Seoul groups (listed below) so that we can continue to expand our information and lists. Check out our blog about halal food in the Greater Pyeongtaek area to explore more halal options during your time in South Korea. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. Zahra AlsafiZahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan. Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats. Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

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Struggling to find halal options? As a Muslim person living in or visiting South Korea, searching for halal food can be a challenging task. But worry not, as we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll delve into halal food options available in the Greater Pyeongtaek area. This blog post provides a list of halal restaurants and grocery stores, along with some useful tips to help you find halal food options with ease. Halal in Korea Halal is an Arabic word that means “lawful or permitted.” The term halal is generally used in reference to Islamic dietary practices, but it extends to other Islamic practices as well. When I first arrived in Korea, one of my main worries as an observing Muslim was access to halal and Muslim-friendly food. With a bit of research and helpful recommendations from new friends, I was able to locate halal food options in South Korea, even beyond the capital city of Seoul. Korea has a Muslim population of over 200,000. As the Muslim community continues to grow in Korea, so do the halal and Muslim-friendly food options. The diversity of the Muslim population in the area creates a wonderful environment to enjoy and explore a variety of halal cultural cuisines. Continue reading to discover some of the halal resources available in Pyeongtaek. DISCLAIMER Please note that the restaurants mentioned in this blog may self-certify as halal, but they may not have official certification from a recognized halal certification authority. The information provided in this blog post is based on research and recommendations, but it’s always advisable for individuals to exercise their own discretion and verify the halal status of the establishments before dining. Halal Restaurants in Pyeongtaek There are a variety of halal and halal-friendly restaurants in Pyeongtaek for a quick bite or a sit-down meal with friends and family. The restaurants below are only a few of the locations listed in the South of Seoul app in the Pyeongtaek area. Download the South of Seoul app for easy access to halal options in your area. Paengseong-eup Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si exists near Camp Humphreys US Army base. Pyeongtaek-dong Pyeongtaek-dong, Pyeongtaek-si exists near AK Plaza which is also known as the Pyeongtaek Train Station. Sinjang-dong Sinjang-dong, Pyeongtaek-si exists near Osan Air Force Base and Songtan Station. Anjung-eup Anjung-eup exists near Pyeongtaek’s KTX Station which should open in late 2023. Halal Grocery Stores in Pyeongtaek If you prefer cooking at home or are craving a home-cooked meal, visit the halal grocery stores in Pyeongtaek for what you may need. The marts have a variety of offerings like halal meats, herbs, spices, international food products, and more. Anjung-eup Seojeong-dong Tongbok-dong Online Resources and Apps Along with the growing number of Muslim-friendly restaurants and grocery stores in South Korea, there are now several convenient online delivery options available for those seeking halal groceries. The following websites offer a range of halal meats, spices, produce, pantry staples, sweets, and more. Yes!Halal Al Bazaar Coupang MUFKO App South of Seoul App Naver Maps/Kakao Maps General Local Resources Additional Tips for Muslim-friendly Food in Korea Aside from halal meat options, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants are also great options for Muslim travelers or residents. Korea is a peninsula, so there is an assortment of fresh seafood offerings throughout the country. View the “Online Resources and Apps” section above for helpful tips on finding seafood and vegetarian restaurants. We also want to offer some information that may be helpful during day-to-day shopping and eating out during your time in Korea. Checking Ingredients of Packaged Goods As you’re shopping in Korean grocery stores, it’s important to be able to navigate nutrition information on food packaging to check for non-permissible ingredients. The allergen warning line will generally alert if the product contains meat or uses meat by-products (e.g., gelatin). Learn more in the following SOS blog post which addresses reading food labels: Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels Helpful Phrases When Ordering Food Some restaurants may offer foods that contain non-permissible ingredients, but you may be able to ask them to adjust your order so those ingredients are not included. You can try saying or showing the following phrases when placing an order. Translation programs, such as Papago or Google Translate may also be helpful in translating your requests while ordering food. Sharing Halal Information with the Community While the above list provides a good starting point, it’s important to note that there may be additional halal resources in Pyeongtaek that are not included. We encourage you to explore and try out different halal establishments during your stay or travels in South Korea. If you come across any new halal or Muslim-friendly spots, we would love for you to share them with us in the South of Seoul groups (listed below) so that we can continue to expand our information and lists. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group! This South of Seoul moderated community group of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. Additionally, the shared posts introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. Zahra AlsafiZahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan. Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats. Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

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Are you Muslim and wondering what snacks and packaged foods you can eat in Korea? South of Seoul volunteers have put together a guide for reading food labels. The information provided in this post comes from Zahra, a Muslim graduate student who lived in South Korea.

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As a Public Health Practicum Intern with the South of Seoul Public Health Program, I had the opportunity to educate multi-lingual grade school students at an international school, DA-NA SI, on the importance of proper dental hygiene practices. Dental health education plays a vital role in promoting lifelong oral health. SOS Public Health hopes to collaborate with more schools to provide this type of in-person curriculum in the future. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations. The Value of Multi-lingual Public Health Resources Countries such as South Korea need multi-lingual public health information for foreign populations to ensure that everyone has access to accurate and relevant information, regardless of their language or cultural background. This is important because people may not understand or trust information not presented in their native language, and they may also have different cultural beliefs and practices that affect their health. Access to language-appropriate information can help to improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as refugees, immigrants, and linguistic minorities. It can also help to build trust and cooperation between communities and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective public health interventions. Therefore, South of Seoul created Public Health resources focused on developing multi-lingual resources for various ages. Recommended Use of Dental Health Lesson Plan South of Seoul created the following multi-lingual Dental Health education plan for free use by the general public. Community leaders and organizations who may find the following information useful may include: Organizations wishing to create similar programs on varying public health topics can contact Lisa Peck at sos.sec@southofseoul.net. About DA-NA Scuola Internazionale (DA-NA SI) The following multi-lingual Public Health lesson was Beta Tested at DA-NA Scuola Internazionale (DA-NA SI). DA-NA SI is an international school located in Yongin, South Korea. According to their website, “DA-NA S.I.’s education and curriculum is based on the educational philosophy of the Italian ‘Reggio Emilia’ Approach.” DANA-SI uses an all-English, Canadian curriculum designed for students from ages 4 to 18. To learn more, visit DA-NA SI’s official website and Instagram page. Purpose of the Dental Hygiene Lesson Plan Our dental health lesson plan aimed to empower multi-lingual school-aged children with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain proper oral hygiene. Designed to be interactive and engaging, the lesson plan featured activities that reinforced key concepts such as the benefits of fluoride toothpaste, the correct techniques for toothbrushing and flossing, and more. Dental Hygiene Lesson Plan We designed a comprehensive lesson plan which included a presentation and student activities. You can download a pdf version of the Dental Hygiene Lesson Plan below. Dental Hygiene Teaching Experience We divided the DANA SI students into three groups for 50-minute sessions each to accommodate the students’ and teachers’ class schedules. Dental Hygiene Lesson Materials Materials for this lesson plan included: Warm-Up/Discussion Each session began with a warm-up Q&A to gauge each class’s prior knowledge of oral health. Some example discussion questions included: The students were eager to answer questions and share their dental hygiene experiences. Dental Hygiene Guided Practice After the warm-up, we demonstrated toothbrushing and flossing techniques through guided practice with the help of Chewy the Dragon. As Chewy the Dragon modeled toothbrushing and flossing techniques, students imitated the motions using their “air toothbrushes” and “air floss.” Then, a couple of students were selected to reaffirm their understanding by showing the class how to brush Chewy’s teeth. Chewy the Dragon was a hit among the students. Although students were highly amused by Chewy’s anatomical lack of a tongue, they loved interacting with the stuffed animal to show their dental hygiene skills. Independent Practice Following the guided practice, the students participated in a more hands-on activity. We divided students into groups of 4 or 5. Then, we provided each group with large mouth models made out of construction paper and plastic bottles. The students applied Play-Doh to the ‘teeth’ on the model to act as dental plaque and food. Each group was given toothbrushes and yarn (to represent floss) to apply the skills they learned from the initial guided practice. Wrap-up and Review Once the students completed their independent practice on the mouth models, we regrouped to review the lesson as a class. The students eagerly raised their hands to recount each step of toothbrushing. A couple of students were selected to come up to the front to demonstrate what they had learned. Dental Hygiene Care Kits After each dental hygiene session, we distributed dental hygiene care kits to the students. Each dental care kit included: The University of Utah Asia Campus Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grants (UROG) graciously funded the construction of 300 dental health care kits. In addition to the kits distributed at DANA SI, the remaining kits were distributed, with the help of South of Seoul volunteers, Harry Woods, Chad Card, and Brian Rich, to three other schools: SLP Academy, Humphreys West Elementary School, and Humphreys High School. Dental Health Zine for Children What is a Zine? There is a range of definitions for zines. One commonly accepted description from The Bindery states, “A zine is a self-published, non-commercial print-work that is typically produced in small, limited batches.” Essentially, a zine is a mini foldable magazine. The first zine created for the students’ dental health care kits titled “I Can Brush My Teeth,” is a step-by-step tutorial on proper toothbrushing techniques. Because the population we worked with included both International and Korean students and parents, English and Korean instructions were included in the zines. You can view and download the children’s dental health zine below. Printing PDF of Zine Dental Health Zine for Parents The second zine, titled “Dental Health Notes for Parents,” aims at conveying child dental health information to parents. Such information includes different types of toothbrushes and some definitions of common oral health terms. The parent dental health zines were also written in English and Korean for accessibility to both our Korean and multinational communities. You can view and download the parents’ zine below. Printing PDF of Zine Children’s Toothbrushing Chart We included a toothbrushing chart for students to use at home as a checklist to promote brushing twice daily. You can print and laminate the chart for repeated use. A dry-erase or wet-erase board marker works great on a laminated card. You can view and download the toothbrushing chart below. Results of the Dental Hygiene Lesson During each Dental Hygiene Lesson implemented at DANA SI, we conducted a brief oral questionnaire about general dental hygiene knowledge. When asked how often students brushed their teeth daily, 80% of students reported brushing their teeth twice a day, 15% reported brushing 3 times daily, and 5% reported brushing once a day. When asked what methods students use to brush their teeth, 60% reported that they use circular, up/down, and side-to-side motions, 33% reported only using up/down and side-to-side motions, and 7% reported only circular motions. The students demonstrated a high level of dental hygiene knowledge. Many had a solid understanding of basic oral care principles and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. However, as expected, the youngest students (those in kindergarten, first, and second grade) had some gaps in their knowledge. For example, some students did not know to use varying brushing motions, the length of time to brush their teeth, etc. We focused on filling in these gaps and helping students establish strong toothbrushing techniques all while emphasizing the crucial role of oral health in overall well-being. Follow SOS Public Health for More Resources Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on SOS Public Health Initiatives. If you have questions about healthcare in Korea, visit the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group, or feel free to message SOS Public Health with any questions or concerns. Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program. Zahra AlsafiZahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan. Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats. Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

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Finding an English speaking dentist in Korea can be a daunting if you don't understand the language. You may experience challenges with cultural dissonance when navigating the Korean healthcare system in regard to dental health. SOS Public Health is working to compile a list of English-accessible dental clinics in and around the Songdo area. This list will continue to grow as SOS Public Health volunteers discover new locations.

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Going to the dentist can be an intimidating experience, particularly in a new environment. Equipping yourself with some information about dental care in South Korea can make the process less intimidating. Recently, I visited Elisha International Dental Clinic in Songdo, Incheon, for an oral checkup and deep cleaning procedure covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). This dental clinic was recommended by the University of Utah Asia Campus. This blog post details my experience visiting Elisha International Dental Clinic as a female international student from the United States who wears a hijab. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations. Disclaimer The information in this blog post is not sponsored content. The organizations listed below are provided based on community recommendations and direct research. South of Seoul does not receive monetary compensation for posting this blog post. Importance of Dental Check-ups Brushing and flossing at home generally do not provide enough protection on their own to maintain oral health. As stated in the NHIS Health Screening pamphlet, it is important to have a dental professional perform a checkup for the “early detection of oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and so on.” What Is A Dental Cleaning? Dental deep cleaning, often called scaling in Korea, is a procedure to remove dental calculus (also known as tartar) and plaque that builds up on the teeth over time and cannot be removed by brushing alone. According to Elisha International Dental Clinic, professional dental cleaning is recommended every six months, but more frequent cleanings may be necessary depending on how quickly tartar accumulates on a person’s teeth. NHIS Dental Coverage National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) subscribers can receive oral checkups as part of the general health checkup provided every two years for no additional cost. The NHIS partially covers a scaling appointment once per year. The final price of dental scaling will depend on dental clinic pricing. The NHIS does not cover X-rays as part of scaling appointments. Elisha International Dental Clinic Elisha International Dental Clinic is located near Incheon National University Station in Songdo, across the street from Lotte Mart and Songdo Convensia Center.  Recommended by the University of Utah Asia Campus, this dental clinic provides dental health services in English and Korean from a team of licensed professionals. Dr. Sun Kim received her D.D.S. from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Kim has extensive experience practicing dentistry in the United States and South Korea. Making a Dentist Appointment Elisha International Dental Clinic provides two modes of contact: messaging through KakaoTalk or calling the clinic at 032-831-0027 or 032-831-0053. Learn more about KakaoTalk and other useful apps for living in South Korea. I utilized the clinic’s KakaoTalk messaging service because, like many people my age, I don’t like making phone calls. I scheduled an appointment for an annual dental checkup and scaling. In less busy areas around Korea, you may be able to schedule an appointment in person or receive treatment as a walk-in patient. Required Information When Making a Dentist Appointment Elisha International Dental Clinic requested the following information when I scheduled an appointment through KakaoTalk. Note: These requirements will not be true for all dental clinics in South Korea. Contact your dental clinic to find out what documents they require from their patients. Appointment Day The day of my appointment finally arrived! I was initially nervous because I went to the same dentist in the United States for most of my life. So visiting a new dentist in a different country was a big change for me. Required Items for Arrival at Dentist Appointment When I arrived at the dental clinic for my appointment, a receptionist asked for the following information. The required documents may differ at other dental clinics. Contact your dental clinic to confirm what documents patients need to bring. Identification Health Insurance Payment Intake Procedures I filled out an electronic intake form on a tablet. The instructions on the form were in Korean and English, which may not be available at other dental clinics. Reading the information in English helped ease some of my initial anxiety about experiencing a language barrier when visiting a clinic in Korea. The requested information on the intake form included name, birthdate, phone number, address, insurance information, brief dental history, and any medical conditions of note. There was even an option to select how much pressure I would like the dental hygienist to use for the scaling procedure. However, this question might not be asked at other dental clinics. The front desk confirmed my appointment details: an oral checkup, X-rays, and an annual scaling treatment. I read and signed a consent form detailing the scaling procedure in Korean and English. Oral Exam/Checkup After the intake procedure, I was asked to remove any metal around my head, including my earrings and hijab pins. A dental hygienist then performed X-ray imaging of my whole mouth. The X-ray machine appeared similar to the ones used in the United States. The dental hygienist then seated me in a dental chair and took bitewing X-rays with a portable unit. The dentist, Dr. Sun Kim, joined us and reviewed the X-rays before she performed a visual oral exam. The visual oral exam included checking the state of my teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of oral cancer. Dr. Kim dictated notes to the dental hygienist about issues that needed to be addressed (dental caries, wisdom teeth, sugar intake, etc.). We decided to complete the scheduled scaling treatment and discuss treatment options for the dentists’ concerns after. Scaling The dental hygienist began the scaling treatment by adjusting my chair and covering my face with a piece of fabric that only left the mouth exposed. The fabric functions as a shield for the eyes against bright light. It was a new experience for me since I wear goggles at dental clinics in the United States. The clinic does offer glasses/goggles if preferred. The dental hygienist used an ultrasonic scaler and other dental hand instruments during the scaling. These instruments help remove tartar and plaque builds up on the teeth. The next part of the dental cleaning was brushing, and it ended with a thorough flossing. Consultation Following the scaling treatment, the dental hygienist discussed treatment plans for the concerns noted during the doctor’s initial exam. The hygienist provided an overview of the issues, the corresponding treatment options, and their costs. Due to NHIS coverage limitations, some treatments were out of my budget. I consulted the dentist about delaying treatment for those concerns until I returned to the United States since my US insurance would cover dental fillings. For the treatments that NHIS partially covers, such as wisdom teeth extractions, I scheduled follow-up appointments. After the consultation, I paid for the completed treatments with my Korean debit card at the information desk. I paid 25,400 KRW after NHIS insurance for an oral checkup, dental scaling, X-rays, and consultation at the end of my visit. This cost may vary depending on the dental clinic you visit. Call your dentist to confirm how much your insurance will cover before your visit. Schedule Your Appointment To schedule an appointment at Elisha International Dental Clinic (엘리샤인터내셔널치과의원), call 032-831-0027 (or 032-831-0053) or send a message on KakaoTalk messenger at Kakao ID elishadental. To find a dental clinic near you, copy and paste 치과 의사 (dentist) or 치과 (dental clinic) into Naver Map or KakaoMap. Click here for information on how to use Naver Maps. Helpful Korean Dental Terms & Phrases Knowing some common dental terms before your visit to the dental clinic could come in handy. Additionally, Korean dental terms can often be used to search for specific services on Naver or Kakao maps as well. Some terms may or may not show intended results when copied and pasted into Naver Maps. However, the following list of dental terms and treatments could be useful when asking for services at a dental clinic or contacting BBB Korea for assistance. Visit this blog post for more information about finding an English speaking dentist in Songdo or how to search for one in your area. NHIS Dental Care Coverage Several dental services may be covered by Korean National Health Insurance. You can check which oral health services and procedures may be covered by National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) by calling their foreign languages hotline at 033-811-2000. Follow SOS Public Health for More Resources Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on SOS Public Health Initiatives. If you have questions about healthcare in Korea, visit the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group, or feel free to message SOS Public Health with any questions or concerns. Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program. Research Design & Implementation Team UX/UI Supervisor & Editor Research Compliance Supervisor & Editor Primary Researcher & Author Zahra AlsafiZahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan. Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats. Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

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