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About South Korean Health Care System, Culture & Community, Culture Shock Tips, Health care self advocacy, Maternal Health, Medical & Health, Mental Health Resources, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health, Tips of Living Your Best Life
Overcoming Language Barriers in Korean Healthcare: A Practical Guide
Have you ever needed to overcome a language barrier while accessing healthcare in Korea? Many of us have, even those who speak Korean somewhat fluently. Language barriers can be challenging but not impossible to navigate. This blog post offers some tips on how to overcome such language barriers that may help.
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Navigating Korean Pharmacies: Handling Ailments Without a Doctor Visit
Personal experiences are one of the best tools for learning in Korea. Our volunteer, Tara, shares how she manages tonsillitis and other common ailments without visiting a Doctor. Tara lives in Korea under the SOFA agreement and uses US-based health insurance. This is her story. My Lens on Healthcare in Korea Living in South Korea for many years has taught me just how reliable and affordable the Korean healthcare system can be. From local clinics to major hospitals, care is accessible and efficient. But, for me, what is one of…
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A Beginners Guide to Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication in South Korea
When living in South Korea, understanding how to find over-the-counter (OTC) medicine might feel a bit daunting at first. Pharmacies (약국, yakguk) are the main place to go for most OTC medications. However, the availability and process may differ slightly from what you’re used to in your home country. This blog post provides an overview of commonly used OTC medications in Korea and products and tips for finding what you need. While we hope this guide helps you get started, please remember that pharmacists and doctors should always be your…
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About South Korean Health Care System, Health care self advocacy, Medical & Health, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health
Types of Korean Medical Specialties and Subspecialties
Struggling to find the right doctor, clinic, or hospital for your medical needs? Understanding the role of specialists in Korean health care may help you get closer to your goal. Keep reading to learn what specialties may exist in the Korean medical system. What is a Medical Specialist (의학 전문의, Medical Doctor Specialist)? When navigating healthcare in Korea, it’s important to understand the distinction between medical specialists, allied health professionals, and hospital departments. A medical specialist (전문의) is a fully licensed doctor who has completed medical school, passed national licensing…
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Filling Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) Prescriptions in Korea
As of 2024, very little information regarding filling Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) prescriptions in Korea exists. We want to talk about the reason behind this information gap and provide more accurate information about how to fill such prescriptions. Please keep in mind, that information on this topic may evolve over time. History of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPens) in Korea EpiPens are life-saving devices used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) by delivering a quick dose of epinephrine. While they are more commonly known and prescribed in countries like the United States, their…
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Where to Get a CPAP Device in Korea
Are you living with sleep apnea or another sleep-related breathing disorder in Korea? Chances are, you may be familiar with the common sleep apnea treatment of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Managing a chronic condition can be intimidating, especially in a country where the language and medical system may be unfamiliar. Read below for information on how to find a CPAP machine in Korea.
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April in South Korea, Health care self advocacy, March in South Korea, May in South Korea, Medical & Health, Public Health, SOS Seasonal Guide: Spring
Managing Spring Allergies in Korea
Do you suffer from springtime allergies? Spring is a beautiful season in South Korea, with an array of different types of flowers blooming and temperatures warming up after a long, cold winter. However, for many people, spring also brings seasonal allergies. Understanding the types of allergens that occur in Korea may help you manage your allergies throughout the spring season. 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…
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About South Korean Health Care System, Culture Shock Tips, Health care self advocacy, Medical & Health, Public Health, Support Services, Tips of Living Your Best Life, US Military and Korean Health Care
2022 SOS Public Health Needs Assessment of International Residents in Korea
This Needs Assessment was conducted by graduate student Olivia Bowman as part of her practicum with SOS Public Health (SOSPH) in the Fall of 2022. This needs assessment examines healthcare information access among the multinational English-speaking community living in South Korea, with a focus on the role that cultural dissonance may play in such access.
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Wheelchair Rental in Korea
Did you know there are several ways to get a wheelchair rental in Korea? If life happens and you find yourself in need of rental medical equipment, whether recovering from an unexpected injury or healing after a procedure, there are several resources you can turn to.
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Health care self advocacy, Medical & Health, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Resources, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health
Mental Health Counseling in Songdo
Songdo, labeled the International Business District of Incheon, houses a decent sized international population. Several members of the Songdo international community have expressed a need for English-speaking mental health services. While known as an international district, mental health counseling services prove to be limited in the Songdo area.