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 exams, and undergone years of additional residency and fellowship training in a specific field such as cardiology, rheumatology, or dermatology. These specialists hold the legal authority to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and issue official medical documents. They represent the highest level of clinical authority within the system, and their titles are regulated by the Korean Medical Association and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Korean Health Care is Founded on Specialists Korea’s healthcare system relies heavily on specialists rather than generalists. This is distinct from many Western healthcare systems that prioritize primary care through general practitioners (GPs). In Korea, for example, patients can typically visit specialists directly without needing a referral from a GP. Again, this contrasts heavily with countries like the UK or Canada, where generalists often serve as gatekeepers to more specialized care. The Korean system is efficient for addressing specific conditions quickly. The system gives patients direct access to specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons or cardiologists, for their medical needs. In short, it speeds up the healthcare process. Specialists and the Korean National Insurance The widespread use of specialists in Korea is facilitated by its single-payer healthcare system and the emphasis on hospital-based care. Many large hospitals offer a full range of specialized services. This structure allows patients to access specialized care more rapidly. It also means that you will not find generalist options. Instead, you need to know the exact specialist you require when searching for medical care. Finding the right specialist in Korea can be frustrating for three reasons: 1) it’s difficult to find the correct Korean term for the specialist, 2) Korean specializations often differ from their Western counterparts, and 3) some Western specialties don’t exist in Korea. That’s why our team created this blog post, along with other posts. You need to understand Korean medical specialties when searching for the right care. Logic Behind the Structure of Korean Medical Specialties The foundational logic behind how Korea organizes its medical specialties stems from a combination of its 1)healthcare system’s structure, 2) medical education, and 3) patient care priorities. Korea’s universal healthcare system emphasizes efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which influences how specialties are categorized and delivered. Healthcare System’s Structure Instead of focusing on highly specific fields like podiatry or sleep medicine, Korea integrates these services into broader specialties. For example: internal medicine, orthopedics, or rehabilitation medicine. This approach helps streamline healthcare, particularly given the country’s single-payer system. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) reimburses hospitals for treatments, often prioritizing widespread or common specialties that affect large populations. For example: cardiology and oncology. Medical Education Additionally, the Korean medical education system shapes specialty distribution. Medical students undergo rigorous training with most opting for broader specialties like internal medicine, psychiatry, or surgery. Such specialties cover a wide array of conditions and can address niche issues within larger categories. For example, neurologists or psychiatrists typically manage sleep disorders rather than through a distinct sleep medicine field. Similarly, foot issues are often handled by orthopedic surgeons or dermatologists rather than podiatrists. Patient Care Priorities This system works well in Korea because it aligns with the high demand for care in generalist fields and the need to manage costs within the public health insurance system, which covers most citizens but caps reimbursement rates to control expenses. For more on this, you can check out resources from the World Health Organization’s review or other analyses of Korea’s healthcare structure. Types of Korean Specialties and Subspecialties Here’s a table of common medical specialties in South Korea, what they treat, symptoms that might lead to a visit to these specialists and additional subspecialties. Korean Specialty (Hangeul) Specialty What They Treat Common Symptoms/Reasons for Visit (Korean) Additional Subspecialties (Hangeul) 내과 (Naegwa) Internal Medicine General health, chronic illnesses (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) 피로 (Fatigue), 지속적인 기침 (Persistent cough), 발열 (Fever), 소화 불량 (Digestive issues), 고혈압 (Hypertension), 당뇨 관리 (Diabetes management) *소화기내과 (Gastroenterology)*순환기내과 (Cardiology)* 호흡기내과 (Pulmonology)*내분비내과 (Endocrinology)*류마티스내과 (rheumatology internal medicine) 외과 (Oegwa) General Surgery Surgical conditions, including trauma and infections 복통 (Abdominal pain), 부상 (Injuries), 종양 (Lumps or masses), 충수염 (Appendicitis), 탈장 (Hernias), 감염 (Infections needing surgery) *혈관외과 (Vascular Surgery)*대장항문외과 (Colorectal Surgery)*흉부외과 (Thoracic Surgery) 피부과 (Pibugwa) Dermatology Skin, hair, and nail conditions 여드름 (Acne), 습진 (Eczema), 건선 (Psoriasis), 탈모 (Hair loss), 피부 발진 (Skin rashes), 의심되는 점 (Suspicious moles) *미용피부과 (Cosmetic Dermatology)*소아피부과 (Pediatric Dermatology),*피부병리과 (Dermatopathology) 정형외과 (Jeonghyeong Oegwa) Orthopedics Musculoskeletal system, bones, joints, ligaments 관절 통증 (Joint pain), 골절 (Fractures), 관절염 (Arthritis), 허리 통증 (Back pain), 스포츠 부상 (Sports injuries) *스포츠의학 (Sports Medicine)*척추외과 (Spine Surgery)*소아정형외과 (Pediatric Orthopedics) 신경과 (Singyeonggwa) Neurology Nervous system disorders, brain and spinal cord diseases 만성 두통 (Chronic headaches), 발작 (Seizures), 어지럼증 (Dizziness), 무기력증 (Weakness), 기억력 문제 (Memory problems) *뇌졸중 클리닉 (Stroke Care)*간질 클리닉 (Epilepsy)*신경퇴행성 질환 (Neurodegenerative Diseases) 소아청소년과 (Soa Cheongsonyeon-gwa) Pediatrics Children’s health and development 성장 지연 (Delayed growth), 발열 (Fever), 감기 (Colds), 발진 (Rashes), 소화 불량 (Digestive issues), 예방 접종 (Vaccinations) *신생아과 (Neonatology)*소아심장과 (Pediatric Cardiology)*소아내분비과 (Pediatric Endocrinology) 산부인과 (Sanbuingwa) Obstetrics and Gynecology Female reproductive health, pregnancy care 생리 불순 (Irregular periods), 임신 관리 (Pregnancy care), 생리통 (Menstrual pain), 골반 통증 (Pelvic pain) *부인종양학 (Gynecologic Oncology)*생식내분비학 (Reproductive Endocrinology)*모성태아의학 (Maternal-Fetal Medicine) 이비인후과 (Ibinu-gwa) ENT (Otolaryngology) Ear, nose, and throat disorders 청력 손실 (Hearing loss), 코막힘 (Nasal congestion), 인후통 (Sore throat), 어지럼증 (Dizziness), 이명 (Tinnitus) *코성형과 (Rhinology)*소아 이비인후과 (Pediatric ENT)*두경부외과 (Head and Neck Surgery) 안과 (Angwa) Ophthalmology Eye disorders and vision care 시력 저하 (Vision loss), 눈의 통증 (Eye pain), 눈 건조증 (Dry eyes), 시야 흐림 (Blurry vision), 결막염 (Conjunctivitis) *망막과 (Retina)*녹내장 (Glaucoma)*소아안과 (Pediatric Ophthalmology) 정신건강의학과 (Jeongsingeongang Uihakgwa) Psychiatry Mental health disorders 우울증 (Depression), 불안 (Anxiety), 수면 문제 (Sleep problems), 집중력 문제 (Attention problems) *소아정신과 (Child Psychiatry)*중독정신과 (Addiction Psychiatry)*노인정신과 (Geriatric Psychiatry) Table of Korean Specialties and Subspecialties Western Medical Specialties that Don’t Exist in Korea If you come from countries in the West, you may notice that many common Western medical specialties aren’t included in the above table. This is because Korea’s medical system often integrates care into a broader range of specialties rather than offering narrowly defined fields like rheumatology, podiatry, geriatrics, or sleep medicine. Let’s get into what this means for you when you are looking for care. Especially if you arrive in South Korea with a diagnosis and you need to find treatment. Just because Korea doesn’t have the same medical specialties, it doesn’t mean hospitals don’t have departments and doctors who treat such diseases. That’s because a “medical specialty” exists as a different concept from a medical department. For example, Korean hospitals have rheumatology departments staffed with the various Korean medical specialists required to treat the associated illnesses. They have the medical department, but they don’t have a Rheumatologist who treats all aspects of the illness in the same way Western medicine does. We realize the nuance may not feel important now, but it can feel VERY important when trying to coordinate complex care and understanding why experience is so much different from your home country. For example, in Korea, you may need to visit a variety of different medical specialists or allied care providers, but in your country. This can feel frustrating when you used to only have one care provider for the issue. Additionally, you may visit a rheumatology internal medicine (류마티스내과) doctor only to find they can’t treat the issues, your Rheumatologist and you actually needed a different type of specialist. To better understand how the missing Western specialties integrate into the Korean specialties, read the South of Seoul blog post: Western Medical Specialties That Don’t Exist in Korean Medicine. Let Us Know What We Can Add or Clarify Creating blog posts like this is extremely complicated. We know that people from different cultural backgrounds will read this blog post and understand it differently. It’s a work in progress as we attempt to explain a very nuanced topic. Reader feedback has already helped us to improve the explanation with better examples and helped us find new aspects of the hidden culture within the Korean medical system. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Certain medical specialties that exist in Western countries may not have a direct counterpart in Korean medicine. In these cases, patients visit other specialists based on the nature of their condition. The care still exists, but it’s packaged different. Understanding how medical specialties may vary may help International residents better understand and manage their care while living in South Korea. Let’s get into what this means. Please read ALL of the information, and not just the headers. This topic is nuanced as heck, and it may not even make complete sense until you run into struggles with understanding your medical care or finding a particular type of care. What is a Medical Specialist in Korea? Understanding Korea’s healthcare system starts with recognizing how medical specialists, allied health professionals, and hospital departments may differ. Understanding the following definitions will make the rest of the blog post easier to conceptualize. A Medical Specialist in Korea In Korea, a medical specialist (전문의) exists specifically as a fully licensed physician who has graduated from medical school, passed the National Medical Licensing Exam, and completed rigorous residency (and often fellowship) training in a specific field. Such specialists hold the authority to diagnose, prescribe medications, perform procedures or surgeries, and issue official medical documentation. Their roles are well defined within the healthcare system, overseen by the Korean Medical Association and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Allied Health Professionals By contrast, allied health professionals (As we understand it, this includes audiologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc) play vital roles in patient care, particularly in testing, rehabilitation, and therapy, but they cannot diagnose or prescribe. These professionals earn university degrees and must pass national certification exams, after which they work under a physician’s direction. Hospital Departments Meanwhile, a hospital department (진료과) is not a profession but an administrative and clinical division (such as internal medicine, rehabilitation medicine, or rheumatology) where specialists, allied staff, and nurses collaborate to deliver care. Recognizing these differences is crucial for expatriates and international residents trying to find the right care provider in Korea. Especially when certain Western specialties don’t exist as standalone fields, and responsibilities are structured differently here. For example, a hospital can have a rheumatology department but have no Western style rheumatolgist on staff. Lived Experience On multiple occasions, volunteers have asked different healthcare workers, doctors, and hospital staff for help finding search terms for a rheumatologist or a podiatrist. The healthcare workers all responded with a version of either “I don’t know”, “We don’t know what that is”, or “We don’t know who to refer you to.” They were not trying to be unhelpful. We simply didn’t understand each other’s problems. They were unfamiliar with the details of the specialty, and they didn’t know what symptoms we needed to address. Therefore, they couldn’t refer us to the right kind of specialist in South Korea. Instead of asking for a specific Western medical specialist, we needed to explain what was wrong and ask what type of specialist in Korea treats that condition. Learning this information changed how we searched for medical information in Korea and allowed us to find far more information. Medical Specialties Vary by Culture Medical specialties often vary by culture due to differences in healthcare systems, traditional practices, and societal health priorities. In Western countries, specialties are typically highly compartmentalized, with fields like podiatry, geriatrics, and pain management as structured as specific, distinct disciplines. These focus on specific body parts, age groups, or conditions, often driven by a highly specialized, evidence-based approach. In contrast, countries like South Korea 1) incorporate traditional medicine alongside modern medical specialties and 2) categorize care into different categories. For instance, Korean healthcare combines Western medical practices with traditional treatments like acupuncture, and specialties such as podiatry do not exist as a separate field. Instead, various specialists, including orthopedists and dermatologists, manage foot-related issues. Cultural perceptions of health may shape these differences; in Korea, holistic approaches and preventive care through traditional methods are common, whereas Western systems often emphasize intervention after symptoms appear. Thus, the structure and focus of medical specialties can reflect a culture’s integration of traditional and modern practices, as well as its approach to healthcare access and treatment. Understanding Differences in Specialties is Important Understanding the differences in medical specialties is essential for foreigners and international residents to find appropriate care in South Korea. Knowing which specialist to see ensures timely and accurate treatment, preventing confusion and delays in care. Understanding local medical practices helps international residents navigate the healthcare system effectively and make informed decisions about their health. Meaning of “Medical Specialties That Don’t Exist in Korean Medicine” When we say, “Medical Specialties That Don’t Exist in Korean Medicine,” it means that the specialty is not formally recognized as a separate discipline within the Korean healthcare system OR you can’t be certified in Korea. For example, fields like podiatry or geriatric medicine are common in countries like the United States, but do not have the same kind of specialized training programs in Korea. Instead, care for related conditions is divided among existing specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, dermatologists, or internal medicine doctors. It also doesn’t mean that the type of care doesn’t exist. It might mean that the care is provided by an Allied Healthcare Worker or a Medical Department instead of one Medical Specialist. That means you might need to ask questions in different ways in order to understand how the care works in Korea. . Additionally, even though these specialties are not officially part of the medical field in Korea, doctors trained in these areas abroad sometimes practice within the country. They may work in international clinics, private practices, or university hospitals that cater to expatriates or patients looking for specialized care not commonly offered in Korea. These doctors might not hold formal recognition as a distinct specialty under the Korean medical system, but they provide services that align with those of their foreign training. This gives residents, especially international ones, access to specialized care even if it’s not part of the standard Korean healthcare infrastructure. For example, you can still find chiropractic care in Korea from chiropractors licensed in other countries, like the United States. Chiropractors can practice legally in South Korea within Korean medicine clinics called Hanwiwons. Even though chiropractos exist in Korea, the medical specialty doesn’t exist in the Korean medical system. Which can make it hard to find them in searchs online. How to Use the Following List To connect with the right specialists, it’s important to know how to ask for and search for the appropriate care. For instance, if you’re looking for a podiatrist, you might struggle to find one outside of a Seoul international clinic since that specialty doesn’t exist within the Korean context. If you know the medical specialty doesn’t exist in Korean medicine, it allows you to search for what does exist that will meet your needs. Instead, you need to ask for a doctor who treats the specific issue, such as bone pain or a skin condition. This guide will include key search terms to help you find the right care, even if the exact specialist you’re familiar with doesn’t exist in Korea. These terms will help you locate the appropriate doctors for your condition quickly and efficiently. Now that you have an understanding of what this information is about and how it can help you, let’s look at the missing specializations. Western Specializations That Don’t Exist in Korean Medicine When Western medical specialties don’t exist in Korean medicine, it means they don’t exist in Korean medical training. Therefore, you will likely not find them using such terms when you search on Naver. However, it’s theoretically possible to find international clinics using English Western medical terms to describe their services on Google. Unfortunately, most of the international clinics exist in Seoul, and you don’t need to travel to Seoul for medical care. Instead, we will empower you with more localized Korean search terms. Podiatrist (Foot Doctor) Korean Search Terms for Podiatry Support The information regarding podiatry required us to make a completely separate blog post. Please click here to learn more. Geriatrician (Elderly Care Specialist) Here are some helpful Korean search terms you can use on platforms like Naver to find specialists who can address elderly care needs in Korea, given that there is no formal geriatric medicine specialty: Search Terms for Elderly Care Internal Medicine (내과, Naegwa) Rehabilitation Medicine (재활의학과, Jaehwal Uihakgwa) Neurologist (신경과, Singyeonggwa) Family Medicine (가정의학과, Gajeong Uihakgwa) Allergist/Immunologist Additional Clarification For Seeking Allergy Treatments However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find clinics and doctors who focus on allergies. While there is no standalone allergy and immunology specialty recognized in the Korean medical system, clinics and doctors still offer support. Instead of a standalone specialty, clinics integrate allergy care into their specialties like internal medicine, ENT, dermatology, or pediatrics. Korean doctors who specialize in these areas often receive training in managing allergic conditions as part of their broader medical education. Additionally, some doctors who focus specifically on allergies may have sought additional training or certifications abroad, particularly if they wish to provide more specialized allergy care that is not part of the standard Korean medical curriculum. These doctors might work in international clinics or larger hospitals that cater to more specialized needs. So while the field of allergy/immunology may not be a distinct standalone specialty in Korea, many doctors trained domestically are fully equipped to handle allergy-related conditions, with some potentially having supplementary training from overseas. Search Terms for Naver and Daum To find specialists in Korea who work with allergies, you can use a combination of search terms that target the most relevant medical departments. Here are some useful terms in both English and Korean: Korean Search Terms (Hangeul): These terms can help you find specialists within internal medicine, dermatology, pediatrics, and ENT departments, where allergy-related care is often integrated. You can search for these terms in combination with “clinic” (클리닉, Klinic) or “hospital” (병원, Byeongwon) to locate healthcare providers that offer allergy treatment in Korea. Rheumatologist (Specialist in Autoimmune Diseases and Arthritis) For finding a rheumatologist or specialists dealing with autoimmune diseases and arthritis in Korea, here are some useful Korean search terms that you can use on Naver: Korean Search Terms for Rheumatologists and Related Specialties Occupational Therapist (OT) Search Terms to Support Occupational Therapy: Physical Therapist (물리치료사, Mullichiryosa) Rehabilitation Medicine (재활의학과, Jaehwal Uihakgwa) Psychiatrist (정신건강의학과, Jeongsingeongang Uihakgwa) Chiropractor Here are some useful search terms you can use on Naver to find care for spine and musculoskeletal issues, given that chiropractic care is not formally recognized in Korea: Search Terms for Spine and Musculoskeletal Care on Naver Orthopedic Surgeon (정형외과, Jeonghyeong Oegwa) Physical Therapist (물리치료사, Mullichiryosa) Traditional Korean Medicine Doctor (한의사, Hanuisa) Audiologist (Hearing Specialist) Here are search terms to help you find services similar to audiology in Korea, where this specialty is often covered by other fields: Search Terms for Audiology Alternatives on Naver: ENT Specialist (이비인후과, Ibinu-gwa) Neurologist (신경과, Singyeonggwa) Speech Therapist (언어치료사, Eoneo Chiryosa) Pain Management Specialist Here are search terms to help you find services related to pain management in Korea, where there is no distinct pain management specialty: Search Terms for Pain Management Alternatives on Naver: Anesthesiologist (마취통증의학과, Machitongjeung Uihakgwa) Rehabilitation Medicine (재활의학과, Jaehwal Uihakgwa) Traditional Korean Medicine Doctor (한의사, Hanuisa) Sports Medicine Specialist Here are search terms to help you find services related to sports medicine in Korea, where the specialty is often covered under orthopedics or rehabilitation: Search Terms for Sports Medicine Alternatives on Naver Orthopedic Surgeon (정형외과, Jeonghyeong Oegwa) Physical Therapist (물리치료사, Mullichiryosa) Rehabilitation Medicine (재활의학과, Jaehwal Uihakgwa) Urogynecologist (Pelvic Floor Specialist) Here are search terms to help you find services related to urogynecology in Korea, where this specialty does not exist as a distinct field: Search Terms for Urogynecology Alternatives on Naver Obstetrician/Gynecologist (산부인과, Sanbuingwa) Urologist (비뇨기과, Binyogigwa) Sleep Specialist Here are search terms to help you find services related to sleep medicine in Korea, where there is no standalone...

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