How do I find a hospital that speaks my language?

Interpreting varies by hospital. Call and ask before you go. You can use these public phone lines.

• Danuri Call Center 1577-1366 (다누리콜센터): a line for immigrants and multicultural families. Counseling is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. English is available. When you can't communicate at a hospital, a counselor helps interpret by phone.
• Immigration Contact Center 1345 (외국인종합안내센터): guidance on life in Korea. Counseling on weekdays 09:00~22:00. English is available after 18:00 too.
• KDCA 1339 (질병관리청): infectious disease counseling. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Foreigners can get counseling through a three-way call with 1345 or 1330.

On the Medical Korea system (medicalkorea.or.kr), you can also find medical institutions registered to receive foreign patients. But this search does not show which languages they speak. Be sure to call and confirm.

If someone needs urgent care, call 119. The emergency report app (긴급신고 바로앱) has an English reporting function.

Any questions about going to a hospital? Leave your question below.