Health and Safety

 

 

Please see the list of off-campus hospitals near IGC:

• Nasaret International Hospital
  Address: 937-3, Dongchun-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
  Korean Address: 인천광역시 연수구 먼우금로 98 나사렛국제병원
  Phone: +82-32-899-9736
  Services are available for areas including Korean medicine, cerebrovascular, joint, spine, rehabilitation and exercise therapy, stem cell therapy, emergency medicine, and health promotion.
• Gachon University Gil Medical Center
  Address: 1198, Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon
  Korean Address: 인천광역시 남동구 남동대로774번길 21
  Phone: +82-32-460-3213
  Services are available for areas including bariatric, cardio cerebrovascular, joints and spine, cervical foraminotomy, neurosurgery, infertility, cancer, and check-ups.
• Inha University Hospital
  Address: 27 Inhang-ro, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
  Korean Address: 인천광역시 중구 인항로 27 인하대병원
  Phone: +82-32-890-2080
  Inha University Hospital is a large hospital system with services available for many different areas. Please click the link above for a full list of medical departments.
• Catholic University of Korea Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital
  Address: 56, Dongsu-ro, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon
  Korean Address: 인천광역시 부평구 동수로 56
  Phone: 1544-9004 (not in international format)
• Yonsei University International Health Care Center
  Address: 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
  Korean Address: 서울특별시 서대문구 연세로 50-1
  Phone: +82-2-2228-5800
  The Yonsei University Hospital is a large hospital system with services available for many different areas. Please click the link above for a full list of medical departments.
• Seoul National University Hospital
  Address: 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
  Korean Address: 서울특별시 종로구 대학로 101
  Phone: +82-2-2072-0505
  The SNUH is a large hospital system with services available for many different areas. Please click the link above for a full list of medical departments.

You can also find the list of physicians known to speak acceptable English, prepared by the U.S. Embassy: US Embassy Physician List

 

1. General rules

• You may bring prescription medicines for your personal use in reasonable quantities (typically up to about a 3-month supply) when entering Korea.
• Keep all medicines in their original packaging with the pharmacy or prescription label attached.
  We strongly recommend packing medicines in your carry-on luggage in case your checked baggage is delayed or lost. 

2. Documents you should carry (Non-Controlled Substances)

• For non-controlled substances, bring the following documents in English (or Korean) and keep them with your medicine:
  • A copy of your prescription(s).
  • A doctor’s letter that explains:
    • Your diagnosis or medical condition.
    • The name of each medicine (generic and brand), dosage, and daily amount.
    • The length of treatment and the total quantity you are bringing.
• These documents help customs officers and Korean medical providers understand your treatment if questions arise. 

3. Medicines containing controlled substances

• Some prescription medicines are considered controlled substances in Korea (for example, certain ADHD medications, strong sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications, opioid painkillers, and cannabis/CBD products).
• Check the drug approval list (see below) 
• The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) requires prior approval (a permit) for anyone bringing medicines that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances into Korea for self-treatment, regardless of nationality.
• Please refer to "Permit to Bring in Narcotics for Self-Treatment" for permit application instructions. 
• You must apply to MFDS before you travel and receive the permit approval; processing can take up to 10 business days or longer.
• Applications and instructions (including the online system) are available through MFDS; you will typically need to submit:
  • Passport copy and flight details.
  • Doctor’s letter (issued within the last three months).
    Prescription information and a detailed list of medicines (name, strength, dosage, quantity, treatment period).
• Without this permit, controlled substance medications may be confiscated at the border. 

4. At the airport in Korea

• If you carry a typical personal supply of non-controlled prescription medicine, you may pass through the “nothing to declare” channel; however, you should still have your documents ready in case of questions.
• If you bring medicines that include controlled substances or you hold an MFDS permit, use the “goods to declare” channel (red) and show your documents to customs officers. 

5. Check details before you travel

• Regulations can change, and classification of specific drugs may differ from your home country. For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, students should:
  • Review the information on the MFDS website and the “Permit to bring in narcotics for self-treatment” instructions.
• Contact the MFDS Narcotics Policy Division by phone or email for questions about specific medications.
• If needed, consult the nearest Korean embassy or consulate for additional information in your language. 

6. Drug Approval List 

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has enacted a provision allowing individuals entering Korea to carry medicines containing controlled substances (such as narcotic drugs or psychoactive substances) for their personal medical treatment. To bring such medicines into Korea, travelers, regardless of nationality, must obtain prior approval (a permit) from the Ministry. 

General Advice and Recommendations:

• Investigate how to obtain the same or equivalent medications before departure, in case a replacement is needed due to loss, inadequate supply due to travel interruptions, or the need to resupply maintenance medications if the trip is long-term.
• If unable to determine whether the same drug is available (or whether an equivalent version of a medication exists internationally), work with a health care provider (in the home country or locally at the destination) or with a local pharmacist to select an effective alternative medication.
• In general, mailing or couriering any kind of medication from one country to another is illegal.

• Incheon Sunflower Center
  Address: 217, Bangchuk-ro, Dong-gu, Incheon
  Korean Address: 인천광역시 동구 방축로 217
  Provides rape kits, medical assistance, and help finding legal services. Only Korean is available.
• Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center
  Phone: +82-2-338-5801
  Provides free information and counseling for victims of sexual violence. English service is limited, so please make initial contact via email at counsel@hotline.or.kror seek assistance from a Korean-speaker.
• Migrant Women’s Emergency Hotline
  Address: Seoul Global Center, Sixth Floor, 38 Jong-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul
  Korean Address: 서울특별시 종로구 종로2.3.4가동 종로 38
  Phone: 1577-1366(not in international format)
  Provides help for crime victims including counseling services, medical support from designated hospitals, translation support, legal assistance, and shelter referrals. They also may provide attorneys for crime victims. English-language service is available. The hotline is open 24 hours. The office is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

• George Mason University Korea Counseling (Students Only)
  Address: Mason Korea G316 (Center For Well-Being)
  Email: wellness@gmu.edu
  Phone: +82-32-626-5046
  Provides individual and group counseling.