Are you looking for childbirth resources in Korea? Our volunteers have put together a list of resources to support English-speaking expectant mothers in South Korea.
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About Childbirth
The experience of childbirth may come with a mixture of feelings such as excitement and anxiety, especially for anyone living in a foreign country. Understanding and accessing childbirth resources is crucial for a comfortable and safe delivery experience. This blog post aims to provide you with various childbirth-related resources and information available in Korea.
As our dedicated team continues its research, expect this list to grow, and if you have suggestions, please reach out at publichealth@southofseoul.net or via our Facebook page. The following blog post includes 1) information regarding women’s experiences with childbirth in South Korea and 2) resources for women who plan to give birth in South Korea.
2022 SOS Public Health Maternal Health Research
In 2022, SOS Public Health conducted a maternal health research study to learn about the English-speaking international community’s access to maternal health resources in Korea.
The 2022 SOS Public Health Maternal Health survey (SOS PHMHS) revealed that respondents utilized various types of medical facilities- with Specialized Maternity Clinics (52.8%) and Private Hospitals (22.2%) being utilized most- for childbirth in Korea as shown in the figure below.
Additionally, the 2022 SOS PHMHS surveyed respondents’ preferred childbirth delivery method in Korea. The majority (76.4%) reported a preference for natural childbirth, while a smaller percentage preferred methods such as assisted vaginal delivery (12.5%) and scheduled C-section (8.3%).
Two top challenges that respondents reported regarding their access to maternal health resources included (1) language barrier and (2) cultural differences.
Language barriers and cultural differences can be a big challenge in accessing crucial information and resources during pregnancy. As such, our SOS Public Health volunteers took to social media to ask English-speaking mothers in Korea about their preferred child birthing centers. Below is a list of community-recommended health centers which provide childbirth support.
Taking such information into account, our SOS Public Health team has compiled a list of hospitals and clinics that specialize in childbirth, some of which support specific types of childbirth delivery methods.
NOTE: Not all of the health centers listed below have English-speaking support. You may still need to utilize translation or interpretation services. The information below simply provides a list recommended by fellow community members who had positive experiences while using the services.
Korean Terms to Know
Knowing a few key maternal health terms in Korean may help navigating childbirth in Korea a bit less stressful. Below are some terms you may see or hear in your search for childbirth services.
- Gynecological Medicine/Gynecology: 부인과 의학 [boo-een-gwa eui-hahk]
- Obstetrics: 산과학 [sahn-gwa-hahk]
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (a.k.a. Maternity Clinic): 산부인과 [sahn-boo-een-gwa]
- Childbirth: 출산 [chool-sahn]
- Childbirth Delivery Method: 출산 분만법 [chool-sahn boon-mahn beop]
- Contractions/Labor Pains: 진통 [jin-tong]
- Epidural: 경막외 [gyeong-mahng-weh]
- Cervical Dilation: 경추 확장술 [gyeong-choo hwak-jahng-sool]
- Placenta: 태반[tae-bahn]
Childbirth Services in Gwangmyeong
Below currently lists one community-recommended childbirth service located in Gwangmyeong.
GM Cheil Women’s Clinic
GM Cheil Women’s Clinic is a birthing center located in Gwangmyeong (northern Gyeonggi-do area). This birthing center specializes in natural birthing. According to their website, they are staffed with an OBGYN, midwife, and hypno-birthing specialist. Additionally, their labor rooms provide a warm, home-like environment.
GM Cheil Womens Clinic
028902555
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Childbirth Services in Pyeongtaek
Below is a list of community-recommended childbirth services located in the Pyeongtaek area.
Pyeongtaek St. Mary’s Hospital
St. Mary’s Hospital is a general hospital located in Pyeongtaek. They offer an array of medical services including childbirthing services. Additionally, St. Mary’s Hospital has an international clinic available for those who need English language support. This hospital’s website doesn’t specify a type of delivery method that they specialize in. We recommend calling the clinic to learn more about their services.
St. Marys General Hospital
031-1800-8800
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 평택로 284
Pro tip: When you call Press 0 and ask for the International Clinic. Well prepared to handle foreign patients. They follow US privacy standards. ER AVAILABLE. FOR USFK: Approved for direct billing with TRICARE FOR WOMEN: Excellent Womens Clinic with female doctors. Mon - Fri from 9AM - 5:30PM and 7PM - 8PM as well as weekends and holidays 9AM - 2:30PM. FOR TEACHERS: The best place to get your annual medical check. (As of 2021) 70,000 won, ID, and 3 passport photos needed. Takes 7 days to get results. Open on Saturdays.
Yale Queens House
Yale Queens House is a birth center that offers birthing services. Their website doesn’t have English translation so you may need to use the Google Translate plug-in or Papago to access information from their site. According to their website, this birthing center offers ‘painless delivery’ through the use of an epidural. Epidurals are not required but are recommended at this clinic. This hospital’s website doesn’t specify a type of delivery method that they specialize in. We recommend calling the clinic to learn more about their services.
Yale Queens Postpartum CareCenter
031-8054-7337
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Childbirth Services in Seoul
Below is a list of community-recommended childbirth services located in the Seoul area.
Cha Gangnam Medical Center
Cha Gangnam Medical Center is a university hospital located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. They have an international clinic to aid in English language support. According to their website, Cha Gangnam Medical Center also has English-speaking, doctors, nurses, and coordinators. This hospital is known for its OBGYN and fertility center. Their website doesn’t specify the type of birthing method they specialize in. We recommend calling the clinic to learn more about their services.
Cha Gangnam Medical Center
0234683000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hatvit Women’s Hospital
Hatvit (English pronunciation: [haet-bit]) Women’s Hospital is located in Gangbok-gu, Seoul. Google Translate or Papago may be needed to navigate Hatvit Women’s Hospital’s website. This hospital offers an array of obstetric services. According to their website, they offer a natural childbirth delivery method. We recommend calling the hospital to learn more about their services.
Hatvit Womens Hospital
18116161
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hosan Women’s Hospital
Hosan Women’s Hospital is located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This clinic boasts that they are a ‘brand for women’ and has premium values from childbirth to diagnoses for women. Their website doesn’t specify the type of delivery method they specialize in. However, they do mention ‘painless delivery,’ similar to Yale Queens House. We recommend calling the hospital to learn more about their services.
Ho San Womens Hospital
050714093493
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Houm OBGYN & Birthing Center
Houm OBGYN & Birthing Center is located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. This center provides patient-centered care for women of all ages according to their website. They follow a “Mother & Baby – Integrated Care System (MB-ICS).” Learn more about MB-ICS on their webpage. Their site doesn’t specify the type of delivery method they specialize in. However, they do mention that the expecting mother has flexibility of choice in their birthing position during labor. We recommend calling the hospital to learn more about their services.
Houm OBGYN And Birthing Center
0254894000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
서울 서초구 서초중앙로 110
Houm OBGYN and Birthing Center is a private clinic that provides patient-centered care for women of all ages. They offer English support. The phone number listed below is the main phone number to the hospital. You may need utilize BBB Korea for language translation assistance for making appointments. For EMERGENCIES, Houm has an emergency English hotline: 010-2783-9001
ItoB
ItoB is located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. This clinic offers child birthing services. Google Translate or Papago may be needed to navigate their website. This specialized maternal health clinic offers 3 delivery methods: (1) Leboyer’s Delivery Method, (2) Natural Birth Method, and (3) C-Section. We recommend calling the clinic to learn more about their services.
ITOB
025326400
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital
Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This hospital has an obstetrics and gynecology department which includes childbirthing services. They also have an international clinic with English language services. Their website doesn’t specify the type of delivery method they specialize in. We recommend calling the hospital to learn more about their services.
Soon Chun Hyang Uni Hospital
027099058
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Yeon & Nature
Yeon & Nature is located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This clinic offers obstetrics and gynecology services which include childbirth services. Yeon & Nature offers natural birth delivery methods and boasts ‘your birth, your way” as one of the mottos listed on their webpage. They have English-speaking staff to assist with the expecting mother’s needs. We recommend calling the hospital to learn more about their services.
Yeon And Nature
025181300
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Naver and Kakao Map Search
If you need a location nearer to you, conducting a Naver or Kakao Map search for nearby obstetrics and gynecology centers may be your best option. Keep in mind, Naver or Kakao Map searches will only provide you with the nearest locations. Such locations may not have international clinics or English-speaking doctors and staff. However, resources (listed in the next section) are available to help you navigate language barriers.
To search for maternal health clinics, hospitals, and centers near you, copy and paste the following into Naver or Kakao Maps:
- Gynecological Medicine/Gynecology: 부인과 의학 [boo-een-gwa eui-hahk]
- Obstetrics: 산과학 [sahn-gwa-hahk]
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (a.k.a. Maternity Clinic): 산부인과 [sahn-boo-een-gwa]
- Childbirth: 출산 [chool-sahn]
Additional Resources
Below are a list of additional resources that may help you in your search for maternal health information and support.
National Health Insurance Services (NHIS)
For questions on childbirth health insurance coverage, contact the NHIS directly. The NHIS has an English hotline. The NHIS may even be able to inform you of health centers or hospitals in your area that offer childbirth services.
NHIS Hotline
0338112000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
This phone number takes you to an NHIS agent who can answer any and all questions you have about the Korean national health insurance including cost and coverage. English, Russian, Chinese and other language services are available. Note: It may be difficult for a call to go through during the lunch hour (12pm-1pm)
Language Support
Several language support options exist in Korea. Such resources include:
- Papago Translation App
- Google Translate
- BBB Korea
- 1330 Korea Travel Hotline
- Friends, Family or Coworkers who speak Korean
- International Clinics – International clinics within University hospitals can assist with language support if needed during your visit to that hospital
Social Support
Many folks find that reaching out to others online who have had similar experiences in their childbirth journey helpful. In the 2022 SOS PHMHS respondents reported that they utilized social groups most (84%) to find information on maternal health resources.
Here are a few Facebook Groups to join to ask about maternal health or general health in Korea:
Financial Support: The Happiness Card
With Korea’s low birthrate, the government is actively seeking ways to support families, including providing financial aid. The National Happiness Card (국민행복카드 [goong-min-haeng-bok-cah-deu]) is available to all expectant mothers, regardless of nationality, provided they contribute to the National Health Insurance system.
The amount offered on this card may vary from year to year, and can be utilized at hospitals and clinics for pregnancy-related appointments. Learn how to get a Happiness Card in Soul of Soul’s blog post: How To Get The National Happiness Card For Pregnant Women In Korea
Additional Reading
Check out the following blog posts to learn more about pregnancy and childbirth in Korea:
- Prenatal Care Experiences and Resources in Korea
- Prenatal Care in Korea
- Postpartum Care Experiences and Resources in Korea
- Secrets of the Korean Post-Natal Hotel: Postpartum Recovery In Korea
- All About Pregnancy and Giving Birth in Korea
- Pregnancy and Giving Birth in South Korea
- Giving Birth in Korea
- What to Exect When You’re in Labor in Korea
- A Helpful Guide for Foreigner Couples Starting a Family in Korea
- Pregnant In Korea: The Superstitions, The Benefits, & So Much More!
- How To Get The National Happiness Card For Pregnant Women In Korea
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.
Denise Feurer holds a Master’s of Science in Public Health and a Bachelor’s in Nursing. Ms. Feurer is a public health researcher and advisor living and working in South Korea. Mrs. Feurer founded the Maternal Health Initiative for the South of Seoul Public Health Program in 2021. Her first research project or SOS Public Health launched in 2022.
Prior to joining the South of Seoul Public Health Program, Ms. Feurer volunteered for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’s (LSHTM) award-winning endeavor, the “Rapid Data Project”, to code and organize worldwide Covid-19 policies for WHO decision makers, student ambassador program representative, and UK Model WHO Academy.
Olivia Bowman is a military spouse living in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with certificates in Global Health and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In April 2023, she received her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Organization and Policy.
With a background in healthcare, Ms. Bowman is passionate about increasing access to primary and preventative care, particularly for rural communities like the one she grew up in.
Through her practicum with the South of Seoul Public Health Program (SOS Public Health) in the fall of 2022, Ms. Bowman completed a Needs Assessment aimed at assessing and identifying the healthcare access needs of the international community residing in Korea.
Amber Barrow is currently a graduate student at The University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston working towards her Masters in Public Health (MPH). She joined the SOS Public Health team in 2023 as a volunteer and will participate in the SOS Public Health Practicum Program in the spring of 2024. Amber will focus her practicum research on sexual health and education for middle to high school aged international students living in Korea.
Additionally, Amber has lanugage proficiency in both Chinese and Korean. After completing her undergraduate degree, Amber spent over a year living in China completing a Chinese language program. In addition to Chinese, Amber is now enrolled in a language study program here in South Korea to improve her Korean language proficiency.
Ms. Peck graduated from the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon with a Master’s in Public Health and her Certification in Public Health (CPH). Ms. Peck also holds a Bachelor’s Degrees in Linguistics and one in International Studies with a Global Health emphasis.
Ms. Peck is Korean American and speaks both English and Korean. She has moved between the US and Korea since childhood, finally settling in Korea after graduating from UAC.
In 2021 Ms. Peck founded the South of Seoul Public Health Program which focuses on research and initiatives regarding the health and wellness of multinational residents in South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Peck oversees the SOS Public Health Graduate Student Practicum Program which provides mentorship and training for Master’s in Public Health students. The program works with two students a semester with a focus on ethical UX research design, survey development, and initiative implementation.
