Are you looking for postpartum care resources in Korea? Our volunteers have put together a list of resources to support English-speaking mothers who have recently given birth in South Korea.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

About Postpartum Care

Postpartum care is a critical and often challenging period, especially for those navigating motherhood in a foreign country. Understanding and accessing postpartum care resources is essential for a smooth and healthy recovery after childbirth. This blog post is dedicated to guiding you through the various postpartum care resources and services available in Korea. As our team diligently continues their research, we anticipate expanding this list. Should you have any additional suggestions or insights on postpartum care resources in Korea, please feel free to reach out to us at publichealth@southofseoul.net or connect with us on our Facebook page.

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 65% of respondents attended their first postpartum care visit within the first 3 weeks after giving birth, while the remaining respondents made their first visit 4+ weeks after giving birth.

According to the Mayo Clinic, this time frame (first three weeks after giving birth) is the recommended time frame for the first postpartum care visit. Postpartum care is important because it allows individuals to watch for problems that may occur and to help them take care oftheir post-pregnancy body. As such, knowing where to go for postpartum care is just as important. Therefore, our SOS Public Health team has compiled a list of resources to access below.

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 postpartum care a bit less stressful. Below are some terms you may see or hear in your search for postpartum care services.

• Gynecological Medicine/Gynechology: 부인과 의학 [boo-een-gwa eui-hahk]
• Obstetrics: 산과학 [sahn-gwa-hahk]
• Obstetrics & Gynechology (a.k.a. Maternity Clinic): 산부인과 [sahn-boo-een-gwa]
• Postpartum: 산후의 [sahn-hoo-eh]
• Postpartum Care: 산후조리 [sahn-hoo-jo-ri]
• Postnatal: 출생 후의 [chool-saeng hoo-eh]

Postpartum Care in Bundang

Below currently lists one community-recommended postpartum service located in Bundang.

Cha University Bundang Medical Center

Cha University Bundang Medical Center is located in Bundang. Their JCI-certified hospital offers postpartum care in multiple languages including English, Russian, Mongolian, and more. Learn more about their postpartcum care services on their website or by calling them.

Cha Uni Bundang Womens Hospital⁰

15774488

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 성남시 분당구 야탑로65번길 16

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Postpartum Care in Gimhae

Below currently lists one community-recommended postpartum service located in Gimhae.

Morning Calm Birthing Services

Morning Calm Birthing Services is a foreigner-owned registered childbirth service company based in Gimhae. They have full-time, certified doulas and childbirth educators who provide postpartum doula support in the Busan area. We recommend contacting this organization directly to learn more about their services and pricing.

Morning Calm Birthing Services⁰

Morning Calm Birthing Services is the only foreign-owned registered childbirth service company in Korea. Full-time, professional, certified doulas and childbirth educators provide labor support, prenatal education, breastfeeding counseling, and pre- and post-partum consultations for expat families in Korea.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Postpartum Care in Pyeongtaek

Below lists community-recommended postpartum services located in the Pyeongtaek area.

Bestmom Pyeongtaek Anseong Branch

Bestmom is located in Godeok-dong, Pyeongtaek. This branch offers postpartum care services in several areas of Pyeongtaek such as Songtan, Anjung, Seojeong-ri and even Anseong. Visit their website or call them to learn more about their services and pricing.

Best Mom Anseong Branch⁰

0507-1382-3710

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Lahene Postpartum Care Center

Lahene Postpartum Care Center is located in Hapjeong-dong, Pyeongtaek. They are a center that specializes in postpartum care. They do not have a website listed on their Naver profile, so we recommend calling the center to learn more about their services.

Lahene Postpartum Care Center⁰

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 평택5로34번길 6-1

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Pyeongtaek St. Mary’s Hospital

St. Mary’s Hospital is a general hospital located in Pyeongtaek. They offer an array of medical services including maternal health services. Additionally, St. Mary’s hospital has an international clinic available for those who need English language support. We recommend contacting this organization directly to learn more about their services.

St. Marys General Hospital⁵

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yale Queens House

Yale Queens House is a birth center that offers postpartum care 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. Visit their website or call them to learn more about their services and pricing.

Yale Queens Postpartum CareCenter⁰

031-8054-7337

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Postpartum Care in Seoul

Below lists community-recommended postpartum services located in the Seoul area.

Dr. Sung’s Clinic

Dr. Sung’s Clinic is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This clinic provide postnatal care. We recommend calling this clinic to learn more about their services and pricing as their website has limited information.

Dr. Sungs Clinic (Yonsei Womens)⁰

027900802

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 용산구 독서당로 70

Dr. Sungs Clinic also known as Yonsei Gynecology Clinic or Yonsei Womens Clinic offers a variety of services including a teenage check up program, premarital and pre-pregnancy service, reproductive check ups, menopausal check ups, men’s check ups, obstetrics, pre and postnatal services, and more.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 appears to offer postpartum support, but their website doesn’t have a lot of detail on what their postpartum care entails. We recommend calling this clinic to learn more about their services and pricing.

Hatvit Womens Hospital⁰

18116161

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강북구 도봉로 74

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 have premium values from childbirth to diagnoses for women. Hosan has a postnatal care center where postpartum care is offered. We recommend calling the hospital to learn more about their services.

Ho San Womens Hospital⁰

050714093493

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 언주로 871

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 offer an array of postpartum care support. Visit their website or call to learn more about their services.

Houm OBGYN And Birthing Center⁰

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

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yeon & Nature

Yeon & Nature is located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This clinic offers postpartum care in their Kangaroo Care House. Their website lists information on how to contact their international manager, and they offer online counseling.

Yeon And Nature⁰

025181300

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 학동로 521

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Naver and Kakao Map Search

If you need a location nearer to you, conducting a Naver or Kakao Map search for nearby postpartum care 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]
• Postpartum: 산후의 [sahn-hoo-eh]
• Postpartum Care: 산후조리 [sahn-hoo-jo-ri]
• Postnatal: 출생 후의 [chool-saeng hoo-eh]

Additional Resources

Below are a list of additional resources that may help you in your search for maternal health information and support.

National Health Insurances Services (NHIS)

For questions on postpartum care 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 postpartum care services.

NHIS Hotline⁵

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)

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 while at 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:

• Expat Healthcare in Korea
• Expat Moms in Korea
• Health and Wellness in Korea
• Pregnant 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 in Korea
• Prenatal Care Experiences and Resources in Korea
• Childbirth Experiences and Resources 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
• Secrets of the Korean Post-Natal Hotel: Postpartum Recovery 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.

Research Design & Implementation Team

UX/UI Supervisor/Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

Research Team

Denise Feurer, MSc PH

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.

Jaina

Jaina Lee is a University of Utah graduate student studying public health. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Health, Society, and Policy in 2022.

Jaina is a Korean-American, born and raised in Utah.

Olivia Bowman

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

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.

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Postpartum Care Experiences and Resources in Korea appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Living in Korea and interested in prenatal care experiences and resources? This blog post shares data regarding the lived experiences of English-speaking residents with prenatal care while in South Korea. Additionally, it includes resources for those who need prenatal care support.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

About Prenatal Care

Prenatal care plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. Regular prenatal visits allow healthcare providers to monitor the pregnancy and identify any potential problems before they become serious.

However, navigating prenatal care in a new country can be challenging. This blog post offers a few prenatal care resources in Korea based on location. This list is not exhaustive. As our SOS Public Health volunteers continue to research, more resources may be added.

Additionally, if you have useful information on prenatal care resources to add to this list, feel free to email publichealth@southofseoul.net or message us on our Facebook page.

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 100% of respondents sought prenatal care at some point during their pregnancy with the majority (70.4%) receiving care in their first trimester.

Additionally, respondents reported prenatal care as one of the easiest resources to access in Korea.

However, 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 prenatal care centers. Below is a list of community-recommended health centers which provide prenatal care support.

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 prenatal care a bit less stressful. Below are some terms you may see or hear in your search for prenatal care 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]
• Prenatal Care: 산전 [sahn-jeon]
• Prenatal Education: 태교 [tae-gyo]
• Pregnant: 임신 [eem-sheen]

Prenatal Care in Gimhae

Below currently lists one community-recommended prenatal service located in Gimhae.

Morning Calm Birthing Services

Morning Calm Birthing Services is a foreigner-owned registered childbirth service company based in Gimhae. They have full-time, certified doulas and childbirth educators who provide in-person and online prenatal care services.

Morning Calm Birthing Services⁰

Morning Calm Birthing Services is the only foreign-owned registered childbirth service company in Korea. Full-time, professional, certified doulas and childbirth educators provide labor support, prenatal education, breastfeeding counseling, and pre- and post-partum consultations for expat families in Korea.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Prenatal Care in Pyeongtaek

Below is a list of community-recommended prenatal 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 maternal health services. Additionally, St. Mary’s Hospital has an international clinic available for those who need English language support.

St. Marys General Hospital⁵

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yale Queens House

Yale Queens House is a birth center that offers prenatal checkups, prenatal birth defect screenings, and prenatal chromosome testing. 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.

Yale Queens Postpartum CareCenter⁰

031-8054-7337

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Prenatal Care in Seoul

Below is a list of community-recommended prenatal 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.

Cha Gangnam Medical Center⁰

0234683000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 논현로 566

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Dr. Sung’s Clinic

Dr. Sung’s Clinic is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. This clinic provides prenatal check-ups, 3D ultrasounds, genetic testing, and prenatal classes.

Dr. Sungs Clinic (Yonsei Womens)⁰

027900802

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 용산구 독서당로 70

Dr. Sungs Clinic also known as Yonsei Gynecology Clinic or Yonsei Womens Clinic offers a variety of services including a teenage check up program, premarital and pre-pregnancy service, reproductive check ups, menopausal check ups, men’s check ups, obstetrics, pre and postnatal services, and more.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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.

Hatvit Womens Hospital⁰

18116161

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강북구 도봉로 74

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 offers prenatal care services and have a prenatal care schedule break-down listed on their website in English.

Houm OBGYN And Birthing Center⁰

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

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

ITOB

ITOB is located in Seocho-gu, Seoul. This clinic offers a comprehensive prenatal check-up. Google Translate or Papago may be needed to navigate their website.

ITOB⁰

025326400

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 서초구 방배로 234

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 prenatal services. They also have an international clinic with English language services.

Soon Chun Hyang Uni Hospital⁰

027099058

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 용산구 대사관로 59

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yeon & Nature

Yeon & Nature is located in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This clinic offers obstetrics and gynecology services which include pre-birth care. Their website lists information on how to contact their international manager, and they offer online counseling.

Yeon And Nature⁰

025181300

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 학동로 521

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Naver or 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: 산부인과 [sahn-boo-een-gwa]
• Prenatal Care: 산전 [sahn-jeon]
• Prenatal Education: 태교 [tae-gyo]
• Pregnant: 임신 [eem-sheen]

Additional Resources

Below is 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 prenatal care 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 prenatal care services.

NHIS Hotline⁵

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)

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 prenatal care 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:

• Expat Healthcare in Korea
• Expat Moms in Korea
• Health and Wellness in Korea
• Pregnant 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:

• Postpartum Care Experiences and Resources in Korea
• Childbirth Experiences and Resources in Korea
• Prenatal Care 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
• Secrets of the Korean Post-Natal Hotel: Postpartum Recovery 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, MSc PH

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.

Jaina

Jaina Lee is a University of Utah graduate student studying public health. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Health, Society, and Policy in 2022.

Jaina is a Korean-American, born and raised in Utah.

Olivia Bowman

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

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.

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Prenatal Care Experiences and Resources in Korea appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

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.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

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 Clinic⁰

028902555

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 광명시 광명로 896

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Hospital⁵

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 CareCenter⁰

031-8054-7337

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Center⁰

0234683000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 논현로 566

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Hospital⁰

18116161

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강북구 도봉로 74

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Hospital⁰

050714093493

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 언주로 871

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Center⁰

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

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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.

ITOB⁰

025326400

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 서초구 방배로 234

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Hospital⁰

027099058

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 용산구 대사관로 59

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Nature⁰

025181300

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

서울 강남구 학동로 521

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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 Hotline⁵

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)

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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:

• Expat Healthcare in Korea
• Expat Moms in Korea
• Health and Wellness in Korea
• Pregnant 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, MSc PH

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.

Jaina

Jaina Lee is a University of Utah graduate student studying public health. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Health, Society, and Policy in 2022.

Jaina is a Korean-American, born and raised in Utah.

Olivia Bowman

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

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.

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Childbirth Experiences and Resources in Korea appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul.

Allergies Differ from Country to Country

Seasonal allergies can vary in severity and symptoms depending on the location and time of year. The primary triggers of seasonal allergies are typically pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. However, the types of plants and the timing of their pollination can differ from country to country, leading to differences in the prevalence and severity of allergies.

For example, in the United States, the spring season is commonly associated with tree pollen allergies, while in Europe, grass pollen allergies are more prevalent during the summer months. Additionally, some countries may have different plant species that produce pollen, leading to variations in the types of allergies experienced. Therefore, it is important for individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies to be aware of the specific allergens in their region and to take appropriate measures to manage their symptoms. Let’s explore some of the most common types of spring allergens in Korea.

Types of Spring Allergies in Korea

Korea has a few categories of allergens that surface during the spring season. These allergens include fine dust/yellow dust, tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed, and mold spores.

Fine Dust

Fine dust, also known as particulate matter, is a type of air pollution that may have serious effects on those with allergies. These tiny particles, with a diameter smaller than 2.5 microns, can penetrate the lungs and cause irritation and inflammation. If you live in or near urban and industrial areas in Korea, you may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of fine dust. Such areas tend to have higher levels of pollution. The spring season in Korea tends to be windy, causing fine dust particles to become more easily airborne. Exposure to fine dust can worsen existing allergies, such as hay fever, or even trigger new ones.

Yellow Dust

Yellow dust, also known as Hwang Sa in Korea, is a type of particulate matter or fine dust. This phenomenon occurs because winds carry particles from China and Mongolia into South Korea. The severity of yellow dust in Korea can vary throughout the year with the highest concentration typically occurring in the western and central regions of Korea, particularly in Spring. Yellow dust can cause respiratory problems and worsen allergies, leading to symptoms like sore throats, itchy skin, and excess phlegm. Inhaling yellow dust can also damage the nose’s mucous membranes, exacerbating existing allergies and conditions like asthma.

Tree Pollen

During spring in Korea, trees release pollen into the air, which can trigger allergies for some. A robust scientific study found the peak months for tree pollen in Korea are March to June. The study also found that during that time, the most common tree allergens are alder, oak, cedar, or elm. The amount of allergen by tree type changed significantly area by area across South Korea.

Of all the tree allergens in Korea, the ones known to cause the worst allergy symptoms are cedar, birch, and oak. This means that other trees may give off more pollen, but people tend to get sicker from cedar, birch, and oak.

Different tree allergens may affect individuals differently depending on their immune systems and the concentration of pollen in the air. Since tree pollen concentration can vary by region in Korea, some individuals may experience varying symptoms depending on their location and how accustomed to the allergen their immune system may be.

Grass Pollen

Grass pollen is also a common allergen in Korea during the spring season. The most common grasses that cause allergies are Timothy grass, Bermuda grass, and ryegrass. If your immune system is not accustomed to these types of grasses, you may be more susceptible to such allergic reactions. Much like any seasonal allergen, the concentration of grass pollen may vary depending on the region of Korea you live in causing varying levels of allergic reactions.

Ragweed

Ragweed is a type of weed that grows in Korea and releases pollen in the fall season. However, some people may experience allergic reactions to ragweed during the spring season as well. Ragweed is one of the most common allergens in Korea. Its pollen can travel long distances in the air, causing allergies to flare up in individuals who may be nowhere near where this plant grows. This extremely lightweight pollen can remain airborne for days, increasing the risk of exposure to those who suffer from allergies.

Mold Spores

As the weather warms up and humidity increases, mold spores become more prevalent in Korea during the spring season. Mold spores can grow in damp areas, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Mold can also accumulate inside air conditioners that go unused over the winter months. These tiny fungal spores can easily travel through the air, causing allergic reactions when inhaled.

How to Manage Your Spring Allergies in Korea

Here are 4 ways to manage your spring allergies.

1. Check the Air Quality Before Planning Outdoor Activities

Before planning an outdoor activity, checking the air quality is always a good idea. High pollen and dust level days can severely exacerbate allergy symptoms. Download air quality apps like Air Matters or Mise Mise to stay informed about the current dust and pollen levels in your area. These types of apps tells you what the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in realtime. Good AQI falls between 0-50, moderate AQI is between 50-100, and anything above 100 AQI is labeled as unhealthy and may affect allergy sensitive individuals. Taking preventive measures and being aware of the air quality can help you manage your allergies and enjoy good air quality days outdoors.

Fun Indoor Activities for Bad Air Quality Days

On poor air quality days, consider engaging in indoor activities to limit your exposure to pollen and dust allergens. Here are some indoor activities to try:

Watch a movie at your local CGV, Megabox, or Lotte Cinema

• Copy and paste the following Korean terms into Naver or Kakao Maps to find a movie theater near you:
  • 영화관 – Movie Theater/Cinema
  • 극장 – Movie Theater

Relax at a cafe

Spend time at a local cafe where you can do things like play board games, read books, enjoy coffee, or play with animals. The following South of Seoul blog posts offer cafes options in Pyeongtaek-si:

• Best Big Pyeongtaek Area Cafes
• Character Cafes
• Seongsan Lake Cafes and Restaurants
• Comic Book Cafes in Pyeongtaek
• Indie Cafes in the Sinjang SED Area Near Osan AFB
• Copy and paste the following Korean terms into Naver or Kakao maps to find a fun cafe near you:
  • 카페 – Cafe
  • 룸카페 – Room Cafe (cafes with semi-private rooms where you can play video games, watch movies, and eat snacks)
  • 만화카페 – Comic Book Cafe
  • 키즈카페 – Kids Cafe

Get your game on at an arcade or PC Room

If you love computer games, you may also want to try a computer room known as a PC Bang or visit a gaming arcade. Here are some ideas of where to go or how to find such places.

• Pink Tiger Arcade
• Copy and paste “PC방” into Naver or Kakao Maps to find a computer game room near you.

Visit an indoor sports theme park

• Sports Monster (Anseong)
• Vaunce Trampoline Park (Yongin)
• King Kong Roller Rink (Yongin)
• Is Rock Bowling (Sosabeol)
• Copy and paste the following into Naver or Kakao Maps to find indoor sports activities near you:
  • 스포츠테마파크 – Sports Theme Park
  • 롤러스케이트장 – Roller Skating Rink
  • 트램포린파크 – Trampoline Park
  • 보링 – Bowling

Sing your heart out at Noraebang (aka Karaoke)

• Seoul Noraebang Locations
• Rock-Q Coin Noraebang (Pyeongtaek)
• Pang Pang Norae Yeonseup Jang
• Copy and paste the following Korean Terms into Naver or Kakao Maps to find a Noraebang near you:
  • 노래방 – Noraebang/Singing Room
  • 노래연습장장 – Singing Practice Room
  • 코인노래방 – Coin Singing Room

Go shopping at a local mall/department store

• Starfield Mall (Anseong)
• Lotte Department Store (Dongtan)
• AK Plaza (Pyeongtaek)
• Hyundai Premium Outlet (Songdo)
• Copy and paste the following Korean terms into Naver or Kakao Maps to find a shopping mall near you:
  • 백화점 – Department Store
  • 프리미엄아울렛 – Premium Outlet
  • 아울렛 – Outlet
  • 쇼핑몰 – Shopping Mall

2. Wear a Mask to Filter Out Dust and Pollen While Outdoors

Masks are a versatile tool that serve multiple purposes other than COVID prevention. Masks can be worn to manage respiratory illnesses, for protection against cold and weather, for cosmetic purposes, as well as for dust and pollen protection. Wearing a mask outdoors on poor air quality days is a great way to mitigate your exposure to allergens.

Allergenologists recommend using the FFP2 face mask for allergies due to their tight fit and high filtering capabilities. However, the KN95, KF94, and N95 masks work just as well. These types of masks can be purchased online from Coupang or GMarket by searching “KN95 Mask (KN95마스크)” or “FFP2 Mask (FFP2마스크).”

3. Do Some Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning can be an effective way to manage allergies and reduce your exposure to allergens in your home. Dust, mold, and pet dander are common allergens that can accumulate throughout your home.

A few important tasks to incorporate into your spring cleaning agenda include:

• airing out your house on a good air quality day
• cleaning and replacing air filters in your air conditioner and air purifier
• getting your air conditioner serviced to remove the dust and mold build-up inside
• using damp cleaning tools to avoid kicking up too much dust, pollen, and dander into the air
• cleaning your washing machine drum to mitigate the growth of mold
• and, using a mask while cleaning can protect you from inhaling allergens and irritants.

For a comprehensive guide and list of resources, read the South of Seoul Spring Cleaning in Korea to help you get started on your spring cleaning!

4. Visit the ENT (Ear Nose Throat Clinic)

When your spring allergies in Korea start to set in, visiting your local ENT may be the best option for you to manage your symptoms. Going to a medical clinic in Korea can seem challenging due to potential language barriers. However, tools and resources like translation apps and free interpretation call services like BBB Korea are available to help get you through your appointment if you don’t speak Korean.

ENT visits don’t generally require an appointment. However, during peak allergy or flu season, they can get busy. Additionally, most clinics in Korea, including ENTs will close during the lunch hour. Therefore, calling ahead to check on their wait times, to make an appointment, or to double-check that they are open is a good idea. Use BBB Korea for interpretation assistance if needed when you call.

The cost of an ENT visit may vary depending on the treatment you receive. However, don’t let the fear of high cost deter you from making a visit if you need to. ENT visits are quite affordable. I recently went in for a check-up after waking up with a migraine and half of my head swollen due to allergies and left with a 5,000 KRW (about $3.70 USD) bill.

ENT visits are covered (about 70-80% of the cost) by the Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS). Medication is also covered under NHIS (between 60-65% depending on where you live). At my ENT visit, I was prescribed 5-days worth of migraine medication, an anti-inflammatory, and a digestive medication (typically given to help your body process other medications that may cause nausea). My pharmacy bill totaled 8,700KRW ($6.51USD).

If you would like to skip the ENT and purchase over-the-counter allergy medication, ExpatHealthSeoul has a list of medications you can purchase at your local pharmacy in their “A Guide to Allergy Medicine in Korea” blog post.

To find an ENT or a pharmacy near you, copy and paste the following Korean terms into Naver or Kakao Maps:

• 이비인후과 – ENT
• 약국 – Pharmacy

Conclusion

To conclude, spring allergies are a common problem for many people living in Korea. Fine dust, yellow dust, tree and grass pollen, ragweed, and mold spores are the most common allergens that people may encounter during the spring season. The concentration of these allergens may vary depending on the region of Korea, causing varying levels of allergic reactions. To manage spring allergies, individuals can take various preventive measures, such as checking the air quality before going outside, engaging in indoor activities on bad air quality days, and taking medications prescribed by a doctor. With appropriate precautions, individuals can enjoy the beauty of spring in Korea and manage their allergies effectively.

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 via Facebook messenger with any questions or concerns.

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Managing Spring Allergies in Korea appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

In a foreign country, the journey to navigating healthcare information and services can be a pain point for many. The complexities of medical systems, language barriers, and cultural differences can make accessing essential medical care daunting. For our multinational community in South Korea, this challenge is a shared experience. The good news? We have a solution that fosters community engagement, information sharing, and empowerment in the realm of healthcare. Welcome to the “Health and Wellness in Korea” Facebook Group – your compass to navigating the world of Korean healthcare.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul.

Centralizing Access to Healthcare Resource

Have you ever found yourself in in need of medical attention but struggled to find the right facility? Korea has a vast network of hospitals and clinics, each catering to specific medical needs. This specialized structure can sometimes lead to confusion and frustration. Unearthing reliable information about healthcare options in Korea can be like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the intricacies of the system. Recognizing this, SOS Public Health has introduced a safe space for healthcare information-sharing – the “Health and Wellness in Korea” Facebook Group.

About SOS Public Health

SOS Public Health is a volunteer program managed by South of Seoul. We dedicate our time to researching and improving systems of support related to healthcare in Korea among our international community.

Our volunteer team consists of Masters in Public Health graduate students and certified public health professionals. We work in partnership with universities, local government organizations, and the international community.

Learn more about SOS Public Health by visiting the SOS Public Health Webpage.

Empowering Health and Fostering Community

Led by SOS Public Health, the Health and Wellness Facebook group has a clear mission: to facilitate community involvement and information sharing on healthcare and medical resources for the international community living in South Korea. The goal is to enhance accessibility to healthcare services and promote self-advocacy by providing members with the tools they need to learn about and navigate the healthcare system in Korea.

A Mosaic of Cultures, A Kaleidoscope of Care

Believe it or not, South Korea is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse international population hailing from countries around the world. From the Africa, Australia, China, England, the Philippines, Russia, the United States, and Vietnam – the range of nationalities brings an array of medical experiences and expectations. The “Health and Wellness in Korea” Facebook Group recognizes this diversity and aims to create a space where individuals from various backgrounds can come together to exchange insights and recommendations regarding healthcare in South Korea.

Bridging the Gap: What to Expect

As a member of this dynamic community, you can look forward to a few benefits:

1. Vetted Recommendations: Learn about first-hand experiences and insights from fellow community members who have accessed the Korean healthcare system. From identifying English-speaking (or other language-speaking) medical professionals to finding specialized facilities, the collective wisdom of the group can be your guiding light.
2. Navigational Know-How: Empower yourself with information on medical services, insurance, appointment booking procedures, and more. Acquire the skills and tools to advocate for your healthcare.
3. Cultural Exchange: Share your cultural experiences in the healthcare setting in open conversation. Learn from others, and forge connections that enrich your experience in South Korea.

Join the Health and Wellness Facebook Group Today

If you’re an international in Korea seeking clarity in the maze of medical services or an advocate of community well-being, join the “Health and Wellness in Korea” Facebook Group to learn from others and share your experiences. Together, we can transform the daunting task of accessing healthcare into an empowering journey of self-discovery, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.

Research Design & Implementation Team

UX/UI Supervisor & Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

Primary Researcher & Author

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Navigating Healthcare in South Korea: Introducing the “Health and Wellness in Korea” Facebook Group appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

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 highly limited in the Songdo area.

As Songdo continues to grow, more English-speaking mental health services may become available in the future. However, in the meantime, here is what is currently available in Songdo as well as outside of Songdo (for those willing to travel a bit).

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul.

Selecting Mental Health Counseling Options in Songdo

Since finding English language mental health support may feel overwhelming, South of Seoul Public Health (SOS Public Health) conducted research to find the most recommended English-speaking counseling centers in several areas around Korea, including Songdo.

In order to create the following list, SOS Public Health volunteers interviewed international residents living in or near Songdo including students, educators, and US military-affiliated persons. Additionally, we searched both Korean and English online websites and databases.

The information below includes a limited list of mental health counseling centers with licensed professionals who provide services in English. As SOS Public Health continues to research, more resources may be added to the list below over time.

You can find all organizations listed in the South of Seoul app. Download the South of Seoul App for easy access to information on resources available in South Korea.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is not sponsored content. The organizations listed below are provided based on community recommendation and direct research. South of Seoul does not receive any monetary compensation for the posting of this blog.

Light In-U International Counseling

Light In-U International Counseling is located in the Dream City Area of Songdo near the McDonalds by Michuhol Park. This counseling center provides mental health services in English and Korean from a team of licensed professionals.

Light In-U⁰

01024645979

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 연수구 송도동 하모니로 158

Light In-U offers a variety of counseling programs both online and offline in English and Korean. Located in the Time Space Building B Room 706.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Light In-U offers a variety of mental health counseling services both in-person and online. Their counseling options as listed on the Light In-U website are as follows:

To book an appointment, complete the Light In-U form available on their website or to inquire about cost of services, call 010-2464-5979.

English-Speaking Mental Health Services Outside of Songdo

Songdo may not have a plethora of options for mental health counseling. However, other English-speaking mental health counseling services do exist throughout Korea, many of which provide online counseling.

Mental Health Counseling in Pyeongtaek

The Mental Health Counseling in Pyeongtaek blog lists options for English language counseling services located in Pyeongtaek. Many of the organizations in this blog also have locations in Seoul.

Tools for Searching for Mental Health Counseling in Korea

GIDEB APP

Gidep, a mental health app, allows individuals to search for mental health counseling centers near them within Korea. The app also has additional features such as a mental health self-assessment, iJournal, and Wellness Workshops.

Read the ‘Awareness of Mental Health Resources on and off Incheon Global Campus Sample of Initial Findings and Links to Resources’ blog for instructions on how to use the GIDEB app search function.

Tools for Searching for Mental Health Counseling in Seoul

The South of Seoul App

SOS Public Health is currently working on a blog for mental health counseling services in Seoul. The South of Seoul App has a few listings. To search, simply type ‘mental health seoul’ in the search bar as shown below.

Expatguidekorea’s online database

Another way to find mental health services in the Seoul area, ExpatGuideKorea, has an online database where you can search for counseling and therapy services in or near Seoul.

To search, type your query in the search bar or scroll down through the listings.

Alternate Online Mental Health Counseling Option: BetterHelp

If the above listed mental health counseling centers isn’t the best fit for you, you may want to consider other options. One organization that has been recommended by several community members living in Korea is BetterHelp.

BetterHelp provides virtual mental health counseling sessions from anywhere around the world. This organization has an array of mental health therapists with varying degrees of experience. They will work with you to find a therapist that best fits your needs and your financial situation.

Learn more about their services by visiting their webpage.

Advocate For Your Mental Health

With the stresses of COVID-19, life abroad, and culture shock it is important to advocate for ourselves and our mental health. If you are in need of mental health support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health counseling center whether it be one of the above listed organizations or another organization that works best for you.

The list above will continue to grow as SOS Public Health learns about more available English-speaking mental health counseling services in Songdo. If you know of any counseling/therapy centers that are not listed above, let us know about them by emailing PUBLICHEALTH@SOUTHOFSEOUL.NET or messaging SOS Public Health on our Facebook Page.

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.

Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity

Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for a an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program.

Research Design & Implementation Team

UX/UI Supervisor & Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

Primary Researcher & Author

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Mental Health Counseling in Songdo appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

English-speaking mental health counseling services exist throughout South Korea. However, finding such English-speaking mental health counseling services, particularly outside of the Seoul area, may feel like an overwhelming or difficult task. Read below to learn about Mental Health Counseling in Pyeongtaek.

Selecting Mental Health Counseling Options in Pyeongtaek

Since finding English language mental health support may feel overwhelming, South of Seoul Public Health (SOS Public Health) conducted research to find the most recommended English-speaking counseling centers in several areas around Korea, including Pyeongtaek.

In order to create the following list, SOS Public Health volunteers interviewed international residents living in or near Pyeongtaek including students, educators, and US military-affiliated persons. Additionally, we searched both Korean and English online websites and databases.

The information below includes a limited list of mental health counseling centers with licensed professionals who provide services in English. As SOS Public Health continues to research, more resources may be added to the list below over time.

All organizations listed below can be found in the South of Seoul app. Download the South of Seoul App for easy access to information on resources available in South Korea.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is not sponsored content. The organizations listed below are provided based on community recommendation and direct research. South of Seoul does not receive any monetary compensation for the posting of this blog.

Adaptable Human Solutions

Adaptable Human Solutions (AHS) also has two locations (Seoul and Pyeongtaek). AHS offers mental health counseling in English and Korean languages. The Pyeongtaek branch is located near Camp Humphreys and has free underground parking.

Adaptable Human Solutions PT⁰

027497915

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

AHS has grown from the vision of a Canadian psychologist who recognized the need for high quality, effective psychological counseling services in Korea. Starting as a one-woman company, AHS has continually grown in size, but maintained an unwavering dedication to professionalism, confidentiality, and measurable outcomes. There is no question that Korean culture is vastly different from those of which many expats in Korea originate from, and it may be difficult to find someone who really understands your experience. To that end, our English therapy team is composed of many Western expatriates who were born, raised and trained in the West. They are credentialed professionals who have achieved advanced degrees specific to Psychotherapy (psychologists, marriage & family therapists, and licensed counselors). Further, AHS professionals have current licensure in the United States or Canada, and maintain the professional standards of their governing body. Adaptable Human Solutions provides support for: -depression -anxiety -grief and loss -cultural struggles -family dynamics -stress management SPECIAL NOTE ON HOURS: Sundays - available by appointment for telehealth only

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

AHS provides in-person and online counseling options from a team of licensed professionals. Their counseling services as listed on their website include:

You can schedule an appointment with an Adaptable Human Solutions therapist on their website. AHS counseling fees range from 110,000 KRW to 340,00 KRW depending on the therapist and type of counseling needed.

Adaptable Human Solutions and International Insurance

According to their website, Adaptable Human Solutions accepts international insurances including: HTH Worldwide, GeoBlue, aetna, TRICARE, Allianz, Bupa, TIE CARE Interantional, Cigna, healix, afspa, and Henner. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage.

Asana Counseling Center

Asana Counseling Center is located in Sinjang-dong near Osan Air Force Base. Asana Counseling offers mental health counseling in English and Korean languages.

Asana Counseling Center⁰

0316639110

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 밀월로15번길 89-6

Asana Counseling Center is a mental health counseling center that offers support for trauma, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Couples/Marital Strengthening, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment, Child Therapy, Parent Consultation and more. They accept international insurances such as afspa, United Healthcare Global, CISI, GBG, AXA, VA Foreign Medical Program, Tricare, Bupa, and aetna.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Asana Counseling provides in-person counseling options from a team of U.S.-licensed professionals. Their counseling services as listed on their website include:

You can schedule an appointment with an Asana Counseling professional on their website. Asana Counseling fees range from 125,000 KRW to 500,000 KRW depending on the therapist and type of counseling needed.

Adaptable Human Solutions and International Insurance

According to their website, Asana Counseling Center accepts international insurances including: FSBP (AFSPA), aetna, UHCG, FMP (VHA), TRICARE Select (reimbursement only), TieCare GBG, CISI, and AXA. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage.

I Care Counseling Center

I Care Counseling Center is located in Paengseon near Camp Humphreys. This counseling center has a large team of licensed English-speaking Korean and International psychologists, social workers, and counselors.

I Care Counseling Center⁰

0316562273

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정로 12

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

I Care Counseling Center provides counseling options in a variety of areas including but not limited to:

To book an appointment with I Care Counseling Center, complete an online intake form, call 031-656-2273 or email info@icarecounseling.co. I Care Counseling Center fees are listed on their website. Pricing may vary depending on your insurance coverage.

I Care Counseling and International Insurance

According to their website, I Care Counseling accepts international insurances including: BlueCross BlueShield, AFSPA, TRICARE, Cigna, GeoBlue, aetna, United Healthcare Global, Bupa, and VA FMP. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage.

Integrated Counseling Services

Integrated Counseling Services (ICS) is a mental health counseling center located near Osan Air Force Base. This counseling center has a team of counselers, psychologists, and social workers who provide online and in-person services in English.

Integrated Counseling Services ⁰

0316627571

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 목펀로 5

English-speaking counseling services located near Osan Air Base

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

According to their website, mental health services provided by Integrated Counseling include:

To book an appointment with Integrated Counseling Services, complete an online intake form, call 031-662-7571 or email intake@integratedcounseling.net. To inquire about the counseling fees at ICS, call 031-662-7571. Pricing may vary depending on your insurance coverage.

Integrated Counseling Services and International Insurance

ICS accepts most major international insurances including aetna, afspa, BlueCross BlueShield, Bupa, Cigna, GeoBlue, TIECARE International, and United Healthcare according to their website. *TRICARE Select Overseas members can file a reimbursement claim for ICS services.

SPECIAL NOTE

FOR TRICARE PRIME USERS: Contact the You & Me Pyeongtaek Branch directly (Phone number: 02-6929-3014) to inquire about how you can utilize your Tricare Prime insurance for services.

About Package Deals

If you are a foreign passport holder, You & Me offers up to 5 sessions for 50,000 won if you register through the Seoul Global Center. This service is completed by a trainee and is ONLY OFFERED AT THE SEOUL OFFICE for individuals aged 19 and up. You can complete the Seoul Global registration form here if you would like to utilize this offer. Call 02-2075-4140 or email hotline@seoul.go.kr for more information on this service.

Seoul Counseling Center

Pyeongtaek community, don’t let the name Seoul Counseling Center deter you. The Seoul Counseling Center has two locations in South Korea: one in Seoul and one in Pyeongtaek. This organization provides mental health services in English and Korean.

Seoul Counseling Center PT⁰

031-692-5556

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 팽성읍 신흥북로29번길 40-15

English and Korean speaking therapists, many of whom are internationally accredited. They take Tricare as well as a host of other international insurance options. Individual, couples, and childrens therapy is also available.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Seoul Counseling Center offers a variety of mental health counseling services both in-person and online. Their counseling options as listed on the Seoul Counseling website are as follows:

You can book an appointment with a Seoul Counseling Center therapist on their website. Seoul Counseling Center’s fees range from 60,000 KRW to 330,000 KRW per hour depending on the counselor and service needed.

Seoul Counseling Center and International Insurance

Ab

According to their website, Seoul Counseling Center accepts international insurances including: TIE CARE International, HTH Worldwide, Bupa, AXA, Allianz, aetna, GeoBlue, afspa, and TRICARE. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage.

You & Me Psychological and Consultation Service

Like the previously listed mental health organizations, You & Me Psychological and Consultation Service has locations in Seoul and Pyeongtaek. You & Me provides mental health counseling services in multiple languages including English, Korean, Chinese and French.

You and Me Consulting Services PT⁰

0316513885

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 팽성읍 안정쇼핑로 37-1

Located on Anjeong Rodeo Street on the 3rd floor of the Somang Clinic Building, You&Me provides English counseling/therapy services. Tricare among other international insurances are accepted. Their weekday business hours vary. Call ahead to confirm hours.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

You & Me Counseling provides the following services as listed on their website:

To book an appointment with You & Me Pyeongtaek Branch, complete an online application form. You & Me Psychological and Consultation Service fees range from 80,000 KRW to 250,000 KRW depending on the therapist’s credentials. This organization also offers a sliding scale fee system for individuals that need financial assistance. You may inquire about their sliding scale fee system by calling 02-6929-3014.

You & Me Pyeongtaek Branch and International Insurance

According to their website, You & Me accepts international insurances including: Bupa, TIE CARE International, TRICARE, aetna, HTH Worldwide, United Healthcare, Cigna, asfpa, AAAHC, Allianz, and GeoBlue. Contact your insurance provider to learn about your coverage.

Advocate For Your Mental Health

With the stresses of COVID-19, life abroad, and culture shock it is important to advocate for ourselves and our mental health. If you are in need of mental health support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health counseling center whether it be one of the above listed organizations or another organization that works best for you.

The list above will continue to grow as SOS Public Health learns about more available English-speaking mental health counseling services in Pyeongtaek. If you know of any counseling/therapy centers that are not listed above, let us know about them by emailing PUBLICHEALTH@SOUTHOFSEOUL.NET or messaging SOS Public Health on our Facebook Page.

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.

Research Design & Implementation Team

UX/UI Supervisor & Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

Primary Researcher & Author

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post Mental Health Counseling in Pyeongtaek appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

What is the COOV app?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries face difficulties related to verifying COVID-19 vaccinations both internally and externally. With such a challenge sweeping the globe, the Korean government provided a solution for verifying vaccinations within South Korea.

The solution for vaccination verification created by the Korean government for use within Korea is the COOV app. The COOV app allows businesses and individuals to more easily navigate government regulations related to COVID-19 using a QR code linked to identity.

The COOV app works in conjunction with the Korean national and foreign resident identification system which has been in place for decades. The resident identification system in Korea provides a secure and trusted platform for managing social information and links with cell phones.

During Korean government organized COVID-19 interventions, the COOV app provides vaccination verification for access to resources and establishments such as:

• restaurants
• cafes
• gyms
• cinemas
• saunas
• bars

The COOV app provides the convenience of not having to carry around a piece of paper everywhere you go. However, since Korean national COVID-19 interventions are constantly evolving and are also locally managed by individual towns across the country, the COOV app may not be required to enter every establishment such as those listed above. Some establishments may allow a paper vaccination verification in place of the COOV app.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

Who can use the COOV app?

Currently, those who can utilize the COOV app include anyone with a:

1. Korean identification number (found on your FRC – foreign registration card)
2. Korean cell phone number
3. COVID-19 vaccinations registered in South Korea

The COOV App Requires a National or Foreign Identification Number

Because the COOV app works in conjunction with the national and foreign resident identification system, it requires the user to have a Korean identification number. You can find your Korean identification number on your FRC (foreign registration card a.k.a. ARC or alien registration card).

Those who do not have an FRC must use other means of vaccination verification such as a paper vaccination certificate issued by a Korean public health center (보건소). For our U.S. military community, you can request form 49 from your command to used as proof of vaccination.

How Do I Setup My COOV App?

As with many other online Korean apps and websites, security is Korea’s top priority. Korea does its best to protect individuals’ personal information, especially online. Therefore, setting up your COOV app requires several steps for security and authentication.

SOS Public Health understands the challenge of online processes in Korea. Thus, SOS Public health offers this blog post complete with step-by-step instructions, as well as screenshots, of how to set up your COOV app.

PLEASE NOTE: You cannot add your information directly to your COOV App. If you have a foreign vaccination it must be added to your account through your local public health center.

Follow the directions below to get your COOV app setup:

Step 1: Download the app

First, begin by downloading the COOV app to your phone. You can download the COOV app via:

• Google Play
• App Store
• ONE store

Step 2: Select your preferred language and your current location

The COOV app currently offers English and Korean as language options. Select the language you prefer to use for the app. Then, click the blue button at the bottom of the screen labeled “확인” to confirm.

Next, select the current location. ‘Korea, Republic of” should be automatically selected when this screen comes up. Since the COOV app is meant for use in South Korea, many users typically select “Korea, Republic of” as shown below. After selecting your location, click the blue button on the bottom of the screen to confirm.

Step 3: Opt in for the ‘Complete Privacy Protection’ or choose to skip this section

For this next section, you can choose to opt into the complete privacy protection service offered by the COOV app, or you can skip this section. To skip this section, click the “skip” button on the bottom left of the screen.

To opt in, click “Next” through the series of information on included features until you reach the final page. Then, click the blue button labeled “Confirm” on the bottom of the screen to accept.

Step 4: Confirm Access Rights and Terms of Agreement (required)

The next section, typical of any and all apps downloaded onto your phone, requests access to certain functions in your phone. The COOV app may need access to your camera and pictures/media/files to use the QR scanning function. Click “Confirm” at the bottom of your screen to move on to the terms of agreement.

Next, read through the terms of agreement by clicking on the carrot symbol to the right of the screen next to each section. The terms of agreement are written in Korean, so you may need the use of Papago or another translating app to translate the terms into your preferred language.

After reading the terms of agreement, click “Agree to the terms of privacy” to select all terms. Then, click “Confirm.”

Step 5: Secure your COOV app

In this next section, you will be prompted to create a 6-digit numerical password. This password allows your vaccination information to remain secure within the app. After typing in your 6-digit password, the app will prompt you to re-enter your password.

After setting up a 6-digit password, if your phone has the capability for it, the app will prompt you to set up a biometric (fingerprint) authentication to make logging into your app easier. The biometric authentication will bypass the process of entering your 6-digit code to access the app.

Setting this up is optional. To skip this step, click “Later” at the bottom of your screen.

To set up your biometric authentication, click “Use” at the bottom of the screen. Then, place your finger on your phone’s fingerprint scanner. If successful, your phone will display the “All settings are completed” screen as shown below. Click “Confirm” to enter the COOV app.

Step 6: Complete self-authentication

In order for you to access your vaccination record, the app must verify your identity. This step will require your Korean identification number and Korean cell phone number registered under your name as mentioned above. You can find your Korean identification number on your FRC. Have your FRC and Korean phone at hand for the following steps.

Click on the card within the app labeled “Self-Authentication” as shown below. The app will direct you to a Self-Certification screen. Click “Next.”

On this next page, you have a couple of options for verifying your identity:

1. NICE ID Service: verifies your identity via a text message to the Korean phone number registered in your name
2. Fast Identity Online: verifies your identity via Kakao Talk, KB Bank, PAYCO, or PASS apps. All of these options require you to have a Korean phone number under your name.

We have tested both the NICE ID Service and the Fast Identity Online via Kakao verification systems. Both are fairly simple.

Option 1 for verifying your identity: NICE ID Service

Here are instructions for how to complete option 1 (NICE ID Service):

• Select NICE ID Service. Click “Next.”
• Select “휴대폰 본인 확인”
• Select your mobile service provider. Then, check “전체 동의,” to agree to the use of this verification process.
• Click on the grey button labeled “문자(SMS)로 인증하기.”
• Your name and phone number should autopopulate in the next screen. Enter the first 7 numbers of your FRC in the boxes for “주민등록번호.” The first 6 numbers should be your birth date in the format: YYMMDD. The seventh digit is the first number following the dash (see example below).Then, click “확인.”
• You will receive a text message with a 6 digit verification code. Enter the code into the COOV app. Then, click “인증확인” to complete the process.

Option 2 for verifying your identity: Fast Identity Online via Kakao Talk

Here are instructions for how to complete option 2 (Fast Identity Online via Kakao Talk):

• Select Fast Identity Online. Click “Next.”
• Select the Kakao Talk Icon. Then, enter
  • your name as shown on your FRC
  • your full Korean identification number as shown on your FRC (see example below)
  • the phone number registered under your name
• Click “다음.” You will see a pop up on the bottom of your screen. This pop up asks your for permission to utilize Kakao to verify your identity. Click “모두 동의하고 인증요청”
• The next screen notifies you that a Kakao message was sent to verify your identity.
• Check your Kakao messages for the verification text. If it says “인증이 완료되였습니다” (as shown below), you are good to go.

After you have verified your identity, your app will direct you to a screen that looks like the screenshot below. Click “Proceed” to complete the verification process. If your verification step has no errors, your app will show that “You have completed your Authentication.”

Click “Confirm” to move to the next process. The app should take you to a screen with your Certificate of Authentication visible.

NOTE: The Passport button can be used if you have a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea. This section requires an RRN number which we are unfamiliar with. For more information about this section, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Step 7: Uploading your vaccine certificate to COOV

Now that we’ve got the hard part out of the way, let’s get your vaccination certificates added to COOV!

• Click on the “Get Issued and Updated” button on the top left hand corner of your screen. If you don’t see this button, scroll either to the left or right and it should appear.
• A screen labeled “Guidance on linking vaccination records” should come up. Click, “Next.”
• Double check that your name and birth date are listed correctly. Then, click “Submit.”

Your vaccination certificates should now be issued to the COOV app! Scroll through to make sure all of your vaccination records show up. Then, Click “Confirm” to return to the main page of the app.

When you are on the main screen, you should be able to see your “Certificate of Authentication” (grey card) and your most recent vaccination card (blue). Any previous COVID vaccinations will not show up on the app – only your most recent vaccination.

Step 8: Enjoy your new-found freedom

Now that you have access to your vaccines through the COOV app, you can enjoy visiting your favorite restaurants and cafes with ease!

NOTE: It appears that every month or so, the app requires the user to re-upload their vaccine certificates to the COOV app. If you open up your COOV app to find that your blue vaccine cards have disappeared, fear not! Simply, repeat Step 7 of this blog post to access your vaccine cards again.

Connecting your COOV app to Kakao Talk

In addition to requiring proof of vaccination during these times of COVID-19, many establishments across South Korea also require you to complete a QR code check-in before entering. Kakao Talk among other apps such as Naver and PASS have partnered with the COOV app to make the QR check-in and vaccination verification process even more convenient.

Your COOV app can be connected to your Kakao Talk app (or Naver, etc.) for a two-in-one check-in process. SOS Public Health is currently working on a blog that lays out instructions on to connect your COOV to Kakao. Stay tuned for this update!

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.

Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity

Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for a an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program.

Research Design & Implementation Team

UX/UI Supervisor & Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

www.southofseoul.net

Primary Researcher & Author

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post How to Set up Your COOV App appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Update as of April 25, 2022

South Korea no longer does contact trace. However, registering your COVID-19 vaccines remains important for residents of South Korea.

Updated as of March 26, 2022

Many international residents arriving in South Korea wish to register their vaccines with the Korean government. Here is a detailed look at the process.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided below is based on current COVID-19 policies implemented by the South Korean government. Please keep in mind, any and all information in this blog is subject to change in conjunction with government policy changes. SOS Public Health, and South of Seoul as a whole, does its best to stay updated on current policies to keep information on our blogs as well-informed as possible. However, keeping up with policies change can be difficult.

As you are reading through this blog, if you have additional information not included here, please let us know by:

1. Emailing PublicHealth@SouthofSeoul.Net or
2. Facebook: Send SOS Public Health a Facebook message

After confirming the information, we make updates accordingly.

Background: COVID Vaccination Verifications and South Korea

As many in our multinational community experience, life around the world continues to be restricted due to the COVID pandemic. Global vaccination rates have gone up. However, not all countries have a consistent way of verifying vaccination status.

South Korea uses a digital vaccination verification system (COOV) to confirm vaccination status. Once vaccinated in Korea, your vaccination status becomes tied to your Korean identity number. For our international community, such a number exists on your Foreign Registration Card (FRC) (formerly known as Alien Registration Card [ARC]). Once your vaccine becomes linked to your FRC, you can utilize COOV – Korea’s digital vaccine verification system.

In countries such as the United States, each state has its own verification process. Each state’s processes differ from one another. Some states accept a CDC vaccination card. Others accept various types of digital verification. Concerns about forgery with the CDC vaccine cards have been brought up globally as well.

As of early December 2021, the Korean government now allows registration of overseas vaccinations. Such discrepancies as those mentioned above may make verifying overseas vaccines a bit tricky. Previously, the South Korean government was hesitant to allow overseas vaccinations to be registered within South Korea. Such hesitancy caused serious issues with equity and equality within South Korea. Under pressure from international residents, South Korea changed its foreign vaccine registration policy.

Why should I register my overseas COVID vaccination in South Korea?

Registering your overseas vaccination in South Korea can open up so many possibilities for traveling and exploring Korea. Many establishments require vaccination in order to enter. Such businesses include:

• restaurants
• cafes
• gyms
• cinemas
• saunas
• bars

Additionally, the previously listed businesses are only permitted to accept vaccines registered in Korea. That means you will need to register your foreign vaccine with a local public health center. For US military, you may also use Form 49 in place of registering your vaccination. Form 49 can be issued by your command.

Once your vaccine is registered in Korea, your access to these facilities across South Korea will increase.

According to the Korean government, if you register your overseas vaccination in Korea, you also become eligible to receive the COVID booster shot.

Who can register an overseas COVID vaccination in South Korea?

According to the KDCA call center, in order to register your overseas vaccination in South Korea, you must:

1. have completed both doses (or one dose if vaccinated with Janssen) of a WHO-approved COVID vaccine. The most common vaccines used in Korea include (1) Pfizer, (2) Moderna, and (3) Janssen.
2. provide proof of vaccination. To find out what qualifies as proof of vaccination based on your country, you can call 1339 to confirm. The 1339 COVID call center has English language support from 9am-6pm. Instructions on how to reach the English service provided in this blog.
3. be physically present in South Korea. Korea doesn’t currently have systems in place for registering overseas vaccinations remotely.

Are there any restrictions for who can register their overseas vaccines?

When asked about whether restrictions for certain countries exist for registering overseas vaccines, the KDCA call center representative replied that none exist (Phone interview conducted with the KCDA). If you have been completely vaccinated past the two-week-post-second-dose mark, you have eligibility regardless of your nationality.

Where do I go to register my overseas COVID vaccination in South Korea?

You can register your overseas vaccinations at any local public health center (보건소 [bo geon so]). Simply copy and paste ‘보건소’ into Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to find one near you.

The public health centers are also where individuals go to get COVID tested. Do not enter the COVID testing area. Find the main entrance to the building and head inside. Each public health center has a different layout. Have a translation app such as Papago or Google Translate open in case you need to ask for assistance finding the correct desk.

IMPORTANT NOTE

All public health centers in Korea abide by the KDCA’s COVID policies. However, each public health center may interpret the policies differently from other public health facilities. This means that the information listed below may vary slightly depending on which public health center you visit. For example, one may require you to have a Foreign Registration Number and another may accept a passport as identification.

For best results, call your public health center to ask what they require before going in to register for your vaccine. Ask your employer to help if needed.

What documents do I need to bring with me to register my overseas COVID vaccination in South Korea?

In order to register your overseas vaccination you will need two things:

1. There are two ways to register your vaccine recieved overseas: a) Your Foreign Registration Card (FRC) and b) your passport. If you register using your FRC and have a phone linked to your FRC card you will have access to the COOV app soon after registering. If you apply with your passport and not an FRC, you will be issued a paper certificate.
2. Proof of vaccination from the country where you received your vaccination. Proof of vaccination(s) must include:
   • Your name
   • Your birth date
   • Type of vaccination received
   • Date of vaccination
   • Clinic name where you received your vaccination
   • ***Some Korean public health centers require an offical verification stamp. To find out whether your health center requires this, call your health center prior to visiting to double check.

Parents please note: Children must be present when registering their vaccinations.

For additional questions on what qualifies as proof of vaccination based on your country, call 1339 to confirm. Instructions on how to reach the English service provided in this blog.

If you do not have an FRC (which is common among our U.S. Military community), you may want to consider applying for one at your local immigration office. Here is a blog for US Military associated people interested in FRC cards.

How do I register my overseas COVID vaccination in South Korea?

To register your overseas vaccination in Korea, follow the steps below:

Step 1:

Call your local public health center (보건소) to make an appointment. Many residents have reported that they were able to walk-in and complete registration. However, the KDCA recommends that you make an appointment prior to going. Calling your public health center provides an opportunity to ask for any additional required documentation.

Step 2:

Prepare the two required documents listed in the section above. If registering your whole family, provide documents for each individual. All individuals must be present to register their vaccines.

Step 3:

Arrive for your appointment at the public health center (보건소). Parents please note: Children must be present when registering their vaccinations.

Step 4:

Let the front desk staff know that you are there to register your overseas vaccination. (The public health centers may not have English-speaking staff, so we have provided you with a few useful vocabulary and phrases below. You can also utilize 1330 or BBB Korea for free translation services.)

Step 5:

Let the public health center representative work their magic.

Step 6:

Request a paper copy of your now registered vaccination record both in Korean and in English (the English version will be helpful for traveling outside of the country). You may need to pay for copies, so bring about 10,000 won in cash, just in case.

Step 7:

Download the COOV app (only for those with FRCs) and input your information. NOTE: You do not need to enter your vaccines into the COOV app. The app syncs with the KCDA records automatically. The COOV app simply offers convenience for showing proof of vaccination in Korea.

Step 8:

Enjoy your new-found freedom

When can I register my overseas COVID vaccination in South Korea?

If you have proof of vaccination and a form of identification (FRC or Passport) you can register your vaccine in Korea NOW.

If your COVID-19 vaccine is over 6 months old, you will need a booster

The COVID vaccine ‘expires’ in South Korea between three to six months after primary vaccination. Read this article for more details on vaccination ‘expirations.‘ If you do not receive a booster shot prior to expiration, your access to establishments and entertainment will become limited once more.

Korea has opened up vaccination eligibility to everyone in Korea regardless of immigration status. Once you have registered your vaccine in Korea, you should gain eligiblity to receive a Free COVID booster shot within Korea. Such a booster shot should be possible upon registering your vaccine with your FRC (or passport) and using the foreign vaccine verification paper from the public health center.

However, SOS Public Health volunteers have not personally tested the process of receiving a COVID-19 booster without an FRC and a passport-verified foreign vaccination. South Korean policy simply states such a situation may be possible.

South Korea allows booster shots to begin three months after the original vaccination(s) and South Korea requires a booster vaccine after six months.

To receive your COVID booster shot, it is recommended that you call ahead to make an appointment with your preferred health clinic which offers vaccines. You can find a list of clinics offering vaccines on Kakao Maps. However, many locations may accept walk-ins.

Some public health centers will make your booster shot appointment for you if you ask them to. When you pop into a health center to register your COVID-19 vaccines, don’t forget to ask for help with making a booster shot appointment before you leave.

Bring proof of identification to your appointment. If you don’t have an FRC, your clinic may be able to provide you with a paper confirmation of your booster vaccine. Otherwise, you can return to the public health center (보건소) to ask for a copy.

Disclaimer Reminder

Once again, the information provided above is based on current COVID-19 policies implemented by the South Korean government. Please keep in mind, any and all information in this blog is subject to change in conjunction with government policy changes. SOS Public Health, and South of Seoul as a whole, does its best to stay updated on current policies to keep information on our blogs as well-informed as possible. However, with policies in constant flux, it can be difficult to keep up.

If you have additional information not included in this blog, please let us know by:

1. Emailing PublicHealth@SouthofSeoul.Net or
2. Sending SOS Public Health a Facebook message

After confirming the information, we make updates accordingly.

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

The post How to Register your Overseas COVID Vaccination in South Korea appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

A Need for Mental Health Campaigns on University Campuses

If you attended a college or university, you may understand the mental health struggles that students face. Factors such as academic/social/financial stress, uncertainty about the future, and lack of sleep contribute to increased mental health challenges among students. Throw in a dash of COVID and a sprinkle of language and cultural barrier to the mix, and stress increases exponentially, especially for students studying abroad. Students who experience high stress are prone to developing depression, anxiety, and eating disorders among other mental health challenges.

A 2020 study done in France found that 42.8% of students (nearly 30,000 individuals) reported having at least one mental health disorder (Wathelet, Marielle, et al, 2020). Another 2020 study in the U.S. revealed that 48.14% of students suffer from a moderate-to-severe level of depression, and 38.48% suffer from a moderate-to-severe level of anxiety (Wang, Xiaomei, et al, 2020). In South Korea, the mental health and wellness app Gidep, shared that 25% of Koreans experience mental health concerns.

In addition to factors that cause mental health challenges, the stigma surrounding mental health often deters individuals from seeking help. Gidep also shared that only 9.6% of people in South Korea report seeking professional help.

Realizing the importance of mental health awareness, former Masters in Public Health (MPH) student, Greta Gokey took it upon herself to address the issue for her own university campus in South Korea.

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 article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

Mind U: Mental Health Week Background

How Mind U began

In the Fall of 2019, Ms. Gokey, implemented Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness Week at University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) for her graduate program practicum. This Utah Asia Campus event brought awareness to campus faculty and students regarding mental health challenges that the university community faces. The event allowed students to connect with one another while building a small community of support. Ms. Gokey developed the Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness week to be sustained on campus for future years to come.

Unfortunately, when COVID-19 struck full force, Mental Health Week faced many hurdles. COVID restrictions made event implementation difficult as campus navigated new policies to keep the community safely socially distanced. Such changes on the University of Utah Asia Campus impacted students.

The University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) has a population of over 400 students (~85% Korean, ~15% International). The international students mostly live on campus in the dorms while the Korean students live both on and off campus. Due to COVID, UAC implemented online classes which left many UAC students isolated with little opportunity to interact with their classmates.

Such isolation added to the difficulties some students already faced. According to the 2021 SOS Public Health Mind U Survey, 42.9% of students reported having experienced a mental health challenge.

How ‘Mind U: Mental Health Week’ was revived

In 2021, SOS Public Health became aware of student mental struggles and sought to support students at the UAC. SOS Public Health recommended continuing the Mind U program and took up the torch to re-ignite Mental Health Week in collaboration with UAC and Ms. Gokey. In addition, SOS Public Health added practicum opportunities for UAC Public Health graduate students to sustain MindU Mental Health Week. In October 2021, Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness Week was brought back to the UAC campus. The following will chronicle the details of such an event.

Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness Week

Although May is technically designated as ‘National Mental Health Month‘ (in the U.S.), mental health requires regular attention and care. In addition to this, being an international university, UAC has high student turnover each semester. For these reasons, the UAC and SOS Public Health program organizers felt it necessary to implement events for both the fall and spring semesters.

SOS Public Health is currently in the planning stages for the Spring 2022 Mental Health Week activities, but for now, let’s talk about what went down this past fall. Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness Week fell on October 12-15 in the Fall 2021 semester. Because Monday, October 11th was a holiday, the event occurred over a 4-day period. The event also coincided with UAC’s midterm schedule which afforded some pros and cons for scheduling.

Mind U focused on two main events with a few smaller stress-release activities included. Such activities encouraged community building throughout the week. To accommodate for COVID restrictions and to include students living both on and off campus, the main Mind U events were held in a hybrid format (in-person and online via Zoom). The smaller activities were scheduled in waves to meet South Korea and UAC’s social distancing policy.

The event details are as follows:

Tiding Tuesday, Big Event #1

For the Mind U Tiding Tuesday Event, the program coordinators invited three speakers to answer student questions about mental health in a panel discussion. The speakers included:

• Incheon Global Campus Mental Health Counselor, Dr. Jan Lee
• UAC Program Coordinator and Mental Health Certified, Lauren Poindexter
• Singer/Songwriter, Podcaster, Illustrator, and Creator of Camp Clarity Women’s Retreats, Norma Jean Belenky

During the two weeks leading up to the event, students submitted questions related to mental health via a Google survey form. This strategy allowed students to submit questions anonymously. The inclusion of speakers with varying levels of mental health certification and backgrounds brought diversity to the Q&A responses. This diversity helped students learn about different approaches to mental health.

The Tiding Tuesday event had a low RSVP count prior to the event. However, the final attendance surpassed the RSVP count by 392% for in-person and online events combined. In an on-going mental health survey implemented by the program coordinators, many students, as well as staff and faculty expressed gratitude for this particular event.

Woke Wednesday, Small Event #1

The Woke Wednesday event was hosted by UAC’s Student Leadership Consultants. The Student Leadership Consultants host an event called Café U every week on campus to bring the student community together to discuss specific topics. The UAC leadership graciously worked with our coordinators to focus on mental health stigma for Café U during Mental Health Week.

Student leader, Eunice Kim, put together an excellent presentation on mental health stigma. Through Ms. Kim’s guidance, this event provided a safe space for students (and staff and faculty) to participate in an open discussion about mental health stigma. The event began with a collective group discussion. Then, Ms. Kim broke the group into smaller teams to discuss a specific mental health stigma-related topics in more detail.

Café U events typically turn out about 7 student attendees each week on average due to busy student schedules and COVID restrictions. As with the Tiding Tuesday, RSVPs for the Woke Wednesday event were quite low (6 RSVPs). However, the Woke Wednesday event turned out a 314% increase in attendees on the day of the event for in-person and Zoom attendance cobmined. Such a great turnout seemed to reflect the importance of open discussions about mental health.

Thoughtful Thursday, Small Event #2 + Big Event #2

Thoughtful Thursday included two events: (1) a lantern making activity and (2) an open mic night.

For lantern making, students gathered in a shared space on campus to craft paper lanterns. This activity provided students an opportunity to connect with their fellow classmates. The event also gave students a break from their rigorous midterm study sessions.

Mental Health Week coordinators prompted students to write a mental health challenge that they experienced (if they were comfortable doing so). Then, these lanterns were used to “shed light” on mental health challenges the community faces during the Thursday evening event.

The evening event titled, Open Mic Light the Night, brought students together for a more intimate gathering. The event opened with a few student performances followed by an open mic session where students could take the stage and share their mental health experiences.

As with previous events, the event had a very few RSVPs for both events combined. Fortunately, 259% more students showed up to the actual event than had RSVPed! Students reported that they enjoyed the Thoughtful Thursday evening event. Several students even expressed interest in performing or speaking at the 2022 Fall Mental Health Week Open Mic Night Event.

Feelgood Friday, Small Event #3

To close out the week’s events, UAC and SOS Public Health hosted a chill get together for students to destress with some stress-free slime making and slushies. UAC’s wonderful Program Coordinator, Molly Kinder, led this slime making event.

Students reported really enjoying this event. This event offered another opportunity for students to connect with one another and make new friends.

Feelgood Friday attendance increased 208% above the RSVP count. The overall lower participation rate for this event was due, in part, to many students traveling for the weekend. However, the event turnout still came out excellently for an in-person event in the midst of COVID.

SOS Public Health’s continued support for Mental Health Awareness on campus

Community support is important for individuals, especially during COVID. Support is especially important for students living in a world with COVID while studying abroad in an unfamiliar country.

When asked if Mental Health Week had any value for this international campus community, 97.1% of students expressed that the Mind U Events offered a level of value.

SOS Public Health and UAC are dedicated to the continuation of Mental Health Week on not only at Utah Asia Campus, but also at other universities within South Korea.

How can you get involved with improving Mental Health Awareness on school campuses?

1. If you would like to implement a Mental Health Awareness Event at your university or educational campus in Korea, email PublicHealth@SouthofSeoul.Net for more details.
2. Are you certified in Mental Health? Become a speaker for our Mental Health Week Q&A Panel. Contact PublicHealth@SouthofSeoul.Net for more details.
3. Become a community partner. Contact PublicHealth@SouthofSeoul.Net for more details.
4. Become a sponsor. Contact PublicHealth@SouthofSeoul.Net for more details.
5. Are you a UAC MPH student interested in Mental Health research? Apply for a practicum with SOS Public Health!

Special Thanks and Recognition

SOS Public Health would like to recoginze the efforts of all UAC volunteers and participants involved in bringing togeher the UAC community during the Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness Week. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our amazing Mental Health Week Volunteer Team. Special Thanks go out to:

• Greta Gokey, Mind U: Mental Health and Wellness Week Founder and Consultant
• Randy McCrillis, UAC Dean of Students
• Molly Kinder, UAC Program Coordinator
• Mind U Q&A Panelists:
  • Jan Lee, IGC Mental Health Counselor
  • Lauren Poindexter, UAC Program Coordinator
  • Norma Jean Belenky, Singer/Songwriter, Podcaster, Illustrator, and Creator of Camp Clarity Women’s Retreats
• UAC Graduate Student Volunteers:
  • Zahra Alsafi
  • Elise Gertsch Bellows
  • Ellena Kim
• UAC Undergraduate Student Volunteers, MCs & Presenters:
  • Kenzi Snowden
  • Maia Jang
  • Joel Atkinson
  • Clara Shin
  • Eunice Kim
  • Lani Anela Young
  • Ina Choi
  • Song Yeong Chae
  • Namjoo Choi
  • Sooyeon Choi
  • Jihyun Park
  • Jamimae Clark
  • Amin Suharwoto
  • Sang Hyeon (Vincent) Choi
  • Gun Sumlut
  • Manolo Gatmaitan
  • Quinn Catolos
  • UAC Student Leadership Consultants

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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.

www.southofseoul.net

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