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.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Primary Researcher & Author
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.
