Help

Medical · legal · school

Where to get help with health, legal, or academic issues

1. Medical · Health · Mental Health

▪Medical emergencies: 119 · Mental health crisis: 109 · 1577-0199

Knowing in advance which number to call in an urgent moment can be a great help. Emergency medical guidance — for when you are sick or injured — has been integrated under 119; mental health crisis counseling, for when things feel overwhelming, is handled by 1577-0199 (24 hours); and suicide prevention crisis counseling is handled by 109 (integrated in 2024). In particular, 119 supports over 20 languages — including English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian, Mongolian, and Uzbek — 24 hours a day through BBB Korea interpretation, so even in situations that are hard to explain in Korean, you can get help in your own language. Remembering just these three numbers prepares you for both medical and emotional emergencies.

For a foreign student who struggles with Korean and suddenly falls ill or feels overwhelmed in the middle of the night, not knowing "who to call" can mean missing the golden hour. All the numbers below are official channels with multilingual interpretation — these are the numbers to remember first in any foreign student medical or health emergency.

Emergency medical guidance has been integrated under 119 since 2022. Mental health crisis counseling is handled by 1577-0199 (24 hours), and suicide prevention crisis counseling by 109 (integrated January 2024, formerly 1393). General infectious disease and illness inquiries are still handled by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency at 1339.

Emergency Medical 119 Mental Health Crisis 1577-0199 Suicide Prevention 109

Medical & Health Emergency Numbers at a Glance

NumberServiceHoursMultilingualWhen to call
119Fire · Emergency Medical · Ambulance24 hoursBBB Korea 3-way foreign language interpretation (English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and 20+ languages)Unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, major trauma, burns
1339Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Call Center (infectious disease & illness info)Weekdays 9 AM–6 PM (24 hours during infectious disease outbreaks)Mainly Korean (limited English)Suspected infectious disease, general inquiries about tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other illnesses
1577-0199Mental Health Crisis Counseling (Ministry of Health and Welfare)24 hours, 365 daysMainly Korean (interpretation available upon request)Severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, mental health crisis
109Suicide Prevention Counseling (Ministry of Health and Welfare, formerly 1393)24 hours, 365 daysMainly KoreanSuicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, extreme hopelessness
1345Immigration Information Center for Foreigners (Ministry of Justice)Weekdays 9 AM–10 PM20 languages (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Uzbek, Mongolian, and more)Finding hospitals and pharmacies, health insurance and medical cost inquiries (not direct medical care)

Major Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients (International Clinics)

Seoul — Major General Hospitals

Seoul National University Hospital International Clinic (English, Chinese, Mongolian, Russian, Arabic), Yonsei Severance Hospital International Clinic (English, Japanese), Samsung Seoul Hospital International Clinic, Asan Medical Center International Clinic. When booking, ask for the "international clinic" and an interpretation coordinator will assist you.

Busan & Gyeongsang Region

Pusan National University Hospital International Clinic, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, and Inje University Busan Paik Hospital all have foreign patient coordinators. English, Chinese, and Russian support available.

Daegu & Honam Region

Kyungpook National University Hospital International Clinic, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Chonnam National University Hospital International Clinic, and Chonbuk National University Hospital. At least one international clinic operates in each regional area.

Smaller Cities — Primary Care

In areas without an international clinic, the recommended approach is: campus health center → 1345 interpretation → local public health center or neighborhood clinic. Call 1345 and say "I'm looking for a clinic that speaks [your language] in [city name]."

How to Get to the Emergency Room (119 Call Procedure)

Call 119 → If you don't speak Korean, just speak in English

The operator will ask "English?" or automatically connect you to a BBB Korea interpreter. Interpretation in approximately 20 languages — including English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian, Mongolian, and Uzbek — is available 24 hours. Just clearly state three things: your name, current location (address or nearest building), and symptoms.

Ambulance Costs

119 ambulances operated by the fire department are free (regardless of nationality). However, private ambulances, if called, are paid (typically 70,000–150,000 KRW depending on distance and time), and emergency room treatment fees are separate.

Emergency rooms are open 24 hours, but a "non-emergency surcharge" applies if your condition is not a true emergency. For mild colds or indigestion, visiting a neighborhood clinic the next day (weekdays 9 AM–6 PM) is better in both cost and time.

National Health Insurance — Mandatory Enrollment for Foreign Students

Foreign students have been required to enroll in National Health Insurance since 2019. Holders of D-2 (study) and D-4 (elementary/middle/high school) visas are automatically enrolled on the date of alien registration, and D-4 (general training) visa holders are automatically enrolled after 6 months in Korea.

  • Monthly premium (2026) — approximately 79,320 KRW/month for foreign students (based on Ministry of Health and Welfare notice)
  • Payment date — the 25th of each month (automatic transfer, virtual account, or convenience store payment available)
  • Benefits — approx. 40–70% of outpatient costs and approx. 80% of inpatient costs covered by the insurance (same as Korean nationals)
  • If unpaid — penalties when extending your visa or re-entering Korea. Automatic card debit is recommended.

Out-of-Pocket vs. Insured Treatment — Cost Comparison

ItemWith health insurance (enrolled students)Out-of-pocket (not enrolled / not covered)
Cold treatment at neighborhood clinicApprox. 5,000–8,000 KRWApprox. 20,000–40,000 KRW
Basic emergency room visitApprox. 50,000–100,000 KRWApprox. 300,000–800,000 KRW
One-night inpatient stay (general ward)Approx. 100,000–200,000 KRWApprox. 600,000–1,500,000 KRW
MRI (single scan)Approx. 300,000–700,000 KRW (with partial insurance coverage)Approx. 700,000–1,500,000 KRW
Prescription medication (3-day cold medicine)Approx. 3,000–6,000 KRWApprox. 15,000–30,000 KRW

Using a Pharmacy — Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Medications

Medications Requiring a Prescription

Antibiotics, blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, psychiatric drugs, sleeping pills, and similar medications require a doctor's prescription from a hospital before they can be purchased at a pharmacy. Prescriptions are typically valid for 3 days from the date of issue (including weekends).

Medications Available Without a Prescription

Digestive aids, pain relievers (Tylenol, ibuprofen), combination cold medicine, antiseptics, and bandages can all be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. Some basic OTC medications (Tylenol, digestive aids) are also sold at convenience stores 24 hours a day.

When Communication with the Pharmacist Is Difficult

Pharmacies near universities and international clinics often have English-speaking staff. In other areas, try showing a written note with your symptoms in Korean (e.g., "두통·코막힘·기침" = headache, stuffy nose, cough), or call 1345 to request a three-way interpreter. Medications brought from your home country are difficult for Korean pharmacists to verify by ingredient, so if possible, it is safer to get a new Korean doctor's prescription for the equivalent medication.

Mental Health Counseling — School, Community, and Government Channels

Campus Student Counseling Center

Most junior colleges and universities operate a free on-campus student counseling center (or student life counseling office). Sessions are typically 50 minutes, with 8–12 free sessions per semester. More schools are now offering English-speaking counselors. Confidentiality is guaranteed, with no impact on visa or academic records.

Regional Mental Health Welfare Centers

There is a Mental Health Welfare Center in every city, county, and district across the country. Calling 1577-0199 will connect you to the center nearest to your residence. Free counseling, medical referrals, and medication support are all available.

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family · Danuri

Female international students can receive counseling for domestic violence, sexual violence, and psychological issues through the Danuri Call Center 1577-1366 (24 hours, multilingual). Crisis shelter referrals are also available.

Multilingual Mental Health Counseling for Foreigners

  • 1577-0199 + interpretation — Ask the Korean-speaking counselor for "English please" and they will attempt to connect a BBB interpreter
  • Danuri 1577-1366 — 13 languages (English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Mongolian, Russian, Uzbek, Thai, and more) 24 hours
  • 1345 Immigration Information Center for Foreigners — Provides information on psychiatric and psychological counseling services, interpretation available
  • School Office of International Affairs (OIA) — Referrals to English-speaking counselors and foreigner-friendly psychiatric clinics affiliated with the school

"Where Should I Go?" Decision Guide by Symptom

Fever & Cold

Below 38°C + typical cold symptoms → neighborhood internal medicine clinic (weekdays 9 AM–6 PM). 39°C or above + difficulty breathing → emergency room (119). Evenings and weekends: search for a Moonlight Children's Hospital (pediatric).

Stomach Pain & Indigestion

Mild stomach pain → pharmacy digestive aid + visit an internal medicine or family medicine clinic the next day. Severe pain, vomiting, or bloody stool → emergency room (119).

Trauma & Fractures

Minor abrasions → antiseptic and bandages from a pharmacy. Bleeding that won't stop, visible bone, or head injury → immediately call 119 → emergency room. Sports injuries → orthopedic clinic.

Mental Health Difficulties

Everyday stress or mild depression → campus student counseling center. Inability to sleep or loss of appetite for 2+ weeks → Mental Health Welfare Center (1577-0199). Suicidal thoughts → call 109 immediately.

Frequently asked questions

You can still receive medical treatment, but you will have to pay the full cost out of pocket, which — as shown in the comparison table above — can be 3 to 6 times higher than with insurance. Since the law was revised to make foreign students (D-2 and D-4 degree programs) automatically enrolled on the date of alien registration, even if you think you "didn't sign up," there is a good chance you are already enrolled. Call the National Health Insurance Service's dedicated foreign line 033-811-2000 (multilingual) first to check your enrollment status and any unpaid premiums. If unpaid premiums accumulate, there will be penalties when you extend your visa or re-enter Korea.

A neighborhood "internal medicine clinic" or "family medicine clinic" is the cheapest and fastest option (weekday 9 AM–6 PM, consultation fee 5,000–8,000 KRW + prescription 3,000–5,000 KRW with insurance). Emergency rooms add surcharges for non-emergency patients and have long wait times. If you must see a doctor in the evening or on weekends, search Naver Maps for "야간진료" (after-hours clinic) or "달빛어린이병원" (Moonlight Children's Hospital, for pediatric cases). For mild symptoms, OTC medications from the pharmacy (Tylenol, combination cold medicine) are often sufficient.

Visiting a psychiatrist (department of psychiatry) for common depression, anxiety, or insomnia does not directly affect your D-2 visa extension, D-10 transition, or E-7 work visa. Korea's Immigration and Foreign Affairs Office does not automatically receive medical records, and your medical information is not shared with outside parties without your consent (Personal Information Protection Act). However, cases involving severe psychiatric conditions requiring involuntary hospitalization or those processed as drug offenses are separate matters. You can feel safe seeking outpatient treatment. If Korean is a barrier, the recommended path is: school counseling center → referral to an English-speaking psychiatrist.

Bringing it in is possible (for personal use, generally up to a 3-month supply). However, when you run out, it is difficult to purchase the exact same medication at a Korean pharmacy. Since drug ingredients, dosages, and brand names often differ between Korea and your home country, the safest approach is to show your home country's medication to a Korean doctor and get a new Korean prescription for the equivalent ingredient. For controlled substances and psychotropic drugs (some sleeping pills and sedatives), you must bring an English copy of your prescription when entering Korea, and you are expected to obtain a new prescription in Korea. For more details, contact the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's Nedrug portal (nedrug.mfds.go.kr) or call 1345.

3. School & Academic Issues

School problems are visa problems — go to the International Affairs Office (OIA) first

For international students, a school problem is, in effect, a visa problem. Decisions such as attendance rate, grades, leave of absence, and withdrawal are directly tied to your D-2/D-4 visa residency status, so a choice made casually could create serious trouble for your stay. That is why, before making any decision, you should first consult the school's International Affairs Office (OIA) and confirm in advance how that choice might affect your immigration status. The OIA is the on-campus office that best understands the circumstances of international students; it reviews both the visa side and the academic side together and guides you toward a safe path. Rather than judging on your own, knocking on its door first is the safest move.

1
Department Head Interview

File an objection within 1–2 weeks of receiving an academic warning

2
OIA Consultation

Confirm impact on D-2 extension

3
Recovery Plan

Prepare in writing with your academic advisor

4
Consider Leave of Absence

Consider a leave of absence before withdrawal

5
Appeal Filing

Within 7–14 days of receiving an expulsion decision

Most problems international students face at school are directly linked to their D-2/D-4 visa. Poor attendance, academic warnings, leaves of absence, and withdrawal are not simply "school matters" — they are situations where residency status is at risk. Therefore, before making any decision, you must consult with the school's International Affairs Office (OIA) and confirm in advance any potential impact on immigration.

For problems within school, the first place to go is the "International Affairs Office."
The School's Office of International Affairs (OIA) handles all academic, residency, and daily life matters for international students. It is more familiar with the circumstances of international students than the departmental office, and it also serves as the liaison with immigration authorities.

5 Common School Problems

1. Poor Attendance

Most schools give an F grade for attendance below 70–75%. International students' attendance records are reported to immigration authorities and can directly affect residency status. When you are sick or absent due to circumstances in your home country, submit a written explanation and medical certificate to your department in advance.

2. Grades & Academic Warning

An academic warning is issued if your semester GPA is generally below 1.75–2.0. Two consecutive warnings or three cumulative warnings put you at risk of expulsion. Academic warnings can also affect the review for extending a residency period for international students, making consultation with the department head and International Affairs Office essential.

3. Unpaid Tuition

Unpaid tuition results in restrictions on course enrollment, withheld grades, and suspension of student status. Many schools offer installment payments, scholarships, and international student support funds, so consult with your department or OIA in advance. Applying for installment payments is far better than falling behind on payments.

4. Dormitory Issues

Roommate conflicts, cleanliness disputes, refusal of dormitory fee refunds, forced eviction. Violations of dormitory rules (smoking, drinking, unauthorized overnight stays) are immediate grounds for eviction. For disputes, raise objections in the order: dormitory supervisor → student affairs office → school human rights center.

5. Conflicts with Professors or Teaching Assistants

Dissatisfaction with grade evaluation, unreasonable assignment demands, language or cultural discrimination, sexual harassment. Informal consultation within the department → department head → student affairs office → human rights center. Record all conversations via KakaoTalk or email whenever possible.

Procedure for Academic Warning or Expulsion Risk (5 Steps)

1

Request a meeting with the department head

When you receive an academic warning, first request a meeting with the department head (or departmental office). There may be remedies at the department level, such as a grade recovery plan, a re-examination, or supplemental assignments. There is usually a deadline of 1–2 weeks from the date of notice to file an objection, so you need to act quickly.

2

Consult with the International Affairs Office (OIA)

Confirm with the OIA how the academic warning might affect your D-2 visa extension. The OIA is the best source to accurately know the academic information reported to immigration, the extension review criteria, and the outcomes of similar student cases in the past.

3

Develop a recovery plan with your academic advisor

Work with your academic advisor to create a recovery plan for the next semester (course adjustments, GPA targets, academic support, etc.) in writing. This becomes key material for the appeal application.

4

Consider a leave of absence

If recovery seems difficult, consider a leave of absence before withdrawal. However, note that a leave of absence temporarily suspends D-2 visa residency status, so departure from Korea is the principle. You must comprehensively weigh the possibility of returning the following semester and the financial burden.

5

Appeal filing / Review request

If an expulsion decision is made, file a remedial appeal (review request) according to the school's academic regulations. The deadline is usually 7–14 days after the notice. Submit the academic warning notice, appeal application, and explanatory statement together, and if necessary, consult with Legal Home Doctor or 132.

Leave of Absence / Return to School Procedures (Impact on D-2 Visa)

When an international student takes a leave of absence, their D-2 visa residency status is effectively suspended, making departure from Korea the principle (per Immigration Control Act operations). Some schools have allowed students to remain in limited cases of short-term leaves for "school-recognized reasons" through OIA coordination with immigration, but this is not automatic.

  • Leave of absence application — Apply at the departmental office or school portal. International students must notify the OIA in advance
  • Immigration notification — Report the leave of absence to the competent immigration office within 14 days (notification of change in place of residence and status)
  • Departure or status change — Departure is the principle. Short-term leaves are handled on a case-by-case basis through OIA and immigration coordination
  • Return to school — Apply for reinstatement before the start of the returning semester + confirm validity of alien registration card + re-apply for visa if necessary

Visa, Refund, and Future Impact Upon Withdrawal

  • Visa validity — D-2 visa residency status immediately lapses upon withdrawal. Generally, voluntary notification within 14 days followed by departure or a status change is required
  • Tuition refund — Refund ratios apply per school regulations and the Higher Education Act Enforcement Decree. For withdrawal within 1/6 of the school days, 5/6 is refunded, with progressive deductions thereafter (varies by school)
  • Scholarships & dormitory fees — Depending on the school, an obligation to return some amounts may arise. Check the contract in advance
  • Future impact — Withdrawal itself does not automatically disqualify you from re-enrollment, transferring to another school, or obtaining a work visa in the future. However, if you remain in Korea illegally without voluntarily departing, re-entry restrictions will apply. Triple-check with 132, 1345, and OIA before making a decision

Reporting Human Rights Violations & Sexual Harassment on Campus

  • School Human Rights Center (or Gender Equality Center) — First point of contact for on-campus discrimination, sexual harassment, and bullying. Reports can be made regardless of whether you are a student or faculty member; confidentiality is guaranteed
  • Student Affairs Office / Student Counseling Center — For schools without a human rights center, the student affairs office is the first point of contact
  • National Human Rights Commission 1331 — If unresolved at the school level, you can file an external complaint. Weekdays 9:00–18:00 (excluding lunch 12:00–13:00)
  • Danuri 1577-1366 — 24-hour multilingual counseling for sexual harassment and sexual violence against female international students
  • Police 112 / 117 (School Violence Reporting) — For criminal matters, report immediately

School Administrative Procedures & Document Issuance

Documents that international students frequently obtain include English enrollment certificates, graduation certificates, and academic transcripts. These are needed for almost all situations including visa extension, employment, and home country academic credential recognition.

  • Print from the school portal — Most school portals allow immediate printing of English-language certificates. School seals are digitally applied
  • Direct issuance from the school administrative office — Paper originals and originals eligible for apostille are issued by the administrative office or registrar's office
  • Apostille / Consular certification — Graduation certificates for submission to your home country require a Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille (www.0404.go.kr) or home country consular certification
  • Issuance time — English-language documents are available on weekdays 9:00–17:00, and may take 1–3 days depending on the school. Processing takes longer during graduation seasons (February and August)

Academic Support Outside School — Tutors, Mentors & External Resources

  • School tutoring programs — Almost all junior colleges and universities run free 1:1 tutoring programs where Korean students tutor international students. Apply at the OIA
  • Korean language assistant / buddy programs — Operated by individual departments and OIA. Recruitment is done right after the start of each semester
  • Sejong Institute Korean language courses — Free or low-cost Korean language supplementary courses outside of school (www.sejonghakdang.org)
  • KOSIS · National Statistics Portal — Korean statistical data needed for reports and papers. KOSTAT is the official name of the Statistics Korea agency
  • Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI) · Education Statistics Service (kess.kedi.re.kr) — Data on schools, majors, and employment rates

Guide for Handling Conflicts with Professors

  • Step 1 · Direct conversation — Request a 1:1 meeting with the professor and calmly convey your position. Keep records of emails and KakaoTalk messages
  • Step 2 · Department head meeting — If direct conversation doesn't resolve the issue, request mediation from the department head. Clearly stating that you are an international student can result in the assignment of an interpreter or mediator
  • Step 3 · Change of academic advisor — If there is a serious conflict in dissertation or research guidance, a change of academic advisor is possible with the department head's approval
  • Step 4 · School Human Rights Center — For discrimination, sexual harassment, or verbal violence, file a formal report with the Human Rights Center. Confidentiality and anti-retaliation principles apply
  • Step 5 · National Human Rights Commission 1331 — If unresolved within the school, an external complaint can be filed

Note: Record all conversations with Korean + native language notes whenever possible, and it is safer to have a friend or interpreter present to avoid one-on-one situations.

How to Use the School's International Affairs Office (OIA)

CategoryWhat OIA can doWhat OIA cannot do
Visa & ResidencyD-2 extension guidance, alien registration guidance, immigration accompaniment, academic certificate issuanceDirect visa issuance, overturning immigration decisions
Academic IssuesDepartment mediation, arranging professor meetings, Korean interpretation supportChanging grades or academic decisions
Legal & DisputesInitial guidance, referral to external attorneys and 132Attorney representation, court appearances
Daily LifeDormitory, banking, telecommunications, insurance guidance; interpretation in emergenciesFinancial support, personal identity guarantees
Medical & Mental HealthHospital referrals, guidance on English-speaking counselors, connection to mental health welfare centersMedical diagnosis or treatment decisions

Frequently asked questions

Because the D-2 visa is issued on the premise of being "enrolled as a regular student at school," taking a leave of absence eliminates the grounds for residency status, and you are in principle required to depart. There are cases where short-term leaves recognized by the school (illness, family circumstances, etc.) have allowed some students to remain through OIA coordination and advance immigration notification, but this is not automatically guaranteed. Before deciding to take a leave of absence, make sure to complete all three steps: ① OIA consultation ② 1345 immigration consultation ③ Advance inquiry to the competent immigration office. Remaining in Korea without reporting the leave of absence to immigration authorities can constitute illegal stay.

Consult with your department or OIA before falling behind on payments. You can apply for: ① Installment payment (split into 2–4 payments; operated by most schools) ② On-campus scholarships (many schools have scholarships specifically for international students) ③ Tuition installment agreement, among other options. If the registration is cancelled due to late payment, it can directly affect your D-2 visa and the re-registration process becomes complicated. If you are facing temporary difficulties due to circumstances in your home country, taking a one-semester leave of absence and returning the following semester is often safer than withdrawal.

Yes, it is possible. Withdrawal itself is not an automatic disqualification for future enrollment or transfer in Korea. However, ① When applying to a new school, submission of transcripts and a withdrawal certificate from the previous school is required; ② if the reason for withdrawal was an academic warning or expulsion, it may be disadvantageous in the new school's review; and ③ to remain in Korea after withdrawal, another valid visa (D-4 language study, D-2 enrollment, etc.) is required. The cleanest path is to return to your home country and apply for a new D-2 from there. Confirm future scenarios with the OIA and immigration authorities before making a decision.

For simple disagreements, first try to resolve them internally within the department or club. If it escalates to discrimination, bullying, or violence, escalate in the following order: Student Affairs Office (or Student Counseling Center) → School Human Rights Center → National Human Rights Commission (1331). In Korea, "records" are a decisive factor in disputes, so secure KakaoTalk messages, emails, texts, and CCTV footage in advance. Whenever possible, have a friend or interpreter present to avoid one-on-one situations. Physical violence, financial extortion, and sexual violence should be reported immediately to 112, separate from school procedures. If you felt discriminated against because you are a foreigner, the National Human Rights Commission 1331 can connect you with an interpreter.
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