Not sure / General

6 questions · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

questions

• Which department should I see for wanting a detailed medical examination?
  Internal Medicine (내과) is generally the first department to visit when you want a comprehensive or detailed medical examination, as it covers a broad range of organ systems and can coordinate further specialist referrals. If your concern is specific to one body area — such as the heart, digestive tract, or nervous system — you may be directed to a relevant subspecialty department after an initial consultation.
• Which department should I see for needing inpatient treatment?
  When inpatient treatment is needed, the relevant specialty department — such as Internal Medicine(내과), Surgery(외과), Orthopedics(정형외과), or Neurology(신경과) — is generally determined by the underlying condition that requires hospitalization. In most cases, a doctor at a primary clinic or emergency room first evaluates your condition and then issues a referral to the appropriate inpatient department at a hospital or tertiary medical center.
• Which department should I see for aches in several places and not knowing which department to see?
  Internal Medicine(내과) or Family Medicine(가정의학과) is generally the first place to go when you have pain or discomfort in multiple areas and are unsure where to start. These departments are designed to assess the whole body, sort out possible causes, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Depending on what the doctor finds, you may be directed to departments such as Orthopedics(정형외과), Neurology(신경과), or Rheumatology(류마티스내과).
• Which department should I see for a regular health checkup?
  For a regular health checkup in Korea, Internal Medicine(내과) is generally the first department to visit, as it oversees comprehensive screenings covering major organ systems. Depending on your age, sex, or specific concerns, you may be guided toward departments such as Family Medicine(가정의학과) or referred onward to a specialist after initial results are reviewed.
• Which department should I see for being told you need surgery?
  The department you should visit depends entirely on the body part or condition that requires surgery — for example, Orthopedics(정형외과) for bones and joints, General Surgery(외과) for abdominal organs, or Neurosurgery(신경외과) for the spine or brain. If you have already been told surgery is needed by a doctor, that same doctor or their department will usually coordinate next steps, including referral to a surgical specialist if needed. In cases where you are seeking a second opinion or your first consultation about a surgical recommendation, start with the department most closely related to the affected body part.
• Which department should I see for sudden illness needing prompt care?
  When you fall suddenly ill and are unsure which department to visit, Internal Medicine(내과) is generally the first stop for most adults, as it covers a wide range of acute symptoms such as fever, nausea, chest discomfort, and general weakness. Depending on what the doctor finds, you may be referred to a more specialized department, or in some cases directed to the Emergency Room(응급실) if the situation is urgent.

Find a clinic (external directories)

• Hospital directory by region (koreahospital.org)