[Interview] A Trusted Partner for a More Comfortable Medical Tourism: Medical Facilitators Assanali (12) from Kazakhstan, who underwent brain tumor treatment, and his aunt, Aiym (34) For patients facing serious illnesses, the real struggle often comes from practical challenges. From the moment they decide on treatment, they are immediately faced with a flood of critical choices that can’t be taken lightly. If the treatment involves surgery abroad with a long period, the worries double. Concerns about visas, location and condition of accommodation, and finding an interpreter can make the process even more daunting. That’s where medical facilitators come in. In Korea, they act as guides and partners, making sure international patients get the best possible care without difficulty. They don’t just connect patients with hospitals—they also assist with accommodation, flight bookings, interpretation services, managing the entire medical tourism from start to finish. To learn more, we spoke with Assanali (12) from Kazakhstan, who received brain tumor treatment in Korea, and his next of kin, Aiym (34), about their experience with a medical facilitator. Assanali, who received brain tumor treatment in Korea two years ago Q. Hello, please tell us briefly about yourselves. Assanali: Hello, my name is Assanali. I’m 12 years old and from Kazakhstan. Two years ago, I underwent brain tumor treatment in Korea. Aiym: I’m Aiym, Assanali’s aunt. I first came to Korea for my nephew’s treatment, and that connection led me to stay—I’m now studying here. Q. It must have been tough at such a young age. How is your health now? Assanali: I’m healthy enough to play soccer with my friends now. Lately, I’ve been learning a traditional Kazakh instrument because there are so many things I want to try! Aiym: Since his treatment ended in November 2022, we’ve been coming to Korea once a year for MRI check-ups. Typically, patients are monitored for five years after treatment, and now there’s not much time left in that period. Thinking about everything my beloved nephew has been through, I’m so proud of him, and I already feel a great sense of relief. Aiym, who always accompanies her nephew to Korea Q. It can be difficult to diagnose at a young age. How did you find out about the brain tumor? Aiym: One day, my nephew came to me complaining of a severe headache. He also said he still felt sleepy even after getting a full night’s rest. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but then I noticed something was wrong with his left arm and face. His left fingers and facial muscles weren’t moving properly, so I rushed him to the hospital. After a CT scan, we got the diagnosis—it was a brain tumor. My heart sank. I knew the treatment would be incredibly hard, especially for a 10-year-old child. Q. You traveled a long way for treatment. What led you to choose Korea? Aiym: As a doctor myself, the moment my nephew was diagnosed, my first thought was how to get him the best and fastest treatment. While surgery was possible in Kazakhstan, I wanted him to receive care in a country with a more advanced medical system. Around that time, a friend mentioned that their child had been treated in Korea for a different disease, which caught my attention. I also recalled senior colleagues from my hospital who had done training in Korea—they always spoke highly of the medical system there. That gave me confidence in choosing Korea for his treatment. Korea’s medical facilitators assign 24/7 support staff to provide dedicated one-on-one care Medical facilitators connect international patients with professional medical interpretersⓒMedical Avenue Q. Language barriers can make undergoing surgery in a foreign country even more challenging. How did you handle this? Aiym: At first, I did a lot of online research and consulted senior colleagues for advice. Eventually, I reached out to the mother whose child had been treated in Korea. I initially thought she had managed everything on her own—visa applications, hospital appointments—but I soon discovered she had assistance from a medical facilitator. Given the urgency, I got their contact and called right away. From the moment we spoke, the representative listened attentively to my concerns and even reassured me that my nephew would recover, offering words of encouragement. Honestly, it felt like a therapy session! (laughs) Their kindness and understanding gave me confidence that they would handle my nephew’s treatment with exceptional care. Korea’s medical facilitators provide services from flight bookings to accommodation and interpreter arrangements Q. What kind of support did you receive from the medical facilitator? Aiym: If I had arranged everything on my own, there would have been an overwhelming number of things to prepare—hospital appointments, flight tickets, accommodation, hiring an interpreter—all while making sure everything aligned with the treatment schedule. But with the facilitator’s help, everything was so much easier. They assisted with visa applications and paperwork, and even guided us through entry procedures when we arrived in Korea, which was a huge relief. At the time, COVID-19 restrictions were still in place, meaning we had to go through a quarantine period. The facilitator carefully planned every step, from hospitalization and tests to surgery and follow-up treatments, ensuring there were no gaps in the schedule. They even booked us a place to stay after discharge, so our whole family could focus entirely on my nephew’s recovery. Services Provided by Medical Facilitators in Korea for International Patients Medical Consultation & Appointment Booking - Assistance with medical consultations and hospital reservations for international patients Professional Medical Interpreters - Support from medical interpreters to help smooth communication with medical staff Airport Pickup & Transportation - Safe and convenient transportation from the airport to hospitals and accommodations Accommodation & Tour Packages - Accommodation reservations and sightseeing programs for a comfortable stay during treatment Medical Billing & Insurance Coordination - Assistance with hospital bill settlement and coordination with home country insurance providers Post-Treatment Care & Remote Consultations - Ongoing health support through remote consultations even after treatment Customized Meals & Care Services - Personalized meal options for patients (Halal, vegetarian, etc.) and caregiver support Q. What service were you most satisfied with? Assanali: The interpreter! Neither my aunt nor I speak Korean, but thanks to the interpreter, we were able to communicate everything we needed to the doctors and nurses. Assanali: Exactly. Without the interpreter, we would have been scrambling through translation apps just to answer the doctors' basic questions. As a doctor myself, I sometimes struggled to understand certain Korean medical procedures or treatment methods, but the interpreter explained everything clearly, which was a huge help. Most importantly, there were times when we needed urgent translation in the late evenings or early mornings, and I was really grateful that I could easily reach the interpreter by phone or messenger. The interpreter also helped us with things like buying and recharging a transportation card or getting a taxi when we went out. Thanks to her help, we didn’t face any inconvenience during our stay in Korea. Halloween event for pediatric patients—‘A Day for All to Be Winners’ⓒMedical Avenue Enjoying a fall picnic at Yeouido Hangang ParkⓒMedical Avenue Q. You must have become very close through this experience. Are there any moments that stand out to you? Assanali: I really enjoyed getting snacks and gifts at the hospital. Staying there was boring, and getting injections was tough, but eating delicious Korean food and playing with toy cars made it fun. Oh, and spending time with the interpreter was really memorable too! We even celebrated my birthday twice and went on a picnic to the Hangang River together. If I visit Korea again, I definitely want to go back there. Aiym: The treatment process was long, so we had to stay in the hospital for a long time, and to make matters worse, it coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it even more difficult. There were many difficult and frustrating moments in the hospital, but the facilitator supported us in so many thoughtful ways, from bringing food to preparing small gifts. They even took us and other young patients to famous restaurants and sightseeing spots in Seoul, which was a much-needed break. Like my nephew, I’ll never forget the autumn picnic at the Hangang River. Being in a hospital, you’re constantly surrounded by sick patients, and it’s easy to focus on the difficult moments. But seeing the sunlight glimmer on the river and people smiling around us helped me reset my mindset. It wasn’t just about the interpretation—the facilitator truly cared for us emotionally as well, and I’m so grateful for that. Yeouido Hangang Park Location: Hangang Office Yeouido Information Center, 330 Yeouidong-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Open 24 hours Contact: +82-2-3780-0561 Website: Yeouido Hangang Park Assanali, who has many fond memories of Korea Q. Hearing all this, I wonder—what was your favorite Korean food? Assanali: Galbi Soup! I love it because it's full of meat. Aiym: He really does! (laughs) We frequently visited a well-known Galbi Soup restaurant in Sinchon. Even now, every time we visit Korea, he keeps asking to have it again. Q. I heard you’re currently studying in Korea. Was your decision inspired by your nephew’s treatment? Aiym: Yes, it did. During our time at the hospital, I learned so much. Observing my nephew’s treatment and experiencing Korea’s medical system firsthand taught me a great deal as a doctor. It also motivated me to learn Korean, so now I’m studying at a language institute. After finishing the program, I’d love to continue learning—whether in graduate school or at a Korean hospital. But Korean is really difficult, so sometimes I feel like just going back home. (laughs) Q. Was there anything about the hospital that left a strong impression on you? Aiym: Korea is already known for its advanced medical technology, but what really stood out to me was that the medical staff never settled for what they had. They were constantly learning new techniques and improving their facilities with the latest equipment. It was amazing to see noticeable advancements even during the short time we stayed in Korea for his treatment. Another thing that impressed me was how kind and caring the doctors and nurses were. Their work is highly demanding, yet they still went out of their way to help the children feel at ease—organizing parties, cultural events, and even giving small gifts. As a fellow medical professional, I found it truly inspiring. Healing both body and mind through treatment in KoreaⓒMedical Avenue Q. It seems like your treatment experience in Korea had a positive impact. Did it change how you see Korea? Assanali: Yes! Before, the only thing I knew about Korea was taekwondo, but now I know so much more. Galbi Soup, the Hangang River, and kind people—these are all great memories for me. When I grow up, I want to study abroad in Korea. Aiym: Absolutely. I think it’s because of how kind Koreans are. When we stayed in a five-person hospital room, I was worried since we didn’t speak the language and were in a foreign country. But the other family members approached us first, inviting us to eat with them. They even gave my nephew little gifts like banana milk. I had heard about the deep sense of connection in Korean culture, but experiencing it firsthand made me realize just how caring and generous people here truly are. Aiym and the medical facilitator, who provided 24/7 support for Assanali Sharing joyful moments while receiving treatment in Korea Q. Assanali, you first came to Korea through a recommendation as well. Would you recommend a medical facilitator to those interested in Korean healthcare services? Aiym: Definitely! In fact, I already recommend it to many people around me. Some were hesitant at first because they weren’t familiar with the service, but I quickly reassured them. When you travel abroad for treatment, there are so many things you can’t manage alone, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Having a facilitator by your side makes a huge difference emotionally. Some people were skeptical at first, but once I explained how reassuring it is to have someone handling everything—even staying by your side 24/7 at the hospital—they were really interested. Q. You’ve been through so much over the past two years with your treatment. More than anything, we’re glad to see you healthy again. Before we wrap up, is there anyone you’d like to say a special thank you to? Assanali: My aunt helped me a lot when I was sick, and thanks to her, I was able to stay strong. Thank you, Auntie! Aiym: Honestly, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t hard. But just looking at my nephew always made everything feel okay. Even when he must have been exhausted from being sick, he still ate well, smiled, and played like any other kid. Seeing that gave me strength without even realizing it. So, Assanali, stay just as bright, happy, and healthy as you are now! *This content was produced with the support of Medical Avenue. Medical Avenue, a medical facilitator in KoreaⓒMedical Avenue Medical Avenue Location: #1433, 14F, 144 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Mapo T-Town) Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 (Lunch hour 13:00 – 14:00, Last registration 17:30) / Closed Wednesday and Sunday --> Contact: (WhatsApp) +82-10-2449-0215, (Korean Office) +82-2-6374-6871, (USA Call Center) +1-209-231-8931 Website: https://www.medicalavenuekorea.com/en/ Severance HospitalⓒSeverance Hospital Severance Hospital Location: 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:30 – 17:30 (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays), Emergency Care Available 24/7 Contact: +82-2-2228-5800 Website: https://sev.severance.healthcare/sev-en/index.do Caution!! This content is designed to provide medical information about Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization does not endorse or recommend any specific hospital. Please note that the effectiveness and side effects of the provided medical information may vary by individual. It is strongly advised to consult with a doctor before receiving medical treatment. 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

[Interview] The Antiaging Skin Solution for Those Longing for Youth, Full Facelift Surgery “This article is written to provide general information and may not apply to specific individuals. The medical results or side effects of the medical services and treatments may vary by individual. Make sure to consult a specialist before proceeding with any treatments.” An Maria from Sakhalin, Russia If you are middle-aged, you may have looked in the mirror and thought – “Where did the time pass?” Even though wrinkles come naturally with age, just as trees grow rings as they age, it doesn’t mean it is something you are happy with when you see them. An Maria (53) from Sakhalin, Russia also considered wrinkles and aging skin troublesome concerns. However, she is enjoying energetic days with a much younger-looking face thanks to aesthetic correction surgery, “full facelift surgery”, something she happened upon by chance. Let’s ask her about the full facelift surgery that restored her self-esteem, which was lowered due to aging. We will also talk to her about the tourist attractions she enjoyed visiting in Korea. Full facelift surgery improves sagging skin and wrinkles Q. Hello, please tell us briefly about yourself. Hello, my name is An Maria. I live in Sakhalin, Russia. I often come to Busan, Korea where my husband’s parents live. This time I came for a regular check-up. Q. Can you tell us why you need a regular check-up? I had a full facelift surgery one year ago. This year I am 53. To be honest, it is natural for wrinkles to deepen and for skin to sag as we get older, right? It is an aging process that everyone goes through but I couldn’t help feeling sad whenever I looked in the mirror. I couldn’t even smile freely because I hated people around me to see my wrinkles. I considered getting surgery for a long time and finally got the surgery one year ago. Patients who undergo full facelift surgery are highly satisfied because the results before and after the surgery are clearly visible Q. We are unfamiliar with full facelift surgery. Can you tell us what kind of surgery it is? Sure. I researched thoroughly before the surgery, so I can explain it as well as a professional. Put simply, a full facelift surgery makes an incision and removes excess skin. Then it pulls the skin and the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer that becomes loose from aging. It is excellent for improving wrinkles and sagging skin and trims the overall shape of the face. This is a major surgery and brings visible results afterward. It is well-known to be a highly satisfying surgery. But you must consider it carefully. It involves high physical risk as the incision extends from the scalp above the ear to behind the ear. You may experience dermal necrosis or sensory abnormality depending on the operating surgeon’s skill and your luck. It is definitely not a surgery to be taken lightly. Full facelift surgery is particularly popular among women in their 50s and 60s Q. What prompted you to get the full facelift surgery despite the possible risks? I was tired of the endless battle with aging. I started getting Botox and fillers regularly when my skin started to sag visibly. There were times when I was not satisfied with the treatments, but I was satisfied and happy for a few months when the sagging skin improved. But it came back again after some time. Have you heard that the more Botox you get the less effective it becomes? I felt like I was repeating meaningless efforts. Then I heard that full facelift surgeries last longer and the results are better than other lifting procedures available. I decided that if I was going to do it, then getting proper surgery would save time and money eventually. SHE’s Plastic Surgery is an excellent medical institution for international patients designated by the Ministry of Justice and a leader of medical tourism in Busan. Q. Why did you decide to have surgery in Korea and not in Russia? It varies by hospitals and surgeons, however, Russia may have excellent medical technologies but the quality of its medical services cannot be compared to Korea. I have suffered greatly from unprofessional medical treatments in Russia. I had two surgeries, which were recommended to me, but they were unnecessary compared to the severity of my disease. The surgeries gave me a hard time because I did not recover completely. The outdated facility and unfriendly staff were displeasing as well. Then I accompanied my mother-in-law to her doctor appointments several times in Korea and I was astonished. The doctors on average had good skills and you don’t need repeat consultations. The nurses and staff members were friendly and they don’t make you feel displeased. Most of all, I liked that they have a good reservation system. You don’t need to waste unnecessary time. SHE’s Plastic Surgery is an excellent medical institution for international patients designated by the Ministry of Justice and a leader of medical tourism in Busan. 2 Q. There must have been lots of things to consider when choosing a hospital for such a major surgery. Yes, my mind was cluttered. Even though my in-laws are in Korea and Korean hospitals would be better in many aspects, having major surgery in a foreign country was concerning. One day my friend referred me to a hospital that satisfied all my strict conditions. To me, the operating surgeon was the most important. He was an excellent surgeon with years of surgical experience, and I could see he was trustworthy because his words were filled with kindness during our consultations. How did I understand what he said? (laughter) That is another reason why I chose this hospital. They have good care services for international patients and translators are present at all times. In addition to the translation services, they accompany and help the patient during consultations before entry into Korea, as well as during operations and treatments. They even helped me book my flight and accommodations, in addition to hospital matters. This hospital may be 20-year-old but they offer up-to-date services. Q. A 20-year-old hospital must have old facilities. How did you feel about that? That is what I was surprised at. The interior felt like a new hotel decorated in an antique style. The two-story hospital has 660 ㎡ on each floor and is equipped with spaces dedicated to patients, such as foot baths or powder rooms. The full facelift surgery required patients to stay at the hospital for quite some time before and after the surgery and I loved that they had a private space where I could relax quietly and rest. In most cases, popular hospitals with lots of patients don’t have space for you to relax comfortably but this hospital was different. Thankfully, I could calm my mind so as not to get nervous before the surgery. An Maria explains the full facelift surgery Q. Please tell us more about the process from consultation to tests to operation. First, they checked my medical and surgical history, whether I took medication, smoked, and my drinking habits. Then we went to the consultation room to discuss the purpose, incision area and surgery method. Next, we made an appointment for the surgery. I was anesthetized so I don’t remember much about the surgery itself. After the surgery, I took care of the suture that was dressed to prevent infection and monitored the postoperative progress with my doctor. They closely checked if there was any nerve paralysis or if the facial expression was awkward. I remember being extremely nervous after the surgery. There could have been side effects. Q. Luckily, you don’t have any side effects or aches after the surgery, right? Yes. I am relieved I don’t have any side effects, which was what I was so nervous about. Most of all, I was amazed there was no pain right after the surgery. There was a slight swelling which got better ten days after the treatment. Starting from the second day, I could carry on with everyday routines without any problems. I think the surgery went well but the excellent after-surgery care helped greatly. Surgical scars from full facelift surgery can heal greatly, to the extent where they become barely noticeable You can tour and go shopping three days after the full facelift surgery Q. What changed after the surgery? I have a different level of confidence. Now I can smile with pride. It’s been a year since the surgery. With the Botox or filler treatments I had before, I felt less confident as the effects disappeared with time. I was counting the days for my next treatment. But now there is no need for the next surgery so everything is good. The scars don’t show unless you try to find it. Nobody notices the scars even when I put my hair up. I told my doctor that I wanted a natural look and this is just what I got. Q. Lastly, if your friend is visiting Busan for a full facelift surgery, which tourist destination would you recommend? Do you have any places in mind? Busan is one of Korea’s top tourist destinations, like Seoul. It is great that beautiful seascapes mingle with the glamorous city. Plus, the alleys are connected to various things to see including Choryang Ibagu-gil and Gamcheon Culture Village. Among them, I recommend Gwangbok-ro Cultural & Fashion Street. 1. Gwangbok-ro Cultural & Fashion Street Gwangbok-ro Cultural & Fashion Street In Busan, there are various things to enjoy such as food and beaches, but I always spend time here. As you can see, I love fashion. (laughter) Gwangbok-ro Cultural & Fashion Street is one of the representative high streets, and it is a densely populated youthful fashion streets. The streets are packed with celebrated and trendy fashion brand stores and stylish boutiques. You will lose track of time as you check them out one by one. If you like beautiful clothes and are interested in Korean fashion, like me, make sure to visit Gwangbok-ro Cultural & Fashion Street. You will have fun just watching people. Gwangbok-ro Cultural & Fashion Street Location: 72-1 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan Operating Hours: Operating hours vary by store Website: https://www.visitbusan.net/index.do?menuCd=DOM_000000201003001000&uc_seq=413&lang_cd=ko * This content was created with the sponsorship of SHE’s Plastic Surgery SHE’s Plastic Surgery’s interior SHE’s Plastic Surgery Location: 4-5F, 73 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 09:30 – 19:30 (Break time 12:00 – 13:00, Last registration 19:00) / Closed Sunday Contact: +82-51-710-0788 Website: https://www.shesps.com/eng/html/00_main/ https://www.shesps.com/jpn/html/00_main/ https://www.shesps.com/cn/html/00_main/ https://www.shesps.com/rus/html/00_main/ https://www.shesps.com/mn/html/00_main/ https://www.shesps.com/vie/html/00_main/ Caution!! This content is designed to provide medical information about Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization does not endorse or recommend any specific hospital. Please note that the effectiveness and side effects of the provided medical information may vary by individual. It is strongly advised to consult with a doctor before receiving medical treatment. 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

[Interview] Improve Body Circulation to Improve Eye Condition with Vision-Improving Pharmacopuncture, a Hanbang Procedure “This article is written to provide general information and may not apply to specific individuals. The medical results or side effects of the medical services and treatments may vary by individual. Make sure to consult a specialist before proceeding with any treatments.” Persons Chiemi and Persons Sofia from Japan There is one thing that does not rest as the city in the phrase “the city night never sleeps.” Those are the eyes of modern man; eyes that stare at smartphone and computer screens that spew out information incessantly around the clock, or e-Readers (electronic reading devices) densely filled with text accumulate eye fatigue every day. Then what kind of rest do eyes truly need? Generally, people choose to sleep. The mother and daughter team, Persons Chiemi (50) and Persons Sofia (19) from Japan, chose Yeux Clair pharmacopuncture which is known as “vision-improving pharmacopuncture” in traditional Korean medicine. Let’s hear their review of vision-improving pharmacopuncture, a hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) procedure, and about their travels in Korea. Persons Chiemi, Persons Sofia Persons Chiemi Q. Hello, please tell us briefly about yourselves and why you visited Korea. Chiemi: Hello, my name is Persons Chiemi and I work as a social worker in Nagasaki, Japan. My daughter will be attending university in Busan next year so I came to check out her accommodation in advance with my mind half filled with concern and half filled with anticipation. I had a chance to experience some traditional Korean medicine treatment, something my daughter has been always interested in. Sofia: Hello, I am Persons Sofia. I will be graduating high school soon and I will be attending the Department of Skin Care and Nail Care at a university in Korea next year. I heard vision-improving pharmacopuncture is very effective and I visited the clinic to get treatment with my mother. Persons Sofia Q. Even Koreans are not familiar with hanbang vision-improving pharmacopuncture. How did you come to know about it? It must be even more unfamiliar to foreigners. Sofia: I inadvertently told my teacher at my Korean language school one day that my eyes were blurry and tired and she recommended vision-improving pharmacopuncture. I mostly wear contact lenses because of my poor vision and it makes my eyes easily tired and dry. Applying warm eye patches or using artificial tears only worked temporarily. Then I heard about vision-improving pharmacopuncture and thought I must get the treatment and asked my mother to join me as we were going to Korea. Hanbang Vision-Improving Pharmacopuncture (Yeux Clair Pharmacopuncture) relieves eye fatigue and improves eye disease indications Q. Why did you choose vision-improving pharmacopuncture which is a hanbang procedure instead of well-known vision correction surgeries such as LASIK or LASEK? Sofia: In Japan, vision acuity is graded from A to D. I am grade B with uncorrected visual acuity at 0.8. It is not excellent but it does not require surgery. Plus, it is a little frightening. Vision is one thing, but I was more stressed by the discomforts caused by my dry eye syndrome. My mother was experiencing the same discomfort. That is why we chose vision-improving pharmacopuncture, which fundamentally improves aging in the eyes. Vision-improving pharmacopuncture (Yeux Clair) helps the eyes become clear and comfortable Q. Exactly what kind of procedure is vision-improving pharmacopuncture? Chiemi: The name itself does not give much information, does it? I searched the internet when my daughter told me about it. It is a procedure that combines the advantages of medicinal remedies and acupuncture. The method physically stimulates the acupoint as they do in acupuncture, while medicinal remedies are injected. Wild ginseng extract is the main ingredient, and it will clear the veins near the eyes and help blood circulation. It will also slow aging of the eye. It was interesting and made me doubt the efficacy as I had never heard of such a treatment before. Wild ginseng extract is injected into the temple, the acupoint around the eyes Treatment is completed quickly within 10 minutes Q. It must be your first acupuncture treatment. How was it? Sofia: I was the one who begged and pleaded with my mother to get the treatment, but I was a little nervous before getting the pharmacopuncture. The injection areas were around the temple, the chin under the ears, and the trapezius muscle – all near the face which made me even more nervous. But the injection itself was not as painful as I had imagined. All I felt was some pressure. The concept of the treatment was to smooth the blood flow by relaxing the muscles around numerous veins in the eye and face area. I was very nervous about my first acupuncture but now I feel like trying other acupuncture treatments if the pain level is similar to this one. Chiemi: To tell you the truth, I didn’t believe when the Korean language teacher who recommended this treatment said, “Effective immediately after the treatment” – how can that be possible when it is not even surgery? I was doubtful. But she was right. We got a note before the treatment. It was filled with small letters which I could not read well before the treatment. But I could see it clearly after the treatment. It was marvelous as the treatment did not touch my cornea like in vision correction surgery. In addition, the dryness in the eye is much better now. Japanese translator helps with the questionnaire Japanese translator is present at the hospital for Japanese tourists Q. Did you have any difficulties during the treatment due to the language difference? Chiemi: It would have been very difficult if we didn’t have a translator. We have Kampo medicine in Japan, which is similar to traditional Korean medicine, but it is not as popular as in Korea. Imagine how difficult it is for me to understand hanbang terminologies when general medical terminologies are difficult to understand. Moreover, they are in Korean (laughter). Luckily, the translator stayed with us while we filled out the questionnaire, and during consultation and treatment. She is a Japanese student attending a university nearby. She translated basic information as well as difficult medical terminologies from a Japanese perspective so that we could understand easily. She was a really great help. Questionnaire Persons Sofia taking blood pressure test Persons Chiemi getting her pulse felt and getting a consultation based on the questionnaire she completed Q. What was the first test you took when you visited the traditional Korean clinic? Chiemi: They first took my blood pressure and I had a blood test, then I completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire asked more questions than I had expected. I thought they would be asking about the eyes but mostly they asked about my overall health. I could see that they checked in detail, from my diet to my sleep patterns to navigate and find the fundamental problem. Stretching for energy and blood circulation Chuna Manual Therapy to correct the spine without surgery or procedure Q. How was it different from getting diagnosed at a general clinic? Chiemi: The preparation process before the vision-improving pharmacopuncture was unique. They briefly relaxed my leg muscles with acupressure balls before Chuna Manual Therapy. I asked the doctor why he was stretching my body and he told me that stretching would give my spine space to straighten and my energy and blood would be able to circulate naturally. I was surprised that the session left my body feeling lighter and more refreshed than getting a massage. Sofia: The traditional Korean medicine doctor told me that “your bodily waste was not eliminated well and it affected your liver and kidney, which may have affected your vision.” I was astonished. When you experience discomfort in the eyes, you generally think the cause is in the eyes. I wouldn’t have imagined it was a bodily waste. Interestingly in traditional Korean medicine, even when the points of pain are far apart they consider them as the cause of pain as they are connected by the nerves. I was surprised to hear that blood circulation was the cause because I didn’t expect it to be. But the positive side of the experience was that it was a good opportunity to check both me and my mother’s health and get proper treatments. Persons Chiemi, Persons Sofia Persons Sofia Q. This was your first treatment at a traditional Korean medicine clinic in Korea. How was it? Do you plan to visit again? Chiemi: I think I will visit the clinic whenever I come to Busan to visit my daughter. It was much better than getting prescriptions, injections, or surgery at a hospital. They asked about my overall body condition and lifestyle and looked for solutions to improve them. It felt like a fundamental treatment. Such professional traditional Korean medicine clinics are rare in Japan, so I think I’ll visit the clinic whenever I come to Busan to see my daughter. Sofia: I am satisfied, too. I am still young and my health is not bad enough to visit the clinic frequently. But I think I heard them talk about the pharmacopuncture product that is good for the skin. I want to try it next time. Filming location of drama Reborn Rich, Busan Momos Coffee Domoheon branch Q. Can you recommend any tourist attractions you visited during your two-day stay in Busan? Chiemi: The beaches with strong waves, high-rise buildings lined up facing the beaches, and energetic people – Busan is not as populated as Seoul but it has as many fun things to do. I wanted to visit all the places I came across, but my daughter insisted we get a local’s recommendation for genuine gourmet spots or hot places. So we asked the clinic to recommend some tourist spots. Among them, Oryukdo Sunrise Park was the most unforgettable place. My daughter said Heyday Dance Academy was her favorite. 1. Heyday Dance Academy K-Pop dance one-day class Sofia: Enjoying fancy and glamorous cityscapes or leisure and relaxing time in nature are great ways to enjoy Busan, but I had different ideas of how to enjoy the city the most. It sounds like a random idea, but my favorite was learning to dance. I danced to my favorite K-pop songs with a professional dancer, which was wonderful and fantastic. If you are a K-Pop fan, I recommend you visit the Heyday Dance Academy. They have one-day classes and anybody can learn to dance. Even if you are not good at dancing, you can learn the basics, so don’t worry and stop by the academy. You can even get great videos to upload to your social media account. Heyday Dance Academy Location: 6F, 18 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 14:30 – 22:30, May be closed on weekends due to dance competitions Contact: +82-51-611-2194 Website: https://instagram.com/heydaydance 2. Oryukdo Sunrise Park Oryukdo Sunrise Park Chiemi: Oryukdo Sunrise Park is a sea garden created on top of the seaside hill with the greatest view of the Oryukdo Islets as the name implies. It is a place to enjoy the exotic seascapes, which you cannot believe is right next to the city’s downtown. Go up the skywalk 35 m above the sea level created along the coastal cliff and walk on the glass floor to feel the thrill and excitement. Plus, the sea breeze will be truly refreshing. It is said that the garden is most beautiful in March when it is filled with daffodils and canola flowers so I definitely want to come back in spring. Oryukdo Sunrise Park (Oryukdo Skywalk) Location: 950-1 Yongho-dong, Nam-gu, Busan Operating Hours: (Oryukdo Sunrise Park) Open year-round, (Oryukdo Skywalk) October to May 09:00 -18:00 (Last admission 17:50), June to September 09:00 – 19:00 (Last admission 18:50) Contact: +82-51-607-6395 *This content was created with the sponsorship of Thank You Korean Medicine Clinic Thank You Korean Medicine Clinic’s physical therapy room Thank You Korean Medicine Clinic’s personal treatment room exclusive for Japanese patients Thank You Korean Medicine Clinic Location: 5F, 295 Suyeong-ro, Nam-gu, Busan Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 – 21:00 (Break time 13:00 – 14:00, 17:30 – 18:00), Tuesday 10:00 – 19:30 (Last registration 17:30) / Closed Thursdays Contact: +82-51-611-0300 Website: https://instagram.com/thanku_kmc Caution!! This content is designed to provide medical information about Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization does not endorse or recommend any specific hospital. Please note that the effectiveness and side effects of the provided medical information may vary by individual. It is strongly advised to consult with a doctor before receiving medical treatment. 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

[Interview] The Power to See the World Clearly, ICL Vision Correction Surgery in Korea Nomin Gantulga from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Glasses help us see the world clearly but discomforts also accompany it. Heavy glass frames press and hurt the nose bridge; glass lenses get foggy in cold weather; and every morning there is a struggle to find your glasses. If you are considering vision correction surgery to free yourself of glasses, let’s take a look at ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery. ICL surgery requires relatively less time to perform and for recovery. Thankfully, it is the surgical method that has improved the eyesight of Nomin Gantulga (25) from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Now that she can enjoy the expansive landscapes of Mongolia without glasses or contact lenses, we asked her about her surgical experience and her travels in Korea. ICL is less painful and has a shorter recovery time. Nomin Gantulga underwent ICL surgery the day before the interview. Q. Hello, can you tell us briefly about yourself and why you visited Korea? Hello, my name is Nomin Gantulga and I work as a bank clerk in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I visited Korea for a business trip to attend a job training session here. I was considering vision correction surgery because I have had poor eyesight since I was a little girl. Luckily, I came upon a good opportunity to get ICL surgery in Korea. Q. What kind of everyday discomfort prompted you to have vision correction surgery? I have had poor eyesight since I was a little girl. My vision acuity in both eyes was at 0.07. I had to wear thick and heavy glasses because I also had myopia. My eyes were always tired and my nose and ears were uncomfortably pressed by the heavy glasses. Naturally, glasses were uncomfortable during physical exercises as well. I decided to get vision correction surgery because wearing contact lenses all the time was not an option. ICL is an eye correction procedure that inserts prescription lenses into the eyes. Q. Why did you decide to get surgery in Korea and not in Mongolia? In Mongolia, Korean ophthalmology is well known. When SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction LASIK) surgery was first developed, Korea was the first country in Asia to introduce the instrument, and I heard that Korean ophthalmology technology has developed rapidly since then. Additionally, the cost of getting the surgery in Korea is lower than in Mongolia, even though Koreans use the latest surgical instruments. Since a direct flight to Korea only takes three hours, I thought “I should definitely get vision correction surgery in Korea”. Above all, the clinic was reliable with a good system, ensuring a speedy process from reservation to surgery. ICL is effective for people with severe myopia or astigmatism, which is difficult to correct using laser vision correction such as LASIK or LASEK. Q. Why did you decide to get ICL surgery among the various vision correction surgery options available? After deciding to get vision correction surgery, I took several examinations and found that my cornea was too thin for laser surgery. It was disappointing as I was considering LASIK or LASEK. Then the doctor recommended ICL surgery. The thickness of one’s cornea determines whether you get LASIK or LASEK surgeries, which require a long recovery time. However, ICL surgery doesn’t require such preconditions. ICL merely inserts a lens between the iris and the crystalline lens. The greatest advantage is that there is a low risk of vision degeneration because it does not involve cutting the cornea. I was surprised to hear that the lens could be removed to restore the eye to the pre-surgery state if needed. ICL surgery was the best option for me since I could not come to Korea frequently. Nomin Gantulga takes eye exam Nomin Gantulga receiving medical treatment after surgery Q. ICL surgery is completed quickly, in about 15 minutes. What are the processes before surgery? The surgery itself did not take much time. I think that is why the pre-surgery examination is detailed and meticulous. It started with an eye exam, cornea shape and thickness exam, anterior segment imaging, and a globe space exam. Then I had my retina and optic nerve screened to check if there were any diseases in the globe. It might sound hectic because there are many steps involved, but they all proceeded fairly quickly, and the purpose of every screening was explained in detail. I felt assured during the entire process. Q. Did you have any difficulties in understanding the process in terms of language? It would have been difficult if we didn’t have a translator. It is mentally daunting to get surgery in a country that does not speak your language. I could be left unaware of lethal side effects. But the hospital’s translator was always with me through the examinations and surgery, and I didn’t feel scared or lonely at all. I heard there are translators available for various languages including Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian. This could be the best clinic for foreigners like me who come to Korea on a medical tour. Nomin Gantulga listening to the doctor’s explanation Q. How did you feel about the surgery? To my surprise, the whole process ended more quickly than I expected. I was slightly concerned that the surgery would not end within my scheduled time in Korea, but it took only one week from examinations to lens preparation and surgery. The surgery ended so promptly that I wondered if it really was completed when I walked out of the operating room. It took about 20 minutes. It could be the surgery process itself or the latest surgical instruments, but mostly the doctor’s years of surgical experience in this field is what enabled such a prompt process. Glasses with lens compressed four times Q. How was it after the surgery? Could you see clearly as if you wearing contact lenses? Yes. I remember opening my eyes after the surgery and I could see everything so clearly. It was wonderful. It was like wearing contacts. Before the surgery, if I didn’t wear glasses I couldn’t recognize my friends even when they walked close to me. Now I can see people’s faces from a distance. I heard LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE LASIK require a minimum of one day to see clearly. But from my experience, my vision improved right after ICL surgery. I had my vision tested the next day and both eyes were up to 1.2. It was a very satisfying moment. Q. Have you experienced any side effects or difficulties after the surgery? I experienced some glare and saw ring shapes which is called the ring symptom. There were rumors of “higher eye pressure means your surgery failed”, or “I heard there are many side effects”, and other negative reviews about the surgery. I was uncomfortable about the rumors and concerned I would experience the same symptoms after surgery. However, my doctor told me before the surgery that all these discomforts would disappear after three days or so. I was relieved when my vision became better after the three days. Moreover, the doctor checked my eye condition carefully the next day after the surgery and I was relieved again. He gave me a detailed list of dos and don’ts after the surgery and how to take care of my eyes when I return home. I felt much more at ease. Seoul Arts Center Sounds Hannam Q. I heard you stayed in Korea for two weeks. Did you have a chance to travel Korea? Of course, I did. Recently in Mongolia, we have had easy access to dramas and variety shows through OTT services and Hallyu content is very popular. The places seen in the clips are gaining popularity as well. People around me are all interested in the hot places in Seoul. I had a list of tourist attractions in Korea that I wanted to visit and I went to all of them during my stay here. Let me recommend three places that were the most unforgettable. 1. N Seoul Tower N Seoul Tower N Seoul Tower where you can enjoy the view of Seoul at a glance must be the Korean tourist attraction that is most well-known to foreigners. I’ve heard that the best time to visit is after sunset because the nightscapes are fantastic but the view of Seoul under the blue sky is also romantic. To walk beside “Love Padlocks” and Namsan Palgakjeong Pavilion as seen in the drama King the Land and the variety show Running Man, I could feel that I was actually in Korea. N Seoul Tower is a must-visit place as you can view Seoul’s downtown, Bukhansan Mountain, and Hangang River all beautifully merged into the landscape from the tower’s observatory. N Seoul Tower Location: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 22:30 Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 23:00 Contact: +82-2-756-2486 Website: https://www.seoultower.co.kr/ 2. Lotte World Tower & Lotte World Mall Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Lotte World Mall You cannot travel to a city and skip the landmarks. Lotte World Tower is the tallest building in Korea and offers the best nightscapes, just as I had expected. The view of the fantastic nightscapes of Seoul seen from the observatory that is 478 m high touched my heart. That is not all. When you have enjoyed the nightscapes, go to Lotte World Mall to enjoy the trendy fashion stores, restaurants and cafés that are trending on social media. Various other fun places can be found everywhere. Luckily, I was able to visit the Chanel Winter Tale Holiday Ice Rink set up in Arena Plaza. I had a fun time skating enjoying winter in Seoul, and made some great memories. Lotte World Tower & Lotte World Mall Location: 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 22:30 Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 23:00 Contact: +82-2-3213-5000 Website: https://www.lwt.co.kr 3. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Museum Exhibition Hall 2 You cannot notice Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and pass it by. The building looks like a UFO landed in the middle of Seoul. DDP is a multicultural space where the interior is as impressive as its exterior, and is full of trendy design products and exhibitions. This time, I enjoyed an exhibition of immersive & media art under the theme of traditional Korean art. Artworks with kinetic arts, motion graphics, and other technologies moved in 3D and the exhibition spaces were filled with scents that suited the theme. It satisfied my five senses. I could feel that art connects minds beyond culture or language. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Location: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (Hours of operation differ by space. Please refer to the website for more information.) Contact: +82-2-2153-0000 Website: https://ddp.or.kr *This content was created with the sponsorship of SNU Eye Clinic SNU Eye Clinic Entrance 1:1 Private Room For Doctor Consultations SNU Eye Clinic Location: 624 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 (Lunch hour 13:00 – 14:00, Last registration 17:30) / Closed Wednesday and Sunday Contact: +82-2-548-0201 Website: https://www.snuseoul.com Caution!! This content is designed to provide medical information about Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization does not endorse or recommend any specific hospital. Please note that the effectiveness and side effects of the provided medical information may vary by individual. It is strongly advised to consult with a doctor before receiving medical treatment. 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

Boost Weak Immune System with Traditional Hanbang Tea. 4 Easy-To-Enjoy Hanbang Cafés The Ssanghwa Street Editor Profile Name: So-jin Moon (Editor, 28) Sasang Constitution Type: So-umin (slim frame, weak digestive function) I hope you are well amid the approaching winter. For me, the cold wind must have taken a toll. I have lingering fatigue even after sleeping for hours and my skin is prone to breakouts. Maybe my immune system is not working well. Naturally, I started looking for ways to boost my immunity. Then one day, I went to a hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) café with my friend and tried some hanbang tea. To my surprise, the tea was effective. It made me feel better and warm when I was shivering from the cold weather. We tend to think that hanbang teas are expensive and bitter like medicinal remedies prescribed at traditional Korean medicine clinics, but the tea wasn’t like that at all. Therefore, I hereby list four hanbang cafés that offer various experiences at reasonable prices so that you can have fun while maintaining good health. What is My Constitution Type? Get Diagnosed by a Traditional Korean Medicine Doctor at the Hanbang Café, The Ssanghwa The Ssanghwagung photo zone Traditional Korean medicine doctor feeling my pulse to determine my constitution The streets are lit with lanterns made of traditional Korean paper (hanji), and rows of alleys are filled with the hospitality of Koreans in Jongno! The Ssanghwa is a café in Jongno operated by a traditional Korean medicine doctor. I thought it was better to try a properly prepared hanbang tea because I wanted something good for my body and made a reservation for a physical constitution diagnosis in advance. When an employee guided me to a room inside the café, a traditional Korean medicine doctor greeted me as they do in traditional Korean medicine clinics. The doctor first asked about my health issues and physical characteristics and then started to feel my pulse. As expected, I am a so-umin. I have a slight frame and have cold hands and feet. I was advised to avoid cold food and foods made with flour. In addition, jujube tea was recommended to improve my digestive functions. I felt guilty as I enjoyed foods with strong flavors. The doctor also recommended ssanghwa tea which is said to balance the body and works like a medicinal remedy that is beneficial to everyone. Enjoy a Cup of Hanbang Tea at a Joseon Palace The front view of Ssanghwagung A server brought our orders After the diagnosis, me and my friend moved to Ssanghwagung with private rooms to enjoy some quiet tea time. This café consists of the main building, Byeolgung and Ssanghwagung. Inside Ssanghwagung, there were rows of tables decorated in traditional Korean concepts such as a court lady’s room, eunuch’s room, emperor’s quarter, and many others. We kept marveling at the interior. It felt as if we entered a Joseon palace. Somehow, I was happy and excited to see the cabinets with medicinal ingredients and cabinets inlaid with mother-of-pearl that are no longer easily seen in daily life. When we were having fun taking pictures at the guest house photo zone, a server in a doctor’s gown brought us our orders. Colorful and Multiflavored Traditional Tea Ceremony Set Menu The Ssanghwa’s signature menu, Traditional Tea Ceremony Set The Imperial Set recommended for hanbang novices If you thought hanbang cafés only served hanbang teas, think again. The following is the menu we tried. This is the Traditional Tea Ceremony Set, the café’s signature dish. It consists of ssanghwa tea, porridge, and a plate full of bite-sized desserts. Porridge and dessert may not seem like a good pairing but it is actually a carefully designed menu. You will awaken your empty stomach with a bowl of porridge containing healthful medicinal ingredients such as deer antlers and red ginseng. Then drink ssanghwa tea and eat ginseng, pumpkin, and ginkgo nuts as finger food. When you are finished, you will feel your body warm up. Do you still think medicinal ingredients taste bitter? Then try the imperial Set that consists of jujube tea, salad, and a fruit bowl. The salad with persimmon sherbet and a bowl of fresh fruits will wash away the bitter taste of the jujube tea. I felt it was a thoughtfully prepared menu for hanbang novices. The Ssanghwa Location: 252-6 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Everyday 10:00 - 22:00 Contact: +82-2-0502-500-5700 Refreshing Tea and Hanbang Foot Bath Experience, Tea Therapy Taking pictures on the bench in front of Tea Therapy Foot bath experience that relieves fatigue If you want to know more about your physical constitution but getting diagnosed or having someone feel your pulse is too much, I recommend Tea Therapy. The exterior of the Tea Therapy building is old-fashioned and nostalgic. You can easily determine your body constitution using a flowchart-style questionnaire. Choose Your Tea According to Your Constitution Color Determine your constitution with a flowchart-style questionnaire Flowchart-style questionnaire in multiple languages When you finish the questionnaire, you will get a unique color that matches your constitution. Pick a hanbang tea in your color category as it will help you decide the menu. Most of all, the questionnaire is available in five languages, including English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. It is a big advantage when visiting with your foreign friends. Maybe that is the reason why so many foreigners were in the café. A Place to Enjoy Relaxing Moments With Like-Minded People Drinking vitamin, vita tea Gentle fruity aroma of mogwa (quince) tea permeating about It was unusual but heartwarming to see many people from various countries enjoying hanbang tea together, so I took some time to look around before ordering. I could not but notice one thing. Every table had a bowl of shaved ice! The traditional Korean medicine doctor told me to avoid cold foods but one bowl could not be so damaging, right? So, my friend and I ended up ordering the four-season shaved ice with homemade boiled red beans, sweet rice cake with gugija (goji berry), and some vita tea and mogwa tea. The sweet and nutty aroma that filled the café was so tempting. We tasted the mogwa tea first. The first sip of sweet tea that filled up our mouths with a gentle fruity aroma was a delicacy. Then, a bite of the dried jujube and cookies made with Job’s tears lifted our moods with their sweet yet healthy flavors. My friend ordered vita tea, which is brewed with healthy ingredients including gugija, persimmon leaves, and citrus peels. The ingredients matched its name. I tasted the vita tea as well and could understand why the menu said it was a vitamin drink. It was refreshing and clean when swallowed, and very uplifting. Four-season shaved ice topped with mixed nuts and gugija Chewy sweet rice cake with gugija When our stomachs were warmed by the hot tea, we tasted the long-awaited four-season shaved ice. It was topped with a generous amount of mixed nut and gugija and was tastier than I imagined. The nutty, sweet, and cool taste made me understand why this menu item is beloved all year-round. However, my favorite but least expected menu item of the day was the sweet rice cake with gugija. It was moderately chewy and the nutty flavor was addictive. I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I came home. If you have granny taste buds like me, I strongly recommend you try it. Unique Foot Bath Experience with Medicinal Ingredients Medicinal foot bath solution prepared by a traditional Korean medicine doctor Foot bath experience with tea If that was it, we wouldn’t call it a proper hanbang café. There is also a foot bath section outside Tea Therapy. At only 10,000 won, you can enjoy a foot bath in a medicinal solution prepared by the doctor. They have two solutions. I chose Relaxing A which is a stress buster. My friend, who is vulnerable to cold weather, chose Warming B which warms up the body and helps with circulation. I was imagining the typical scents of medicinal remedies because it was a solution of medicinal ingredients. But to my surprise, an uplifting peppermint scent filled the air when I poured the solution into the water. Then the water felt surprisingly soft on my skin. All I did was soak my feet in the foot bath but I felt instantly relaxed and drowsy. It was a nice relaxing moment. Healing time enjoying tea and a foot bath Tea and foot bath experience outdoors While I was talking with my friend, I noticed the person next to me was sitting alone. So, I pulled up my courage and started a conversation. She was from Singapore and traveling alone. She came here because these traditional teas are unavailable in Singapore. I was happy to hear that she liked her pear and bellflower root tea and we talked about many things. Then our time was up and we had to bid adieu to our new friend. I still think about that day at Tea Therapy. Sweet and tasty desserts and tea, the fatigue relieving foot bath, and the short but sweet conversation we had with our new friend from Singapore. I think it was the fun moments we had at Tea Therapy that made us head to our next destination as if we had wings on our feet. Tea Therapy Location: 74 Yunboseon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 21:00, Sunday 10:00 – 20:00 Contact: +82-2-730-7507 Website: https://www.teatherapy.com/ Experiences for Each Constitution! Hanbang Café Next to Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic, Damiga Consulting the traditional Korean medicine doctor regarding physical constitutions Damiga is full of medicinal ingredients The traditional Korean medicine doctor explains my physical conditions Seoul Gyeongdong Market is full of the friendly and vibrant energy of people from the neighborhood. Located in the market, the hanbang café Damiga has a unique structure as the traditional Korean medicine clinic is seen through a hole in the wall. Do you want to know why? It is a café that sells hanbang teas and drinks, but it is more of a traditional Korean medicine clinic. The owner is very serious about traditional Korean medicine. Damiga is operated by the Hyoseong Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic and was the first hanbang café in Seoul. It is famous for offering more specialized and authentic hanbang teas than other hanbang cafés. An experienced traditional Korean medicine doctor will tell you about your condition without feeling your pulse and will give you a short guide to the characteristics of the four physical constitutions (So-umin, So-yangin, Tae-eumin, Tae-yangin). It was more like short lecture on physical constitutions. Find your constitution with a simple test Healthy tea for each constitution However, when all is said and done, this café enjoyed years of popularity with its “chejil tea” (tea for all constitutions). You will get a tea recommendation after completing a short test on a tablet. There are six hanbang tea recipes available: Gyeongsin tea for weight control; Jangsaeng tea for vitality; Onjung tea if you have cold hands and feet; Cheongpye tea if you have a weak respiratory system; Seongju tea if you have weak liver function; and Chongmyeong tea if you need to relieve stress and boost brain activity. Choose one of these recipes and add ingredients into your chejil tea. The tea will taste different before and after brewing the medicinal ingredients, so you will need to control the amount. I chose Chongmyeong tea because my constitution is so-umin and I’m vulnerable to stress. The red-colored Chongmyeong tea has peppermint, Dendranthema indicum, and Polygala tenuifolia. At first, I was doubtful whether the tea would taste good. I was worried that a potful of unfamiliar medicinal ingredients would taste bitter. But I was relieved after my first sip. Interestingly, it had a clean taste. The tea became stronger as I added more herbs into it, but the charms were stronger as well. My friend chose Gyeongsin tea as she recently started a weight loss program. It had Job’s tears and green tea leaves that cleanse the blood and the light flavor was enjoyable. It was interesting that the various ingredients created a deeper aroma rather than giving off individual scents. I guess it is the professionalism and skill that make the difference. Place to See and Taste Happiness Gyeongsin tea good for weight control Chongmyeong tea good for stress relief We were not the only customers fascinated with the brilliant tea colors. When we were at the café, foreign tourists were around us and they were all admiring the glass teapots filled with beautiful teas. The beautiful colors of chejil tea, different from the standard traditional teas, must have been interesting. We were not exceptions. At one point, we became so curious that we had to ask the owner how they developed such beautifully colored teas. She said she started the café so that young people could easily try medicinal remedies, which typically have a bitter flavor. The menu was designed with the concept of people feeling happy and healed when they looked at the beautiful colors. I thought the teas had beautiful colors because the owner blended her kind heart into them. My body and soul became warmer as I sipped the tea made with her recipe even after it cooled. Damiga Location: 5 Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Everyday 10:00 - 18:00 (Last order 17:30) Contact: +82-2-0507-1422-5599 Website: https://instagram.com/damiga_seoul Hanok Café Harboring the Depth of Hanbang, Chamdajeong Photo zone in front of Seoul K-Medi Center Hanbang tea and desserts enjoyed inside the hanok café Are you familiar with hanbang tea now that you have visited the hanbang cafes listed here? Do you think the bitterness of medicinal ingredients feels refreshing? Then it is time to visit Chamdajeong. It is a café located right next to Seoul K-Medi Center. It is a place where hanbang masters like myself go to because it is a great place to wrap up your day of hanbang-related experiences including foot baths, clothing, games, exhibitions, massages, and the opportunity to get some refreshments. It is a place to experience genuine traditional teas and desserts. Ssanghwa Tea and Sipjeondaebo Tea are Made Every Day Chamdajeong’s signature menus Chamdajeong is housed in a renovated traditional Korean house called a hanok. Every morning, the café exudes a deep hanbang tea aroma because they make their teas including jujube tea, ginseng tea, ssanghwa tea, omija tea and other teas at the café. I ordered their signature ssanghwa and sipjeondaebo teas. Ssanghwa tea is made with 10 ingredients while sipjeondaebo tea has 13. How can hanbang lovers like us pass them by? We pompously ordered two menus. Ssanghwa tea pairs well with desserts Ssanghwa tea with lots of garnishes But our courage failed us when the ssanghwa and sipjeondaebo teas were delivered to our table. The aroma was stronger than we thought. It was genuinely “hanbang” than any other hanbang teas we had previously. However, I closed my eyes and drank it. I was surprised the taste had an unparalleled depth and strength. It was more of a medicinal remedy than tea. The strong bitterness stopped me from drinking more but as I tried the garnishes of dried jujube, pumpkin seed, sunflower seeds, and pine nuts, it started to taste better. I liked the healthy feeling that the tea gave me, full and warm. Sweet and Bitter, A Fantastic Pair Banana injeolmi and flower injeolmi Chewy injeolmi stick Still not familiar with the bitter flavor, we ordered desserts everybody would love -- banana injeolmi (bean-power coated rice cake), flower injeolmi, and injeolmi stick. You can see that they are chewy and sweet. The sweetness alone could be boring but a sip of ssanghwa tea followed by a bite of the rice cake was fantastic. The sweetness of the rice cake covers the bitterness of ssanghwa tea, while the flat finish of the rice cake is richly filled with ssanghwa tea. The pairing was fantastic. After switching between the two, we found ourselves left with empty cups and dishes. I felt as if I leveled up as a hanbang tea master. Set menu with steamed rice wrapped in lotus leaves We could have left the café but something felt undone. My friend must have felt the same. We exchanged glances and ordered a set menu with steamed rice wrapped in lotus leaves. We desperately needed a fixing of rice after traditional teas and desserts. How can you pass a chance to eat some steamed rice wrapped in lotus leaves with six side dishes, soup, and seasoned laver? Peel back the lotus leaves and you get steamed glutenous rice. I could feel the stickiness with every spoonful of rice, which became more savory as I chewed. All the side dishes were perfectly seasoned and I felt like asking for refills repeatedly. I actually asked the server if refills are available and she said yes. The set menu has different side dishes when seasons change. So from now on, my friend and I will go to Chamdajeong every season. Chamdajeong Location: Seoul K-Medi Center Annex Building, 26 Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: Everyday 09:00 - 19:00 Contact: +82-2-0507-1416-0360 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in November 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

There’s a word that makes you feel good just by saying it: travel! Experiencing the unique atmosphere, food, and culture of a new country is always exciting. But to turn these wonderful moments abroad into happy memories, you need to stay in good health. In unfamiliar environments, it’s easy to fall ill unexpectedly. For example, you might get traveler's diarrhea or experience an upset stomach after eating something new. While most people recover within four days without treatment, but with limited travel time, losing even a few days during a trip can feel like a huge waste. This is when the importance of medicine becomes undeniable. Even if you didn’t bring your own medications from home, don’t worry. I’ll share a guide to pharmacies in Korea to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Pharmacy Guide in Korea 1. Ways to Communicate: How to Get Your Medicine at the Pharmacy Using a translation app to purchase medicines If you're hesitant to visit a pharmacy due to limited Korean skills, just keep two things in mind: a translation app and a photo of the medicine you need. Start with the translation app to explain to the pharmacist what type of medicine you're looking for, which part of your body hurts, or any allergies you have. Even if there’s no exact match for the ingredients, the pharmacist will suggest a suitable local alternative. If the translation app doesn’t work, then you can show them a photo of the medicine. Alternatively, you can visit a pharmacy in an area frequented by visitors from abroad and look for one with a sign saying “Language assistance available” at the entrance. However, there are situations where these two methods may not be enough. For instance, if you need a more complex medication or have a condition that requires a prescription, it’s best to visit a clinic before your trip to get a medical record and an English prescription. To be safe, make sure to bring extra copies or take photos of your documents in case they get lost. View More 2. Late-Night Illness? No Worries with Pharmacy on Duty On the first day of your trip, you’re probably busy looking up the best restaurants near your accommodation. But why not also check for nearby duty pharmacies? Imagine feeling unwell late at night, or on a weekend or public holiday, and realizing you’re out of medicine with no open pharmacy nearby—it’s a situation you’d rather avoid, right? Finding one is easy. You can use the websites for “holiday guard pharmacies” or “late night pharmacies” , both run by the Korean Pharmaceutical Association. These sites provide accurate operating hours and help you quickly find nearby options. Before your trip, take a moment to note the contact information of a few duty pharmacies. In an emergency, you can call for assistance, or have backup options ready if there’s no pharmacy nearby. Planning ahead ensures you can travel with peace of mind. View More Enjoying Korean Pharmacies: A Simple Guide 1. Whatever your health concerns, they’re happy to listen. Customer Checklist at a Health Consultation Pharmacyⓒsejstyle8016(Naver blog) "Doctors for diseases, pharmacists for medicines" is a well-known slogan in Korea, emphasizing that pharmacists are the experts when it comes to medications. In Korean pharmacies, you don’t have to buy anything to receive health consultations. In fact, pharmacists go beyond just providing advice on medicines—they also offer personalized recommendations for supplements tailored to your health condition and body type, services like blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, smoking cessation counseling, and even exercise advice. It’s incredibly convenient to get customized guidance based only on your symptoms, right? I experienced this myself not long ago when I had to work late into the night for a project deadline. No matter how much coffee I drank, I felt exhausted. Since I still had to keep working, I stopped by a pharmacy near my office for some help. The pharmacist, with a serious expression, handed me something and said it was “the ultimate fatigue recovery supplement that even revives the dead." At first, I thought it was a joke, but surprisingly, it worked wonders. Thanks to that, I was able to wrap up my project on time. Of course, we all know that anything in excess can be harmful, and health supplements are no exception, so overusing them isn’t good for you. However, the pharmacist, who understood my usual condition and accumulated fatigue, prescribed a fatigue recovery supplement that was just the right strength for me, allowing me to manage my workload that day. If you’re looking for a similar personalized consultation, don’t hesitate to visit a nearby pharmacy! View More 2. Unique Characteristics of Pharmacies by districts in Seoul Just like each region has its own local specialties that match its environment and history, pharmacies also have their own unique characteristics depending on the district. It seems that pharmacies adapt to the local population and the types of people passing through, which is why you’ll notice that the displays and layouts of pharmacies differ from one place to another. I mainly focused on areas with lots of attractions and things to do, so if you're in one of those neighborhoods during your trip, I recommend taking a look around. You might even discover some "insider tips" that could help you enjoy the area even more. View More ① Hidden Essentials in Your Briefcase: Yeouido Pharmacy’s “Fatigue Recovery Kit” Fatigue Recovery Supplement Kits at Pharmacies in Yeouido Yeouido, where I head to work every morning, is a hub for financial firms and broadcasting companies, with about half of its population being office workers. Perhaps because of this, pharmacies in Yeouido specialize in fatigue recovery supplement kits. Today, I visited my regular pharmacy near the office, as I’m once again facing a late-night work session. This time, I bought a premium fatigue recovery supplement kit. View More Premium Fatigue Recovery Kit The kit contains Korean ginseng, which is great for boosting immunity, along with other products. After taking them, I followed the pharmacist’s advice and drank warm water at the end. Immediately, I felt my body warm up, and I could feel my energy returning. Could it be because it’s a liquid form with high absorption? The best part is that it contains a small amount of caffeine, so unlike coffee, it doesn’t strain my stomach. Of course, it’s important not to overdo it, as frequent consumption of fatigue recovery supplement can put a strain on your liver. But if you have an important schedule like mine and need a boost, give it a try. Just be sure to consult with a pharmacist to choose the right fatigue recovery supplement for your body type! View More ② The Must-Have Item at Any Drinking Session: "Hangover Cure" from Hongdae Pharmacies A pharmacy in front of Hongik University Station After a long time, I had a drinking appointment, so I headed to Hongdae, the street of youth, after work. If you exit from either Exit 8 or 9, you'll find many 24-hour pharmacies. Even though I’m not great with alcohol, I decided to indulge tonight and went to a pharmacy. Of course, hangover cures are available at convenience stores, but the ones at pharmacies are much more effective. Since Hongik University is an area full of youthful energy and longer nights, as soon as I walked into the pharmacy, I saw hangover cures for symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting displayed on the shelves. This time, I bought a detox and hangover cure set. View More Hangover Cure 3-Pack Set I heard that it's most effective to take it on an empty stomach, so I started with the hangover cure jelly. The apple-flavored jelly was easy to eat and tasted great. Then, I took Ganetoc, the liquid hangover cure, and finished with Neiln, which helps with hangover recovery right away. Honestly, at first, I was skeptical about whether it would help. However, even though I didn't drink much water or have any snacks, I found myself getting drunk slower than usual, and there were no headaches or nausea. Thanks to my thorough hangover preparation, I was able to fully enjoy my "Friday night"! View More ③ Even When You Feel Sick Abroad, Korean Medicine Is a Must: Airport Pharmacy "Essential Medicine Set" Pharmacies at Gimpo Airport's International and Domestic Terminals. Are there any of you who feel more worried than excited before a trip? I’m usually busy preparing for unexpected situations that could ruin my travels. And during this overseas trip, I forgot to pack essential medicines. In a rush, I searched to see if there was a pharmacy at Gimpo International Airport's international terminal. Luckily, I found one right in front of the departure area on the third floor. I quickly went in with relief. By the way, there’s also a pharmacy inside the domestic terminal on the third floor. So if you're flying within Korea, keep that in mind! View More Essential Medicine Set At the pharmacy in Gimpo International Airport, I found various medicines for travelers, from altitude sickness medication to motion sickness pills, all available for air travel. When I told the pharmacist I needed an essential medicine set for my trip, they carefully prepared everything from digestive aids and painkillers to diarrhea medication, ointments, and band-aids. Even if you don’t find a ready-made set like I did, don’t worry—pharmacists will make sure to provide you with the appropriate medicines for your needs. View More Incheon International Airport Pharmacy Locations Incheon International Airport has plenty of places where you can buy essential medicines. At Terminal 1, there is one pharmacy on the basement level and four on the third floor, while Terminal 2 has one pharmacy on the basement level and two on the third floor. ④ Not Just for Illness, But Also for Beauty: Apgujeong Pharmacy's “Swelling Relief” A pharmacy in Apgujeong Last weekend, I had a blind date, so I headed to Apgujeong with excitement. However, after having fried chicken and beer for a late-night snack the night before, my face became so swollen that it wouldn't go down. In a panic, I rushed to find a nearby pharmacy. Fortunately, Apgujeong is home to many cosmetic surgery clinics, dermatology clinics, and hair restoration clinics, and with a large population of people in their 20s and 30s, pharmacies here stock many beauty-related products. When I mentioned I needed something for facial swelling, the pharmacist wasn’t surprised, which made me feel relieved. View More Set of Medications for Reducing Swelling The three products recommended by the pharmacist were all medications that could be taken on an empty stomach. I took them in a hurry, but I was still worried about whether they'd work. Usually, pumpkin tea, honey-infused green tea, or cardio exercises are effective for reducing swelling, right? I wondered if the medication would really help with the swelling. And to my surprise, the swelling started to go down gradually! View More ⑤ Home to a Pharmacy with a 50-Year History, Jongno 5-ga A pharmacy in Jongno 5-ga When people talk about the common ailments of modern life, many mention back pain due to sitting for long hours while studying or working. However, I have an even more troublesome chronic condition: carpal tunnel syndrome. After spending all day holding the keyboard and mouse, my right wrist starts to ache. This might not just be a modern ailment but a common issue for editors like me. View More Set of Medications for Wrist Pain Jongno 5-ga is packed with pharmacies, so wherever you look, you’ll see one. When I explained my symptoms to the pharmacist, he casually asked for more details about the pain. He then handed me two types of muscle relaxants and a pain relief patch with a smile, saying, “I'll give you a mild pain relief patch since you probably wouldn't like the strong smell at your age.” I think the reason this pharmacy street has been loved for so long isn’t just because the prices are affordable, but also because of the experienced pharmacists who have been around for years. I usually dislike the strong smell of regular patches, but thanks to the pharmacist’s thoughtfulness, I could focus on my work while taking care of my wrist. View More Tip! The pharmacies around Jongno 5-ga Station offer great deals on supplements, so I recommend comparing prices across several pharmacies before buying - you can find them up to 70% cheaper than regular retail prices 3. From Personal Care to Pet Health! Animal Medication Display Shelf Pamphlet for Comparing the Effects of Dewormers Korean pharmacies aren’t just for medicine—you can also find skincare products, functional cosmetics, and even veterinary medicines all in one place. Products sold at pharmacies are known for their high quality and great value, having passed the strict standards of pharmacists. In fact, pharmacy skincare products recently caused a sellout frenzy in Korea due to their reasonable prices and excellent ingredients. Veterinary medicines, such as dewormers and basic first-aid supplies, are also available at more affordable prices than at animal clinics, making them a well-known secret among pet lovers. View More 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in September 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

You can visit the island visa-free! Why Jeju Island is the Perfect Medical Tourism Destination Jeju Island, A Perfect Destination Even in Winter Jeju Island is an unbeatable destination for international medical tourism. Imagine receiving personalized treatments while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty—emerald seas, lush forests, oreums that look straight out of Teletubbies, and unique rock formations shaped by the waves. Plus, visitors from countries like China or Mongolia can enter visa-free! Let’s dive into what makes Jeju Island’s medical tourism infrastructure exceptional. Entrance to Jeju International Airport From Jeju International Airport to the Hospital | Getting There Was a Breeze! As one of Korea’s top travel destinations, Jeju International Airport was bustling with visitors. But thanks to multilingual signage and well-staffed information desks, navigating the airport was easy. To get to Jeju City, where most medical facilities are located, just head out through Gates 2–4 to catch a city bus or grab a taxi at Gate 3. Most buses in Korea don’t take cash, so you’ll need a T-money card. Just tap it on the reader when you board through the front door, then press the stop button and exit through the back door at your destination. Enjoy the scenery along the way! Tips for Jeju International Airport (1) Free Wheelchair Rental You can rent a wheelchair at the Tourist Information counter by leaving your ID. Foreign visitors must present either their alien registration card or passport, and a contactable Korean phone number is required. Locations: 1st Floor and 3rd Floor Tourist Information counters Contact: +82-64-742-8866 (2) Medical Facilities at the Airport Jeju International Airport Clinic Location: 1st Floor of the Domestic Terminal, near Gate 5 (next to the Lost & Found Center) Contact: +82-64-797-2595 Jeju International Airport Pharmacy Location: 3rd Floor of the Domestic Terminal, near Gate 2 Contact: +82-64-797-2595 Medical Consultation | Use Interpreter Services and Get Personalized Treatment! Many medical institutions on Jeju Island are very foreigner-friendly. They offer multilingual interpretation services and specialized health check-ups for international patients. Some even have consultation rooms exclusively for foreigners. In these rooms, you'll receive an initial consultation in your native language, and then meet with a doctor based on the results. Many foreign visitors are unaware of these services, but most hospitals display brochures about them near the entrance, so be sure to check. Now, let me introduce some of the best hospitals in Jeju Island for consultations. (1) Jeju National University Hospital View of the Hospital ⓒJeju National University Hospital Lobby ⓒJeju National University Hospital Primary Medical Services: Health Check-ups As the largest hospital on Jeju Island and the region’s only university hospital, this facility offers interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Japanese for foreign patients requiring outpatient or inpatient care, ensuring smooth communication during treatment (available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM). It’s common to see foreign patients wearing health check-up gowns at the hospital. To schedule a health check-up , visit the Health Promotion Center on the 2nd floor of the Cancer Center or make a reservation by calling +82-64-717-1550~1551 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM). They offer a variety of programs, ranging from age-specific check-ups to cancer screenings. (2) Hye In Foundation Hankook General Hospital View of the Hospital ⓒHankook General Hospital Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery ⓒHankook General Hospital Primary Medical Services: Joint & Spine, Cranial Nerves, Hypertension, Diabetes If a family member is suffering from severe osteoarthritis or frequent headaches, I highly recommend Hankook General Hospital. This hospital is renowned for its expertise in robotic knee replacement surgery. The "CUVIS-joint," a Korean-made surgical robot, is used for the procedure, and its technology is recognized globally, including in the U.S., India, and Japan. Three years ago, the hospital opened its Cerebrovascular Center, which offers precise diagnoses for brain conditions like headaches, dementia, and strokes. It’s become quite well-known in the region. Additionally, foreign patients receiving health check-ups can request consent forms and results in English. There’s no need to make a reservation in advance—simply visit the General Health Checkup Center within the hospital to apply. (3) Korea Medical Institute Jeju Clinic Exterior View ⓒKorea Medical Institute Jeju Clinic Interior View ⓒKorea Medical Institute Jeju Clinic Primary Medical Services: Health Check-up Program for Foreigners The KMI Jeju Health Check-up Center, located in Jeju Healthcare Town, is a newly opened facility that began operations in 2023, offering a modern and clean environment. Its standout feature is the health check-up program exclusively for foreigners. Reservations are only accepted online through their website , and you can apply with just email verification—no need for a Korean phone number. The results are provided in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Japanese), allowing you to thoroughly review your health status. Just be sure to bring your passport on the day of the check-up to verify your foreign status! Start Your Journey After the Check-up | Relax in Jeju Island's Nature! After the check-up, you can step outside and experience the vibrant, living nature of Jeju Island. There are a wide range of wellness programs that beautifully complement its unique natural environment, giving you plenty of choices. Here are some of the most popular wellness destinations. (1) JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa Sound Healing and Meditation Yogaⓒez_journey (Naver blog) Featured Wellness Program: Sound Healing and Meditation Yoga This is a newly opened 5-star hotel located on the coastal cliffs in Seogwipo. I had the chance to try their wellness program, "Sound Healing and Meditation Yoga," and it was incredible. Doing yoga while listening to the sound of singing bowls made me feel like all my worries just floated away. It was pure healing! (2) Seogwipo Healing Forest Seogwipo Healing Forest ⓒ@hhaye_jini_ Seogwipo Healing Forest ⓒ@joannn_s Featured Wellness Program: Self-guided Exploration This program takes you through the forest of Hallasan Mountain, the tallest mountain in Korea, at an elevation of 320–760 meters. It was my first visit, and since I wanted to explore freely without a set path, I signed up for the self-guided exploration program. The peaceful, damp forest trails are lined with wooden benches, and lying on one, listening to the birdsong, brought me a deep sense of calm. Some groups even lay in hammocks, listening to the sound of singing bowls while drifting off to sleep. I’m thinking of trying that next time—lying in a hammock and spending some time meditating. (3) Jeju 901 901 Mindfulness ⓒJeju 901 901 Mindfulness ⓒjourney__080 (Naver blog) Featured Wellness Program: 901 Mindfulness 901 Mindfulness is a program that combines meditation with yoga stretching. As I followed the instructor’s guidance during meditation, my thoughts started to clear, and I felt like I was finding answers to long-standing concerns. The yoga stretches were taught step by step, with careful attention to each participant, allowing me to practice with precision. Sharing conversations and energy with others in the program made the experience even more fulfilling. I highly recommend 901 Mindfulness! (4) Jewon Haneul Farm Fruitte x Jewon Haneul Farm ⓒ@fruitte_picnic Tangerine Picking Experience ⓒJewon Haneul Farm Featured Wellness Program: Tangerine Picking (Mid-October to December), Food Therapy Jeju Island's signature specialty is tangerines. I had the experience of picking tangerines amidst the trees, and each time I plucked one, it released a tangy fragrance almost like citrus perfume. The harvest season varies depending on the tangerine variety, so different programs are offered throughout the year. In the summer, they provide food therapy where you can make tangerine ade or marmalade from the freshly picked fruit. If you're planning to visit in the summer, be sure to check it out! (5) WE Hotel Aqua Calming ⓒholistician (Naver blog) Aqua Calming ⓒ@holistician Featured Wellness Program: Aqua Calming At WE Hotel, guests can enjoy one of four wellness programs for free. Since I love swimming, I chose Aqua Calming, a form of aqua therapy. It's a meditation practice done while floating in the water. As I lay there, listening to calming music with my eyes closed, it felt like heaven on earth. I believe all five senses play a crucial role in relaxation. It felt as though sight, sound, and touch were perfectly balanced, creating a mysterious and harmonious experience. Don’t worry if you're not a swimmer—the instructor will help you float. And with the use of buoyancy devices, your body will naturally float on the water. 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in September 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

Weight loss is a common concern around the world, and various methods have been developed, including dietary adjustments, exercise, and medication. Tailored to each individual's constitution and goals, the oriental medicine diet is becoming increasingly popular, making it easier to lose weight and avoid yo-yo syndrome. Let’s explore the principles, effects, and precautions of the oriental medicine diet through the OX quiz. * Before You Begin This content is based on the official YouTube video from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea titled "Oriental Medicine Diet: What You Need to Know" and the consultation of a current oriental medicine doctor. Oriental Medicine Diet: Addressing the Root Causes of Your Body Constitution In oriental medicine, an individual's body constitution has a significant impact on dieting. While some people may eat less than others yet struggle to lose weight, others eat more and move less without gaining weight. This variation is due to the differences in body constitution among individuals. The oriental medicine diet focuses on systematic and healthy weight loss, taking into account the individual's constitution, health condition, lifestyle, eating habits, and amount of exercise. ▽ View More Effects of Oriental Medicine Diet Tailored to Individual Constitution The strength of the oriental medicine diet lies in its ability to promote weight loss while also restoring health by improving the body constitution. This approach involves prescribing personalized herbal medicine to enhance not only an individual’s innate body constitution but also to address any acquired health issues. Customized herb drugs for dieting not only suppress appetite but also help increase metabolism, including basal metabolic rate (BMR), release toxins and body wastes, and reduce edemas, ultimately enhancing overall physical condition. ▽ View More When to Seek Help from the Oriental Medicine Diet Losing weight on your own in a short period can be quite challenging. Extreme dieting over a short time can harm your body and quickly lead to weight regain. Finding the proper diet and exercise that suit your body’s constitution and consistently following them is the key to successful dieting. Still, this is easier said than done. In this case, the oriental medicine diet, tailored to your body condition, can help you achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss. ▽ View More One-to-One Oriental Medicine Diet The Oriental Medicine diet focuses not just on visible weight loss but on addressing individual body constitution and obesity factors, offering a fundamental treatment approach. The cornerstone of this diet is the one-to-one consultation, where a detailed analysis of the individual's body constitution and lifestyle habits is conducted. After a personalized diagnosis, a tailored plan is developed, combining herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle adjustments for a healthy weight loss process. Medical professionals also provide regular check-ups and consultations to monitor the progress. ▽ View More Herbal medicine for weight loss primarily uses ingredients that enhance metabolic rates. Additionally, it tailors treatment to each individual’s body constitution by prescribing detoxifying herbs for waste elimination and appetite-suppressing herbs for controlling hunger. To prevent side effects that can arise during weight loss, herbs that replenish energy based on the individual's body constitution are also used. ▽ View More The fundamental principle of herb drug diet is to increase the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and stimulate metabolism, which helps the body burn energy. In other words, it promotes weight loss by creating an effect similar to exercising, even without exercise. Combining the intake of herb drugs with light exercise can yield even better results; however, there can be slight differences based on body constitution, so it’s advisable to consult with a professional. ▽ View More Liver damage caused by medication is assessed using the Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI). Research conducted both domestically and internationally has indicated that administering herb drugs does not significantly strain the liver . However, prolonged dieting that involves severe calorie restriction can lead to nutritional deficiencies, potentially putting stress on the liver. Additionally, medications or alcohol taken during dieting may affect the liver, so it is essential to discuss thoroughly with healthcare professionals on the herb drug diet. * Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Liver damage caused by long-term or short-term drug use. ▽ View More To prevent weight regain, it is important to gradually extend the dosage cycle while reducing dependence on herb drugs and establishing a healthier lifestyle. To maintain a healthy weight without yo-yoing, it is important that you are willing to stick to the diet and lifestyle you've developed through the oriental medicine diet. * The oriental medicine may have side effects depending on the individual constitution, so it is essential to consult medical professionals. ▽ View More Advice from Dr. Woo Jooyon at WOOJOOYON CLINIC Healing and Treatment in the Cozy Surroundings of a Hanok Located in Bukchon Hanok Village, a popular tourist destination, WOOJOOYON CLINIC offers easy access during your stay in Korea. Its cozy atmosphere from a hanok building allows for perfect wellness and treatment. Equipped with an international medical center, the clinic enables international patients to receive care easily. It also offers specialized programs for international patients. In addition, a wellness exercise center helps overseas patients improve their lifestyles and establish healthcare plans that can be continued even after returning to their home countries. ▽ View More Address 41, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul Contact +82-2-745-7511 Hours By appointment only; Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last appointment at 4:30 PM), Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last appointment at 2:30 PM); closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays Website www.instagram.com/woojoo_clinic Supported Languages Korean, English, and Japanese 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in September 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.

Healing Forest TrailⓒChonnam National University Hwasun Hospital Medical Tour Guide to Muan: Enjoy the City Embracing the Sea and Tidal Flats Recently, flights carrying medical tourists have been arriving one after another at Muan International Airport. Muan, a city in Jeollanam-do, is located along the West Sea. The tides flow in and out twice a day, revealing vast tidal flats. There are three main reasons why a medical tour in Muan is special. First, it is convenient to travel to nearby large hospitals, thanks to the Muan International Airport which operates regular flights to Mongolia, China, and Japan. Second, it boasts the breathtaking nature unique to this area, such as the expansive red clay tidal flats, the open sea, and a reservoir filled with pure white lotuses. Third, this city is full of great restaurants. Jeolla-do is known as the "home of flavors" in Korea, and Muan is famous for its jipbulsamgyeopsal (straw-roasted pork belly) and hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote). Now, it's time to check out the invitation to a medical tour from Muan! How to Get to Muan from Domestic Airports in Korea From Incheon International Airport: [KTX] Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Station on AREX Airport Railroad > Seoul Station at Seoul KTX Station > Bus #200 at Mokpo Station / About 5 hr 20 min [Bus] Incheon Terminal > Muan Bus Terminal: three times a day (08:30, 11:30, 15:20) / About 4 hr 20 min [Car] Approximately 352 km / About 3 hr 40 min From Gimhae International Airport: [Bus] Gimhae International Airport Station at Busan Gimhae Light Rail Transit > Sasang Station at Busan West Bus Terminal > U.square Gwangju Bus Terminal(Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal) > Muan Bus Terminal / About 4 hr 25 min Approximately 300 km / About 3 hr 10 min From Jeju International Airport: [Air] Jeju International Airport > Gwangju Airport, Bus #161 > GwangjuSongjeong Station, GwangjuSongjeong Intercity Bus Station > Muan Bus Terminal / About 3 hr 1. From Cancer Hospitals to Health Checkup Centers There are some well-known hospitals in the area, from those with international healthcare centers to cancer hospitals. Outpatient departmentⓒMuan Hospital Physical therapy roomⓒMuan Hospital Muan Hospital 병원 소개 --> Muan Hospital is a leading hospital with over 30 years of history. Since its opening in 1993, it has been at the forefront of promoting the health of locals and the development of regional healthcare services. The hospital features 13 specialized departments, along with a comprehensive health checkup center, physical therapy room, and emergency room. Equipped with the latest technology, including MRI and CT scanners, and staffed by professional medical personnel, it also provides high-quality medical services through collaborative consultations and surgeries with major hospitals like Asan Medical Center in Seoul, the largest general hospital in Korea, and Chosun University Hospital in Gwangju. Its convenient location, just a 5-minute drive from Muan Bus Terminal, is another advantage "TrueBeam," the first radiotherapy equipment for cancer treatment, introduced in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, ⓒChosun University Hospital 광주·전남 최초 방사선 암치료기 ‘트루빔’ 도입 ⓒ조선대학교병원 Chosun University Hospital 병원 소개 --> It is a tertiary general hospital with over half a century of history. It was redesigned in 2022 and features an international medical center, along with a Middle East clinic catering to patients from Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, making it a foreign patient-friendly hospital. At the information desk for foreign patients in the international medical center, patients can receive consultations without communication barriers. The hospital operates 25 medical departments and 15 specialized centers, with a total of 849 beds. Currently, the hospital is under construction for an infectious disease clinic. Upon completion at the end of 2026, it will become Korea's first infectious disease clinic, serving as a control tower for infectious disease response. The hospital is showcasing a rapid medical treatment system through advanced medical equipment such as a robotic surgery system that makes only small incisions without cutting into the affected area, and PET-CT scans capable of detecting lesions as small as 2 mm for early cancer diagnosis. View of the hospitalⓒChonnam National University Hwasun Hospital Scene of a surgical procedureⓒChonnam National University Hwasun Hospital Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital 병원 소개 --> A branch of Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital is a cancer center and a tertiary general hospital. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, the hospital holds a significant reputation as a leading cancer center outside the capital region. In fact, in Jeollanam-do, when someone is hospitalized in here, many people think they have cancer. With 17 departments dedicated to cancer care, 37 medical specialties, and ten specialized treatment departments, the hospital boasts an efficient multidisciplinary collaboration system. Adding to its appeal, a healing forest, six times the size of a soccer field, sits behind the hospital, providing a nature-friendly environment for recovery. Chonnam National University Hospital, the main hospital in Gwangju, operates an International Medical Center, offering foreign patients a one-stop service from appointment booking to payment. KMI Gwangju officeⓒKMI (Korea Medical Institute) Gwangju Office Interior of the KMI Gwangju officeⓒKMI (Korea Medical Institute) Gwangju Office KMI (Korea Medical Institute) Gwangju Office 병원 소개 --> KMI Gwangju office has been at the forefront of popularizing health screenings. KMI operates eight health screening centers across the country, from Seoul to Jeju, and focuses on early disease detection through diagnoses by over 200 specialists and decades of accumulated screening data. The Gwangju office, which opened in 2007, has earned the highest grade in health screening institution evaluations three consecutive times, demonstrating its excellence. With four screening programs available, KMI also provides multilingual health reports, allowing patients to thoroughly understand their current health status. CT Scan RoomⓒMokpo Hankook Hospital Medical HelipadⓒMokpo Hankook Hospital Mokpo Hankook Hospital 병원 소개 --> It is the largest medical institution in the western part of Jeollanam-do, including Mokpo, Muan, and Sinan. Since its opening in 1988, the hospital has grown to include 27 departments and over 600 beds. In 2019, it launched the first bariatric and metabolic surgery center in Jeollanam-do, treating morbid obesity and improving related conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Patients who underwent surgery reported a 31% reduction in their pre-surgery weight within a year. Additionally, the hospital serves as both a Regional Emergency Medical Center and a Regional Trauma Center, designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea to take the lead in treating critically ill patients. A seawater pool where you can enjoy hydro-pressure massages and aquatic exercisesⓒKorea Tourism Organization OpenAPI Seaweed foam therapyⓒKorea Tourism Organization OpenAPI PLUS⁺ Wando Marine Healing Center Located at the southernmost tip of South Korea, Wando is an area made up of 265 islands. This pristine region hosts the Wando Marine Healing Center, which opened in 2023 and was selected as a "2024 Excellent Wellness Tourism Destination." The center offers 16 wellness programs that utilize marine resources such as seawater, mud, and seaweed. Notable treatments include the Thalassa pool, which uses double-filtered seawater, mud therapy, and seaweed spa treatments. 2. Dining Spots in Muan In Korea, there's a saying, “The more you eat, the faster you get better.” Here are two popular restaurants in Muan, known for their delicious offerings. ① Duam Sikdang 20 minutes by car from the airport jipbulsamgyeopsalⓒInstagram bang__road meat being grilled over an intense flameⓒInstagram bang__road What would freshly grilled pork belly over straw taste like? To find the answer, you should head to Duam Sikdang, a famous spot for jipbulsamgyeopsal (straw-roasted pork belly) with a 60-year history. This place became even more popular after Jun Hyunmoo visited here on the hit Korean variety show Home Alone. They grill the pork belly over straw at temperatures close to 1,000 ℃, giving the meat an exceptional smoky flavor. ② Muanaekkot Nakji Hanjeongsik, 15 minutes by car from the airport Muanaekkot Surasang Set Menu Muanaekkot Nakji Hanjeongsik, 15 minutes by car from the airport If you come to Korea, you must try hanjeongshik. Hanjeongshik refers to Korean table d'hote. Muanaekkot Nakji Hanjeongsik is a place where you can enjoy over 15 kinds of Korean dishes, centered around the local specialty of octopus. From appetizers like salad and japchae to main dishes like nakjitteokgalbi (grilled galbi patty with octopus) and grilled fish, the meal includes rice and soup, creating a delicious spread of Korean cuisine that's sure to impress you. 3. Attractions in Muan Time is gold. Traveling too far can feel like a burden, right? Here are four attractions within a 30-minute drive from Muan International Airport. ① Holtong Beach, 15 minutes by car from the airport Tourists enjoying windsurfing The beach turned into a tidal flat It's a unique beach with a distinctive hourglass shape. It turns into a tidal flat during low tide, and you can enjoy swimming and windsurfing at high tide. It's fun to find clams and oysters in the tidal flat! ② Mulmaji Healing Forest, 20 minutes by car from the airport Waterside walking trail Tourists walking barefoot along the walking trail healing center, walking trails, gardens, and an observatory. The barrier-free walking trail around Daegok Reservoir is popular for its easy accessibility and can be completed in about 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a light stroll. ③ Hoesan White Lotus Pond, 30 minutes by car from the airport Wooden decks connecting various areas A trail featuring white lotuses and aquatic plants It's an ecological park where white lotuses bloom in a reservoir the size of 46 soccer fields. Its size is so impressive that it has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest habitat of white lotuses in Asia. The lotuses bloom from late July to September. A lotus festival is held at the end of July, when the flowers are in full bloom, enhancing the beauty of the scene. ④ Sky. Star. Sea Pension, 15 minutes by car from the airport A pension with a beautiful sunset view Interior of the room This pension has been selected as Jeollanam-do’s iconic wellness tourism destination for 2024. The rising tide comes right up to the front of the pension, and the sunset over the horizon is so beautiful that it's famous for its scenic views. Enjoying the view of the ocean from the heated infinity pool adds to the charm. 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian) * This column was last updated in September 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.