Going to the Dentist in Korea — A Guide for Foreign Residents

If you live in Korea, a Korean dental clinic works the same way for you as for Korean patients. This page explains what national health insurance covers at the dentist, what to bring, and how to book at Boston Miso Dental Clinic in Uijeongbu — three minutes on foot from Uijeongbu Station (Seoul Metro Line 1).

Does national health insurance cover dental care?

Most foreign residents who have stayed in Korea for six months or more are enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHIS). International students and employees are usually enrolled through their own schemes. If you are not sure, check with your school, your employer or the NHIS website before your visit.

• Usually covered: examination and X-rays, scaling (cleaning) once a year for adults aged 19 and over, extraction including wisdom teeth, root canal treatment, and gum treatment.
• Usually not covered: tooth-coloured resin fillings for adults, crowns, whitening, Minish and veneers, and implants (patients aged 65 and over with NHIS can have up to two implants covered).
• With insurance you pay part of the fee for covered treatment. For treatment that is not covered, every price is published on our fees page, and we explain the total before treatment starts.

What should I bring?

• Your residence card (or passport). The desk uses it to check your insurance.
• A list of medicines you take, especially blood thinners, osteoporosis or diabetes medicines.
• Any previous dental X-rays or records, if you have them. They are helpful but not required.

How do I book?

• NAVER Booking — requires a Naver account. You can write your concern in the note field in English.
• Phone — +82-31-871-2275. The desk speaks Korean and simple English.
• KakaoTalk channel — send a message with your symptoms and preferred time.
• Visit card — pick your symptoms in your language and we turn them into Korean sentences you can copy into KakaoTalk or show at the desk.

Hours and location

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00–19:00
• Thursday 10:00–21:00 (evening clinic)
• Saturday 09:00–13:00
• Sundays and public holidays — closed
• 2F, Dongyang Reshville 2, 26 Sinheung-ro 240beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do — 3 minutes on foot from Uijeongbu Station

When is it an emergency?

If your face swells quickly with fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency room or call 119 — do not wait for a dental appointment. For a toothache, a broken tooth or a lost filling, call us or send a KakaoTalk message and we will find the earliest time we can see you.

FAQ

Can I be treated in English?

The desk speaks Korean and simple English. The dentist explains the diagnosis and plan with the CT and photos on screen, and written information on this website is available in your language.

I don’t have health insurance yet. Can I still be treated?

Yes. Treatment is the same; you pay the full fee for covered items until you are enrolled. Ask the desk for the expected cost before treatment.

Do I need an appointment?

An appointment is strongly recommended, especially for a first visit, because it includes an examination and X-rays. If you are in pain, call us and we will try to fit you in.

This page is general information. Insurance rules can change; your exact coverage is confirmed when your insurance is checked at the desk. Dental treatment can have side effects such as pain, swelling, bleeding or infection, and results differ from person to person.