Happy New Year 2026!
Hello, I'm Dr. Shin Jung-won from Tongin Korean Medicine Clinic. 😊
As we welcome the new year, I hope you enjoy even greater health and happiness. Today, I'd like to introduce you to Traditional Korean Medicine as part of Korea's official healthcare system and its representative treatment methods.
Let's begin! 👉
An Official Part of Korea's Healthcare System
One distinctive feature of Korea's healthcare system is that Korean Medicine is officially included in the National Health Insurance program.
This means Korean Medicine is not simply complementary or alternative medicine, but is legally recognized as a branch of medicine that operates within the national healthcare system.
- Korean Medicine doctors complete over 6 years of formal medical education at government-certified universities.
- Korean Medicine doctors obtain their licenses through national examinations.
Covered by National Insurance
National Health Insurance subscribers can receive benefits for the following Korean Medicine treatments: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Chuna therapy, and certain herbal medicine prescriptions.
Korean Medicine treatments are backed by sufficient medical evidence and clinical effectiveness data.
The government manages these medical practices for safety and efficacy, sharing treatment costs with patients through the national healthcare structure.
Combined Use of Conventional and Korean Medicine
Another unique feature of Korea's healthcare system is that conventional medicine hospitals and Korean Medicine clinics can be used concurrently within the same health insurance framework.
For example, after receiving an MRI scan or medication at an orthopedic clinic, patients can receive insurance-covered acupuncture, cupping, and Chuna therapy at Korean Medicine clinics for pain relief and functional recovery.
According to a 2024 government survey, approximately half of respondents had experience using both Conventional and Korean Medicine facilities for the same symptoms.
Musculoskeletal Conditions Most Common
Reasons for choosing Korean Medicine treatment were "good therapeutic effects" (42.5%), "appropriate care for the condition" (16.0%), and "fewer side effects" (11.6%).
The most commonly treated conditions were musculoskeletal disorders, followed by digestive system issues, health maintenance (immunity and fatigue treatment), and respiratory conditions.
- The 6 conditions officially recognized for excellent Korean Medicine treatment effectiveness (covered by health insurance) are: functional dyspepsia, dysmenorrhea, allergic rhinitis, lumbar disc herniation, idiopathic facial paralysis, and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease.
Korean Medicine treatments can be particularly helpful for long-term management of chronic pain and functional decline, not just acute conditions. 😉
💡 Tip: Why are my treatment costs different from my friend's? 💡
Have you ever wondered about this when visiting hospitals in Korea?
As mentioned above, some medical treatments are covered by health insurance.
Korean residents with National Health Insurance have part of their treatment costs covered.
However, short-term foreign visitors don't receive insurance coverage, so their treatment costs are relatively higher.
This difference explains the cost variations, and you can be assured that the prices charged are the standard rates. 😉
Representative Korean Medicine Treatments
Here are the main types of Korean Medicine treatments:
Acupuncture
This is one of the most popular and universally used treatments both domestically and internationally. Acupuncture is used for almost all types of conditions.
It’s used for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Musculoskeletal Conditions: Lower back and neck pain, Disc problems, Muscle tension
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Internal Medicine Conditions: Stress management, Insomnia, Indigestion, Menstrual pain
Moxibustion
Moxibustion therapy uses heat to stimulate blood circulation and regulate the autonomic nervous system, supporting the body's natural healing responses.
Clinically, it's primarily performed in the lower abdomen and is used to manage symptoms related to improving lower abdominal blood flow, cold constitution, digestive dysfunction, and fatigue.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy creates localized negative pressure on the skin to increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension and fascial adhesions.
Research shows it can help with:
- Pain Relief: Muscle pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, lower back pain
- Circulation: Local blood circulation improvement, autonomic nervous system balance
When combined with acupuncture, patients often experience muscle relaxation and relief in a short time.
Chuna Manual Therapy
This is hands-on treatment performed directly by Korean Medicine doctors.
It's often chosen to restore joint stability and balance in cases of postural imbalance or chronic pain, and to relax tight muscles and fascia.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines, which show effectiveness for many conditions, are prescribed and prepared according to the patient's condition and disease.
Exact costs vary depending on the herbal ingredients and their concentrations used in the prescription, so consultation with a Korean Medicine doctor is necessary.
Korean Medicine is included in Korea's official healthcare system, with the government continuously overseeing its safety and effectiveness. This means you can choose these treatments with even greater confidence in their quality and reliability.
If you're considering visiting a Korean Medicine clinic, come experience treatments verified and managed within Korea's healthcare system.
It could be a valuable addition to your healthcare journey.
