(Well, I might have had typing problems before that, due to mild dyslexia. I suppose I should have simply seen Ms. Kang’s doctor, gotten the requisite bill, and gone after those flag-bearing bastards even so.)

Actually, I considered that she might have gone to SMC or KUMC, but then I thought she couldn’t have, for the reason you mention: price. I’ve been to both places (SMC for a complete physical, and KUMC for an infection), and both seemed likely to run higher than the bill she came up with. Plus, they’re pretty far to go; non-Koreans might want to go due to the level of care and the relative ease of comunication (or, as in Brendon’s case, the convenience of location), but the fasr greater likelihood is that she went to a (for her) more conveniently located hospital or 한의원.

GeumGang Asan Hospital is located Ichon-Dong, and they’re pretty good for basic medical needs. Like most other hospitals that I’ve used throughout Korea, they have a sort of ‘we’re all in this together’ approach to medicine, so that patients are often treated in semi-private areas. Also, if you have a medical problem requiring in-patient care, you’ll be thrown into a room with the nattering nabobs of the nonjang, so I wouldn’t recommend them for that. But they’re competent, have English-speaking medical-staff, and have been quite friendly to me when I’ve used their services. Cost-wise, it’s hard to say how much you’ll pay, but for things like innoculations and treatment for minor medical problems, my bill rarely rises over 25,000, all up.

There are many clinics in the area, and the HanGang Shopping Center is a major center for them. Staff in these clinics likewise speak English (not the ajumma needed that), are very compitent, and are quite friendly. Prices are even lower: I’ve gone to clinics there for allergy-related problems and basic mendical treatment, and with my national insurance card, it’s only been 4,00-5,000 per visit! Whenever I go, the place is always filled with Korean-American familes, which suggests to me that I’ve come to the right place for factors such as quality care and affordability.

Anyway, I really recommend the medical services in this community. The service and quality are good. And, though I’ve never seen any medical specialists here in order to treat wounded pride, you generally shouldn’t end up with a medical bill as large as Ms. Kang’s.

http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/a.....mp;sid=WOR

while it talks about how the world views the top nation’s leaders in a negative light (and america), there is a line mentioning how the view of america in korea has dramatically improved.

[H]ow did she end up with KRW67,500 in medical expenses, when out-patient treatment typically costs KRW4,000-15,000? I live in the same neighborhood as she, and use the western- and Korean-style medical faclities here (and have done so elsewhere in the city), and I’ve never run up a bill as high as that. Include prescribed meds and the bill might rise another KRW5,000-15,000, but still does not reach the final charge that she claimed.

I want to use your clinic. I use the Samsung Kangbuk Hospital near my home (a five-minute walk) and it’s usually about W70,000 each time I see a doctor.