Seeing a dentist in Korea when you are new here
Ansan is known as one of the most international cities in Gyeonggi-do, home to residents from many countries who work, study and raise families there. For someone living in Sangnok-gu, a dental problem raises practical questions before clinical ones. Where do I go? Will they understand me? Does my insurance work? How much will it cost?
This page answers those questions for international residents considering Seoul E&D Dental Clinic, a general dental clinic in Sanbon-dong, Gunpo, led by Dr. Ryu Si-ho.
How do I get there from Sangnoksu Station?
Sangnoksu Station is on Line 4. Take a train heading north toward Seoul, travelling through Banwol and Daeyami, and get off at Sanbon Station. Leave the station and walk about five minutes to the Hanaro Building, 693 Gosan-ro. The clinic is on the second floor, Units 201-202. Our contact page has a map you can open on your phone.
Opening times
- Mon, Thu: 09:30-20:30
- Tue, Wed, Fri: 09:30-18:30
- Sat: 09:30-14:00 (no lunch break)
- Weekday lunch: 13:00-14:00
- Sun: 10:00-16:00
- Korean public holidays: 09:30-18:30
Hours around long holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok can change, so confirm hours before planning a visit.
Can I communicate in English?
We can help arrange English communication. Please ask when you book, so we can prepare. We explain treatment plans and costs before anything begins, and you are always welcome to bring a Korean-speaking friend or colleague if that makes you more comfortable. More information is on our international patients page.
How do I book?
- WhatsApp: message our channel. Written messages can be easier than a phone call in a second language, and translation apps work well with them.
- Phone / WhatsApp:+82-10-3015-3473.
Does Korean National Health Insurance cover dental care for foreigners?
Foreign residents who are enrolled in National Health Insurance can use it at dental clinics in the same way as Korean citizens. Covered items include examinations, many basic treatments, and adult scaling once a year. Cosmetic treatments and some restorations are not covered. Bring your Residence Card to every visit so we can check your eligibility. If you have private or employer insurance from your home country, ask us for receipts and treatment documents you can submit. Details are on our pricing and insurance page.
Which treatments do international patients ask for most?
A first check-up in Korea
Many people arrive having missed a routine visit during their move. A dental check-up and oral exam with the Q-ray intraoral camera shows the state of your teeth on screen, which helps when words are harder. Pair it with scaling if you are due a cleaning.
Pain that needs attention now
A toothache is harder to bear far from home. Call for emergency dental care. If the nerve is infected, root canal treatment aims to save the tooth.
Continuing treatment started abroad
If you had an implant or crown started in another country, bring any records. We can assess the work and, where suitable, complete it with a crown or other restoration.
Replacing a missing tooth
If you plan to stay in Korea for a while, a single tooth implant may be worth discussing. Implant treatment takes several months, so we talk through timing honestly if you might relocate.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Residence Card or passport.
- A list of medications, with names written in English if possible.
- Any dental records or X-rays from previous dentists.
- Notes on your symptoms, so nothing is forgotten.
Our first-visit guide walks through the whole appointment, and the blog article on seeing a dentist in Korea as a foreign resident explains how the system works more generally.
Clear explanations, whatever your language
One of the clinic's founding principles is that patients should understand why treatment is needed and whether it must happen now. That matters even more when you are navigating an unfamiliar system. We take time to explain, show images, and let you decide.