As someone who relocated to South Korea for work, navigating healthcare—especially specialized care like ophthalmology—was daunting. I had heard amazing things about Korean medical technology, but I wasn’t sure how non-Korean speakers would be treated, or if communication would be a barrier.
Spoiler: it wasn’t, thanks to SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
Why I Needed an Ophthalmologist in the First Place
After a few months in Korea, I started noticing dry, irritated eyes and slight vision changes. It was likely a mix of screen time, climate change, and maybe just aging. I needed a check-up but wanted someone with experience treating international patients—someone who wouldn’t just rush me through a process I didn’t fully understand.
After digging through forums, expat blogs, and Korean medical websites, SNU Eye Clinic in Suwon came up repeatedly. So I booked an appointment with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who was listed as their lead ophthalmologist.
Dr. Chung’s Qualifications & Global Approach
From the first five minutes of speaking with Dr. Chung, I knew I was in good hands. Here’s what impressed me:
He trained at Seoul National University, one of the top medical schools in Asia
He specializes in glaucoma, cataract, and anterior segment diseases—with decades of hands-on clinical experience
He’s fluent in English, and his bedside manner is incredibly calm, professional, and human
He’s worked extensively with international patients, and the clinic staff are clearly trained to support foreigners (they even help with translation, insurance, and paperwork)
He took the time to explain every test, diagnosis, and treatment option in plain English, using diagrams and patient-friendly visuals. I never felt rushed, judged, or confused.
The Clinic Experience for International Patients
SNU Eye Clinic is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology—seriously, I saw machines I’ve never seen back home in the U.S.—and everything from check-in to follow-up was handled with incredible efficiency.
What stood out was how streamlined the experience was for non-Korean speakers:
- Bilingual staff at reception
- Translation support for medical records
- Appointment scheduling via KakaoTalk or email
- Direct communication with the doctor (not just through assistants)
Final Thoughts
If you’re an international patient in Korea looking for high-level eye care with clear communication, Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic is your go-to.
He combines top-tier academic training, extensive clinical experience, and a rare ability to make complex things easy to understand—especially if you’re navigating an unfamiliar system in a new country.
www.snuseoulglobal.com
Dr. Chung’s profile: Doctors | Chung Eui Sang
I walked in unsure and a little anxious. I walked out with peace of mind—and a renewed trust in global healthcare.