LIMDA JOURNAL
Korean Medicine in Busan, in English — A First-Timer's Guide
Curious about traditional Korean medicine but worried about the language barrier? At LIMDA in Marine City, Haeundae, doctors consult directly in English. Here is what Korean medicine is, and how to visit.
If you live in Busan as an expat, or you are visiting Haeundae and want to experience K-medical care, this guide is for you.
What is Korean medicine (Hanbang)?
Korean medicine is a licensed, government-regulated medical system practiced by university-trained doctors (KMD, Doctor of Korean Medicine). It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine (bo-yak), and lifestyle-based care. Harvard researchers have mapped how acupuncture signals travel in the body (Nature, 2021), and leading hospitals such as Mayo Clinic offer acupuncture as part of integrative care.
What can you visit for?
Common reasons international patients visit LIMDA: chronic fatigue and burnout, sleep problems, digestion, tension headaches and neck or shoulder pain, women's health, weight management, and facial acupuncture for natural lifting.
Living in Busan? Your Korean health insurance works here
If you hold an Alien Registration Card (ARC) and are enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHIS) — which most registered residents are — your coverage applies at LIMDA exactly as it does for Korean nationals. Acupuncture and many treatments are covered at the same insured rates Koreans pay, and fees are identical for Korean and international patients. Just bring your ARC on your first visit.
Do I need Korean to visit?
No. At LIMDA, the doctors themselves consult in English — not through a receptionist relay. Japanese, Chinese, and other languages are supported with an interpreter if you book 48 hours in advance. LIMDA is a Busan-registered clinic for international patients.
How to book
Reserve via WhatsApp or email before your visit. The clinic is fully reservation-based and private, located on the first floor of I-Park T1 in Marine City, next to Park Hyatt Busan.
Q. Is acupuncture safe? A. Performed by licensed doctors with sterile single-use needles, acupuncture is considered very safe. Tell your doctor about any medications, pregnancy, or health conditions.
Q. I have NHIS — what does it cover here? A. Acupuncture and standard treatments are typically covered; herbal prescriptions (bo-yak) are generally non-covered. Your exact coverage is confirmed transparently before treatment. Q. I'm a short-term visitor without Korean insurance — can I still come? A. Of course. Fees are posted transparently, and we can issue English receipts for your travel insurer. Q. How long is a first visit? A. Usually 30-60 minutes, including consultation and your first treatment if appropriate.
Written by Dr. Cheongrim Kim, KMD — Head Doctor, Kyunghee LIMDA Korean Medicine Clinic, Busan (Doctor of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University).
This article is general health information written by a licensed medical professional and does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes. Do not adjust any prescribed medication without consulting your prescribing physician. Published 2026-07-02.
Kyunghee LIMDA Korean Medicine Clinic — 1F, I-Park T1, 38 Marine City 2-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan · +82-10-7925-6248 · Hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:00, Saturday 9:00-17:00, closed on public holidays
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