During South Korea’s upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, patients will face higher medical costs, with fees expected to increase by 30 to 50 percent for hospital visits and pharmacy services compared to regular weekdays. However, patients with prebooked appointments for January 27 will not experience the surcharge and will pay standard weekday rates.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that these surcharges will apply to medical services provided outside of regular hours, such as evenings, weekends, and public holidays. The increased fees aim to compensate medical personnel working overtime during the holiday period. Hospitals, pharmacies, dental clinics, and traditional Korean medicine clinics will all be subject to the additional charges.
Under the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, a 30 to 50 percent surcharge will apply to services such as basic checkups, anesthesia, treatments, and surgeries at hospitals. At pharmacies, medication and counseling fees will increase by up to 30 percent.
To avoid confusion for those with prearranged appointments, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will suspend the surcharge for services rendered on January 27, which has been designated as a temporary holiday. This exception will prevent penalties for medical institutions that maintain standard fees for these prebooked visits. Typically, offering discounted medical fees is prohibited under the Medical Services Act, as it could be seen as patient solicitation.
In addition to these changes, military and veterans’ hospitals nationwide will enhance their emergency medical services during the holiday period. The Ministry of National Defense reported that 12 military hospitals will continue to provide emergency care, supported by over 440 emergency vehicles, including ambulances, helicopters, and rescue vehicles, with more than 2,800 medical and rescue personnel on standby. This effort ensures that healthcare remains accessible to all residents throughout the holiday.
Related topics:
Unity Day 2025: Date, History, Symbols, and Traditions of the National Holiday
The Longest School Holidays Ever: Parents Are Feeling the Strain
Expert Issues Scarborough Residents with Must-Read Holiday Health Tips