Allergology in Incheon

Allergology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergies. Allergies are the immune system’s response to substances that can be harmful to the human body (allergens). Allergens can be found in the air, certain foods, everyday objects, drugs, and pets. 

A doctor who specializes in the treatment of allergies is called an allergist, while a scientist who studies allergology is called an allergologist. They can examine allergic pulmonary and skin diseases in both children and adults. In addition, they are able to examine the ear, nose, and throat diseases that are related to allergic problems. Allergist usually works with other specialists, such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctors, dermatologists, internists, or gynecologists. Some of the most common allergy that allergists can help treat include:

• Food allergies (such as peanuts, cow’s milk protein, meat, and fruit)
• Animals (such as insects and feathered or furry animals)
• Dust mites (tiny bugs that can be found in dust in carpets, mattresses, and furniture)
• Pollens (trees, grasses, herbaceous plants)
• Latex
• Mould
• Certain metals
• Sun.

The specialty of adult allergology focuses on the treatment of atopic eczema and urticaria, asthma and obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic maxillary sinusitis, allergic eye symptoms, as well as drug and food allergies. Pediatric allergology concentrates on treating atopic eczemas and asthma in children of all ages, in addition to food allergies and other types of allergies.

Allergists can perform a wide range of tests and procedures, including:

• Allergy skin testing, including prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing
• Food challenges
• Aspirin desensitization
• Blood tests
• Physical exam
• Spirometry (lung function tests)
• Medication/drug challenge
• Patch testing
• Allergy shots
• Prescribing medications, such as emergency epinephrine and antihistamine.

How Long Should I Stay in Incheon?

You should be able to leave the clinic or hospital on the same day as your allergy test or treatment. However, it is advisable that you stay at least 2 to 3 days after an allergy test to wait for the results. You will need to visit your allergist who will explain the results to you and discuss the best treatment option. If you need allergy shots, you usually require them every 2 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months. You can choose to travel multiple times or stay in Incheon until the whole treatment is finished.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

There is little to no recovery times after allergy tests or treatments. You should be able to resume your normal activities as soon as you do not experience symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activity.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you instructions to prevent an allergic reaction from happening in the future, which usually includes avoiding your allergens. In some cases, they will give you an emergency epinephrine autoinjector and teach you how to use it. Make sure to keep the product near you at all times. You may also be advised to let your family, friends, or those closest to you know where you keep the epinephrine and how to use it. 

What's the Success Rate?

Diagnosis and treatment of allergy are becoming more successful and safer now thanks to the continuous advancement of allergology. For example, around 85% of people who receive regular allergy shots for 3 to 5 years, experience permanent results. Medicines can also control the symptoms much better now. However, some types of treatments do have side effects and risks, such as reactions that appear as hives at the site of the injection, redness, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy skin.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you will need to see an allergist diagnose and treat allergy, but you can also see an immunologist as the alternative. If your symptoms are found to be caused by other problems unrelated to allergy, your allergist will refer you to the relevant specialist. 

Allergology in and around Incheon

About Incheon

Incheon is a bustling metropolis located 36km west of Seoul. With about 3 million people living in the city, Incheon is the third most populous city in South Korea. The city is the heart of the Capital Industrial Region and is a major international transport hub for South Korea. Tourists will find historic attractions that date back nearly 5.000 years, gastronomic scenes, fairytale wonderland, picturesque islands, as well as high-tech medical institutions.

Medical tourism has become one of the biggest businesses in Incheon and is supported by the government. In December 2018, the government opened the Medical Tourism Support Center at Incheon International Airport. The center helps medical tourists to conveniently book medical procedures upon landing in South Korea. Medical consultants and nurses who can speak various languages will provide medical consulting services and information regarding medical tourism.

Domestic and International tourists usually come to Incheon for cosmetic surgery (especially for those who are interested in K-beauty), cosmetic dentistry, and health improvement. Incheon’s medical tourism attracts medical tourists for the following reason:

• Hospitals and medical facilities equipped with high-tech medical devices.
• Outstanding doctors and medical practitioners to ensure excellent service and care.
• Cost-effective and high-quality healthcare.

Popular Areas in Incheon

Incheon is steeped in history. Tourists can visit Walmido, a notable site that served as Incheon Landing Operations during the Korean War. Wolmi Theme Park had transformed Walmido into the best spot to have fun. Jayu Park is also known as the ‘Park of Freedom’ and has a General MacArthur statue as the centerpiece. The park offers a fantastic view of its surrounding mountains, downtown Incheon, the port, and the sea. Incheon’s China Town is said to be the best China Town in South Korea with its museum, galleries, and green spaces.

One of Korea’s favorite dishes, Jjajangmyeon, was created in Incheon. Learn more about the history and influence of black soybean noodles in the Jjangmyeon museum, or try them in the best Jjangmyeon restaurant in the world: Goghwachun.

Incheon is home to small, beautiful islands that offer a wonderful escape from the metropolitan city. One of the most popular islands is Muuido. The island has two main beaches: Silmi Beach and Hanage Beach. Both are equally pretty and equipped with seafood restaurants and camping facilities.

Weather and Climate in Incheon

Incheon has four distinct seasons.

• Spring starts from April to June, the city will be full of pink cherry blossoms. Tourists can expect mostly sunny days in spring, making it a popular time of the year to visit Incheon.
• Summer falls between late June and August; the temperature is generally warm with an average of 20 - 29°C but it often rains during summer.
• Autumn has a mild temperature around 11-25°C, the city will be colorful as the autumn leaves start to bloom.
• Winter falls between December and March.

Getting Around in Incheon

Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest airports in the world. It is rated as the best airport worldwide and cleanest airport in the world. The airport serves domestic and international flights. The Airport connects South Korea with almost every other country in the world. Major airlines, as well as budget airlines such as Eastar Jet, AirAsia X, and VietJet Air,  operates flights from this airport.

To get to the city center from Incheon International Airport, tourists can take a taxi, a bus. Taxis use meters and the base fare is 3.800KRW, there’s an additional 20% late-night charge from 0.00 am – 04.00 am. Tourists are advised to catch taxis in the designated taxi stop to avoid third-party companies who pretend to be taxis and charge unfairly.

There are several ways to get around in Incheon. Subway is the fastest option to get around, the subway lines will take visitors to major districts in the city. Fares start at 900KRW; tourists can purchase transportation card at the automated machines in the subway station or convenience stores.

Buses are also a great option. The routes run through almost every neighborhood in Incheon. The green buses will take passengers around the local neighborhood; blue buses will take passengers district to district. Green/White buses and Red buses are for long-distance travel, they will take passengers to Buncheon and Seoul. The fares range from 800KRW to 2.500KRW, pay with exact change, or use a transportation card that can be purchased from convenience stores.

The best way to get around if you need flexibility is by taxis. The base fare is 2.600KRW and will increase with the distance. Note that taxi drivers usually don’t speak English.

Tourist Visas in Incheon

Foreign citizens of 107 countries do not require a visa to enter South Korea for 180, 90, 60, and 30 days depending on the country. Citizens of other countries need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting South Korea.

To apply for a visa, South Korea provides an electronic visa application through Korea Visa Portal or you can go to the embassies or consulates of South Korea in your country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The currency in South Korea is Korean Won (KRW). 1USD converts to 1149.00KRW.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from the ATMs with a ‘Global’ sign. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city but small restaurants and stalls only accept cash. Make sure to always carry some cash. Tourists can exchange most of the major currencies to KRW in banks and moneychangers. Tipping is generally not expected so tourists do not need to tip.
3. Local Language: Korean and Korean Sign Language are the official languages of South Korea. The script is written in Hangul. Most store and hotel employees in the city know some English. All airports and train station signs are written in Hangul as well as English. Major tourists’ attraction typically has English signs.
4. Local Culture and Religion: 50.1% of Incheon’s population is not religious although there are some major religions in Incheon including Christianity and Buddhism. Buddhism is an old religion that has been practiced in South Korea for a long time, but more people in Incheon follows Christianity.
5. Public Holidays: Incheon follows the Gregorian calendar. The city hosts Pentaport Rock Festival, an annual music festival that takes place around August.