Cardiology in Daejeon

Cardiology is a branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the heart. It is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such conditions as heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and much more. Doctors who specialize in this branch of internal medicine are known as a cardiologist.

What Does Cardiology Involve?

Cardiology involves tests, including electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity of the heart, exercise test to see the changes of heart rhythm, echocardiogram that provides an ultrasound picture showing the structure of the heart, and cardiac catheterization to collect data and help relieve a blockage. There are numerous different treatments within cardiology for various different heart disorders, such as valvuloplasties, angioplasties, stenting, congenital heart defect corrections, as well as coronary thrombectomies. Nearly all treatments for heart diseases are major surgery and are performed under general anesthetic. 

How Long Should You Stay in Daejeon?

Your length of stay in Daejeon depends on which procedure you underwent. In general, you need to stay in the hospital for several days and also to stay in the country for an additional fourteen days or until your cardiologist allows you to travel home.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

The recovery period can be different from one person to another, depending on your overall health and any complications. You should expect to progressively regain your energy and go back to your normal activity level in about four to eight weeks after treatment, particularly following surgical treatments. 

What Aftercare Should You Consider?

You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments, either with your cardiologist in Daejeon or in your home country. You must make some lifestyle adjustments after you recover, including eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and limit your alcohol intake, to prevent future heart disease or complications. Your cardiologist may recommend you to get a cardiac rehabilitation, which will improve your health after treatment and help you recover after surgery.

What is the Success Rate for Cardiology?

Generally, the success rate depends on the specific procedure and your specific condition. Cardiology has helped millions of people around the world and if performed by experts, the risk of serious complications is very low. However, just like any other treatment, there are some risks to be aware of, such as bleeding, stroke, heart rhythm problems, blood clots, infection, valve dysfunction, and death.

Are there Alternatives to Cardiology?

Those who suffer from heart disorders do not have any other alternatives besides going to a cardiologist. However, if you do not want to undergo surgery or take any medication, you need to talk to your surgeon for the best alternative for your specific case.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Disorders of the heart can be dangerous, life-threatening, cause painful symptoms, and interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. After you have been treated by a cardiologist, you may be cured of your disease and your symptoms are relieved. 

Cardiology in and around Daejeon

About Daejeon 

With a population of around 1.5 million people, Daejeon is the 5th largest city in South Korea. Due to its location in the center of Korea, it is a major transit hub for the region. It’s an important science and education center, with more than 200 research institutes located within its area. As South Korea’s medical tourism continues to flourish, Daejeon has undertaken strategic development to grow its medical tourism industry. The city is establishing its healthcare system by providing outstanding medical technology both in the private and public sector, improving its medical services, carrying out overseas marketing activities, as well as developing medical tourism products and medical tourism coordinators.    

Popular Parts of Daejeon

The most popular part of Daejeon is Yuseong-gu, the administrative district in the northwest part of the city. It is home to Yuseong hot springs resort town, where visitors can find a hot spring that can counter many types of illnesses. The hot spring contains alkaline minerals, such as sulfur, calcium, potassium, silicic acid, and radium. An especially high concentration of radium is found in the hot spring, which is known to be good for neuralgia and geriatric diseases. Around the area of Yuseong hot springs resort town are upscale shopping areas, accommodation, as well as numerous cultural centers and sightseeing places. Another popular area is Dunsan, the city’s central business district filled with shops and restaurants. Besides these two areas, there several popular places for sightseers, including the mountains Sikjangsan and Jangtaesan, the lake Daecheonghosu, Expo Science Park, and Daejeon O-World. 

Transport in Daejeon

The international airport serving Daejeon is the Cheongju International Airport, which is located in Cheongwon-gu. It has several flights to and from cities in Asia. However, most international tourists arrive at Incheon International Airport and travel to the city with a shuttle bus from the airport or a KTX express train from Seoul. The most convenient and affordable way to get around Daejeon is by inner-city bus and the subway. Visitors can buy T-money travel cards to reduce the fares of the bus and subway. Taxis are available, but make sure to avoid unregistered taxis.

Visas in Daejeon

Holders of passports from 112 countries, including the EU, the US, and Russia, can visit Daejeon without a visa for 30, 60, and 180 days. Citizens of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry should apply and obtain a visa prior to their visit. 

Weather in Daejeon

There are four seasons in Daejeon. Summer, starting from June to August, is typically hot and rainy. From September to late November is autumn, which has pleasant weather. Winter, from late November to March, can be freezing. The temperature will slowly rise in spring, but rainfall is more common.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: The official currency in Daejeon is South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD is approx. 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs accepting international cards are widely available. Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, hotels, and shops. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in restaurants. However, it is okay to tip guides and porters.
3. Local Language: Korean is the official language, with Hangul as the formal script. English is mostly spoken in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Around 47% of the population is not religious or follows indigenous religions. Buddhism and Christianity are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha are some of the important public holidays in Daejeon.