Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Ilsan

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Ilsan?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Ilsan for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Ilsan.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Ilsan

About Ilsan

Ilsan, or Ilsan New Town, is a planned city that sits in the two districts of Ilsanseo-gu and Ilsandong-gu in Goyang. It is situated northwest of Seoul and is one of the satellite cities of the Seoul National Capital Area. The city was planned to help with housing shortages in Seoul. In the last decade, Ilsan has gone through rapid growth, drawing in the upper-middle-class and upper-class Koreans. Today, the city has also become a popular destination for medical tourism. The clinics and hospitals in Ilsan attract international medical tourists by delivering quality services, reasonably priced medical procedures, advanced medical technology, fast and efficient diagnostics, and therapeutic services, as well as IT-based infrastructure. 

Popular Parts of Ilsan

Ilsan has a dynamic culture and a beautiful urban landscape. One of the most popular parts of the city is Lake Park, which covers an area of 295,000m2 and is the biggest artificial lake in Asia. It has a variety of wildflowers and plants, including cactus arboretum. The park also features botanical gardens, a bike path, a musical fountain, and recreational facilities. With everything that the park provides, it is frequented by both locals and international visitors. Those who love marine life should visit the Hanwha Aqua Planet. Visitors can see the amazing underwater scenery up close and learn more about the marine ecosystem and the importance of ecosystem conservation. Another popular attraction is the Statue of Peace, which is a symbol of the victims of sexual slavery by the Japanese military that took place during the Manchurian incident until the end of the Pacific war.

Transport in Ilsan

Since Ilsan is a part of the Seoul National Capital Area, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which is the main international airport in South Korea. The city is connected to Seoul by the Metropolitan Subway as well as inter-city buses. To get around the city, local buses are convenient and affordable. Taxis are plentiful and comfortable.

Visas in Ilsan

Citizens of 112 countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Russia, and the US are eligible to visit and stay in South Korea for 30, 60, and 180 days without a visa. Other nationals not listed in the visa-free entry agreement are required to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival.

Weather in Ilsan

There are four distinct seasons. From late November to early March is the winter. The city can be very cold during this season, with the temperatures sometimes dropping as low as -10°C to -20°C. The temperatures will begin to rise in spring, which starts in March and ends in May. However, keep in mind that this season tends to have more rain. Summer is generally pleasant, but the weather can be hot with occasional rain showers. Autumn is pleasant, with comfortable temperatures. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW) is the currency used in Ilsan. 1 USD is around 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not necessary, except for tour guides and porters.
3. Local Language: The official and most spoken language is Korean, with Hangul as the formal script. English is mostly used in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Many people in the city are either religious or adhere to indigenous religions. However, other religions, especially Buddhism and Christianity, are also widely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most important public holidays are New Year’s Day, Korean New Year, Buddha’s Birthday, and Harvest Festival.