Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Incheon

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 Incheon?

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 Incheon 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 Incheon.

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 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.