Endocrinology in Ilsan

Endocrinology is the field of medicine that relates to the endocrine system, which is the system that controls hormones. Endocrinologists are specifically trained physicians who diagnose and treat diseases related to hormones, the glands, and tissues that produce them, as well as complications that may be caused by them. They work closely with other specialists, such as specialists in ophthalmology, obstetrics, radiation oncology, and otolaryngology. The conditions that endocrinologists commonly treat are as follows:

• Diabetes​​​​​​
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Metabolic disorders
• Thyroid diseases
• Certain types of cancers
• Short stature
• Excessive or insufficient production of hormones
• Infertility
• Transplantation
• Gender dysphoria

Endocrinology treatment usually involves controlling the amount of hormone the body produces. The goal of the treatment is to restore the normal balance of hormones found in a person’s body. The following are some of the procedures that an endocrinologist perform:

• Bariatric procedures (such as gastric bypass surgery)
• Adrenalectomy
• CT scan
• MRI
• Pancreas transplant
• Thyroidectomy
• Thyroid fine-needle aspiration
• Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
• Brain stereotactic radiosurgery
• Home enteral nutrition
• Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)
• Lipid management
• Transnasal endoscopic procedures
• Wound care
• Feminizing hormone therapy
• Facial feminization surgery
• Feminizing surgery
• Top surgery for transgender men/women
• Voice feminizing therapy and surgery.

How Long Should I Stay in Ilsan?

Your length of stay in Ilsan depends on the type of procedure you underwent. In general, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after treatments, particularly after surgery, then plan to stay in Ilsan for at least 7 to 14 more days. During your stay, you will attend follow-up checkups where your endocrinologist monitors your healing progress and, if needed, will remove any stitches. For diagnostic procedures, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day, then plan to stay in Ilsan for 3 to 7 days until the results are available.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

While the recovery time can vary from one person to another, depending on the procedure you underwent and your overall health, you may be advised to take a week or two off of work. It may also take around 6 weeks until you fully recover and are allowed to perform strenuous activities, such as exercise. Your endocrinologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your endocrinologist will give you a set of instructions that you need to follow after your treatment. In general, you may need to take the medicine (if any) as prescribed and have a healthy lifestyle, such as having enough sleep, follow a healthy and balanced diet, and exercise regularly. You may also need to attend regular checkups to check on your condition with your local doctor.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of endocrinology has advanced, with cutting-edge technology, new medicines, sophisticated imaging and diagnostic equipment, and innovative therapies that have helped to increase the success rate of endocrinology procedures. There are risks of side effects and complications which include infection, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, bleeding, and injury to nearby organs.

Are there Alternatives?

There is no alternative to endocrinology. If you have any conditions mentioned above, you may need to see an endocrinologist. If your condition is found out to be caused by other problems unrelated to endocrinology, your endocrinologist will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Endocrinology 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.