Endocrinology in Incheon

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 Incheon?

Your length of stay in Incheon 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 Incheon 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 Incheon 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 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.