Gastroenterology in Goyang

Gastroenterology is the field of medicine focused on the normal function and diseases of the digestive system or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, as well as colon and rectum. Doctors who specialize in gastroenterology are called gastroenterologists. They are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system. Some of the conditions that these specialists can treat include:

• Ulcers
• Acid reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Polyps or growth that can occur in the large intestine (colon)
• Hepatitis C
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• Bloody stool
• Hemorrhoids
• Colon and bowel cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Colitis
• Pancreatitis 

While gastroenterologists can treat diseases of the digestive system, they do not perform surgery. If surgery is required they will work with or refer patients to a gastrointestinal surgeon. The following are a range of nonsurgical procedures that gastroenterologists perform:

• Colonoscopy to detect colon polyps and colon cancer
• Endoscopic ultrasound to examine the upper and lower GI tract
• Sigmoidoscopy to assess blood loss or pain in the bowel
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to identify tumors, gallstones, or scar tissue in the bile duct
• Capsule endoscopy to examine the small intestine
• Liver biopsy to examine fibrosis and inflammation
• Polypectomy to remove a polyp.

How Long Should I Stay in Goyang?

The type of procedure that you undergo determines your length of stay in Goyang. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can leave the hospital or clinic on the same day. However, you generally need to stay in Goyang for around a week for follow up appointments and to let your body recover before you can travel. If you undergo a diagnostic procedure, your doctor will discuss the results and create a treatment plan during the follow-up appointment.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time for gastroenterology procedures range from a day to 2 weeks, or sometimes longer, depending on the type of procedure. During the recovery period, it is important to avoid any strenuous activities. Your gastroenterologist will let you know the specific time you can resume your normal activities, go back to work, and perform vigorous exercises.

What Aftercare is Required?

It is crucial that you follow all of the instructions closely, to prevent the problem from getting worse or from reoccurring, you may need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes. You may also need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your condition. You can have the checkups at home with your local doctor, or with your gastroenterologist in Goyang.

What's the Success Rate?

Advances in gastroenterology have increased the safety and success rate of treatments. The diagnostic procedures offer high accuracy in finding problems within the gastrointestinal tract, and the treatments are found to be highly successful to treat conditions in the digestive system. For example, a colonoscopy now has a 94% success rate in capturing all colorectal cancer. Still, there are some risks to the procedures that you will need to be aware of, such as a tear in the intestine’s lining, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to the equipment or medication used during the procedure, organ perforation, infection, and incomplete removal (for removal of polyps).

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to seeing a gastroenterologist if you experience problems in your digestive system and it is found to be caused by something else that is outside the gastroenterologists’ scope of practice, they will refer you to the relevant specialist.

Gastroenterology in and around Goyang

About Goyang

Goyang is a city in Gyeonggi Province, located in the north of South Korea. The city is a part of the Seoul Capital Area, which makes it one of Seoul’s satellite cities. It is one of the largest cities in the Seoul Capital Area and is one of the most popular with medical tourists who seek high-quality healthcare in South Korea. The hospitals and clinics in this city provide total medical care performed by expert medical teams who use the highest level equipment and cutting-edge technologies. There is a wide range of medical procedures offered in this city. From specialized cancer diagnosis and treatment, dental treatments, specialized spine treatments, oriental medicine, skincare, and plastic surgery are all available. 

Popular Parts of Goyang

Goyang offers numerous things for visitors to see and do. Most tourists usually flock to Lake Park, which is the largest manmade lake in the East and it has a park around it where people can take walks and enjoy the air. In the corner of the park is the famous Musical Fountain, which beams beautiful lights and pumps water with the music, and visitors are free to enjoy the wonderful scenery and music. Those who love Korean food and want to learn more about Kimchi should go to Kimchi School. Goyang Oulim Nuri Arts Center is the best place to go to experience the city’s culture. It has a playhouse, theater, and art gallery. It also has various sports facilities. Other popular attractions in the city are Haengju Sanseong, Baedagol Theme Park, KINTEX, and Lafesta. 

Transport in Goyang

International visitors usually arrive at Incheon International Airport, then continue by bus or train in order to visit Goyang. Incheon International Airport is the main airport in South Korea that serves international and domestic flights. Inside the city, the best way to get around is by metro. There are several subway lines in the city and the trains are comfortable and affordable. Taxis are available and are reasonably priced. 

Visas in Goyang

Holders of passports issued by 112 countries, including the EU, Canada, the US, and Russia, are allowed to visit and stay in Goyang for 30, 60 or 180 days. Nationals of other countries not listed in the visa-free entry should apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival.

Weather in Goyang

Like the rest of South Korea, Goyang experiences four seasons. The winter starts from November to March and the temperatures can be very cold. During cold spells, the temperature can drop to -20°C. Spring brings warmer temperatures, but rainfall becomes more frequent. Summer, from June to August, can be hot and rainy, but the weather is generally nice. From September to late November is autumn, which has pleasant weather.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW) is the official currency. 1 USD is equivalent to approx. 1,185 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs can easily be found around the city and credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Tipping is normally not expected and can be considered rude in some restaurants. However, you can tip guides and porters.
3. Local Language: The official language is Korean and Hangul is the formal script. Many people will speak a little English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population is not religious or follows indigenous religions. Buddhism and Christianity are two of the most widely practiced religions.
5. Public Holidays: Goyang celebrates several public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha.