Infectious Diseases in Bundang

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some infectious diseases are transmitted by insects or other animals. Infectious diseases can also spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food or exposure to organisms in the environment.

The branch of medicine that focuses on infectious diseases is called infectiology, which is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are called infectious diseases (ID) specialists. While most common infections can be treated by general internists and other specialists, ID specialists are frequently called upon to help diagnose and assist in treating or managing unusual, difficult, or complicated infections. Since many infectious diseases are related to other medical conditions, ID specialists work with doctors in many specialty areas, such as doctors trained in dermatology, immunology, or cardiovascular medicine. 

Some of the most common infectious diseases that ID specialists diagnose, treat, and manage include:

• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections
• Blastomycosis
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral hepatitis
• Rubella, Measles, and Mumps
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Dengue
• Ebola
• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatic fever
• Travel medicine
• Tick-borne infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Post-operative infections.

There are numerous procedures that ID specialists and other specialists use to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, throat swabs, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
• Imaging scans, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
• Biopsies.
• Antibiotic therapies
• Immunizations
• Infection control
• Fecal microbiota (stool) transplant
• Antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
• Antifungal therapy
• Anti-parasitic therapy.

How Long Should I Stay in Bundang?

Your length of stay depends on the severity of your infection and which organ is affected by the infection. Some types of infectious diseases may require hospitalization, while others do not. It is generally advisable that you plan to stay in Bundang for at least 7 to 14 days. Even if you do not need hospitalization, some types of treatment may require several appointments. In addition, you may also need to attend follow-up checkups.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time after infectious disease can vary, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For some infectious diseases, the healing process can take time and it can take a few months until you can resume your normal activities. Some other types of infectious diseases, however, only need around 2 weeks or even less of recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and resume your normal activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instruction. It is important to follow every instruction closely. They may also tell you prevention measures to decrease the risk of infection from occurring in the future. These include washing your hands frequently, to get vaccinated, practice safe sex, travel wisely, stay home when ill, prepare food safely, and avoid sharing personal items. 

What's the Success Rate?

Active research in infectious diseases has resulted in new discoveries that help doctors to refine the treatment and management approach to infectious diseases. The success rate of infectious disease treatment has increased significantly in the past several decades. Some types of treatments even have 90% success rates.   

Are there Alternatives?

There are a number of products that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of some infections, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginseng, and zinc. However, it is best that you see your general physician, a specialist, or an ID specialist to treat your infection instead of taking alternative medicine.  

Infectious Diseases in and around Bundang

About Bundang

Bundang was Korea’s first artificial city and was constructed in the early nineties. Its development had a dual purpose of fostering the middle class and expanding housing supply. Bundang is one of the top locations that international medical tourists choose when they wish to undergo any medical treatment in South Korea. Just like Soul, hospitals, and clinics in this city are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. The doctors who treat foreign patients are of unquestionable quality since doctors in the country go through a long training process to get their medical degree and until they are granted a medical license. Furthermore, the medical costs are quite affordable, allowing foreign patients to have treatments without breaking the bank,

Popular Parts of Bundang

The most popular part of Bundang is Central Park. It is a beautiful park with a stunning old Korean house, which is the last remaining house from the traditional village that once existed in the city during the Joseon era. Tancehon, the small river that runs through Bundang’s heart, is also popular. It is a good place to stroll around or cycle. Another popular area is Yuldong Park, where people can do bungee jumping. Those who love art should visit the Seongnam Art Center, which holds a lot of musicals and pop music concerts, as well as classical music in its opera house. 

Transport in Bundang

Since there is no international airport in Bundang, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which serves flights to many cities around the world. From Incheon Airport, visitors can take the subway, bus, or taxi to get to Bundang. Inside the city, the most convenient mode of transport is the Bundang Subway Line. Buses are also available and are relatively affordable. Taxis are everywhere and are the most flexible option to get around, but some will only take you to certain areas.

Visas in Bundang

South Korea allows holders of passports issued by 112 countries, including the US, Russia, and all EU countries, to visit without a Korean visa for 30, 60, and 180 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival to the country.

Weather in Bundang

Bundang experiences four seasons. June to August is the summer, which is typically hot, rainy, and humid. Autumn starts from September to late November and it has pleasant weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. The winter, from late November to March, can be freezing. Spring will bring warmer weather and more rainfall.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD converts to approx. 1,1254 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted in many restaurants, shops, and hotels. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in some places. However, it is okay to tip porters and guides. 
3. Local Language:  The official language is Korean and the formal script is Hangul. English is common within tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Almost half of the population are not religious or follow indigenous religions. Christianity and Buddhism are two of the largest minor religions.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha among others.