I cover a wide range of stories about Korean society — one of the most dynamic places in the world. To me, journalism means being on the ground, uncovering untold stories and amplifying marginalized voices, especially in an era when AI is reshaping the media landscape. That’s why I’m always here to listen. Tips and stories are welcome — feel free to reach out via email. Before becoming a journalist, I traveled through 24 countries over 702 days, served two years as a military police officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force and later studied filmmaking at the Korea National University of Arts.
Busan expands hospital support network for international students
Dong-Eui Medical Center in Busanjin District, Busan / Coutesy of the Busan Metropolitan Government
By Park Ung
Busan has added two hospitals to its support network for international students, stepping up efforts to attract 30,000 foreign students to the southern port city by 2028.
The Busan Metropolitan Government said Thursday it signed cooperation agreements with Good Gang-an Hospital in Suyeong District, Daedong Hospital in Dongnae District and Dong-Eui Medical Center in Busanjin District to improve medical access for the city's international student population.
Each of the participating hospitals will offer interpretation in up to four languages — including English, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese and Mongolian — to lower language barriers.
For students not yet enrolled in Korea's national health insurance, the hospitals offer discounts on consultations, checkups and vaccinations when they show their student ID. Dong-Eui Medical Center and Daedong Hospital also offer 50 percent off medical bills for students in their volunteer ambassador programs. All three hospitals run dedicated time periods and priority booking for international students, and issue documents in English and Russian.
The move aims to strengthen the medical support functions of the Study Busan Hub, a comprehensive resource center for the city's 22,000 international students. Since opening in February, the hub has partnered with 11 institutions, including Busan Bank, to help provide students with assistance across employment, finance and visa services.
Located in Yeonje District, the hub is staffed by counselors who speak English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian and Uzbek to provide tailored guidance on employment, visas, finance and other daily concerns.
The hub offers services including bank account assistance for foreign passport holders, medical fee discounts, multilingual health consultations, internship and job placement support and social integration programs for long-term residency.
“While the Study Busan Hub is the core engine of international student support, the hub hospitals are the pillar safeguarding their health,” Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon said. “We will further consolidate a comprehensive support system, including medical care, so that global talent can study and adapt in Busan in good health.”