TL;DR
Turn quiet afternoons into listening time
- Thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and originals
- Listen on your phone, tablet or Echo — also offline
- Cancel anytime
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has published a guide listing hospitals and pharmacies that will remain open during the upcoming Chuseok holiday. This ensures residents can access emergency medical services during the holiday period, which is traditionally a time when many facilities close.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has published a comprehensive guide listing hospitals and pharmacies that will remain operational during the upcoming Chuseok holiday. This initiative aims to ensure residents have access to emergency medical services when many facilities typically close for the holiday period.
The official guide, released on October 2023, details which hospitals and pharmacies will be open during the Chuseok holiday, which falls from October 3 to October 5 this year. The list includes major hospitals in Seoul, such as Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, and Seoul Asan Medical Center, all of which will operate emergency services during the holiday.
In addition, the guide specifies pharmacies that will be open, including designated 24-hour pharmacies across Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government emphasizes that residents should refer to the official list for accurate, updated information, especially for urgent care needs during the holiday period.
The guide also provides contact information and locations for each facility, aiming to facilitate quick access in emergencies. This measure is part of the city’s broader effort to maintain healthcare accessibility during holidays, when routine services are often unavailable.
Why the Emergency Medical Facilities Guide Matters During Chuseok
This guide is vital because many healthcare facilities close during major holidays, which can hinder emergency responses. For residents, knowing which hospitals and pharmacies remain open helps prevent delays in urgent care, potentially saving lives.
Additionally, the guide supports the city’s public health efforts by reducing the burden on emergency services and ensuring equitable access to healthcare during a period when travel and gatherings increase the likelihood of accidents or health issues.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Chuseok Holiday and Healthcare Access in Seoul
Chuseok, a major harvest festival in Korea, typically involves family gatherings, travel, and traditional celebrations. During this time, many public services, including hospitals and pharmacies, reduce their hours or close entirely. Historically, this has led to concerns about access to emergency medical care.
In response, Seoul authorities have regularly issued lists of facilities that remain operational during the holiday, aiming to mitigate healthcare access issues. This practice has become standard, with the current guide being part of ongoing efforts to improve emergency preparedness during national holidays.
While the list is generally reliable, some residents still experience uncertainty about the exact operational status of certain facilities, especially smaller clinics or pharmacies not listed publicly.
“Our goal is to ensure that residents can access emergency healthcare without disruption during Chuseok. The list of open hospitals and pharmacies is regularly updated for accuracy.”
— Seoul Metropolitan Government spokesperson
Unconfirmed Details About Facility Operations During Holidays
While the official list has been published, it is not yet clear how many smaller clinics or pharmacies outside the list will be open, or whether there might be last-minute changes due to staffing or other operational issues. Residents are advised to verify directly with facilities before visiting.
Next Steps for Residents During Chuseok Emergency Access
Residents should download or consult the official guide from the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s website before the holiday. In case of emergencies, they are encouraged to call the designated emergency numbers or visit listed facilities. Authorities may update the list if necessary, so staying informed is recommended.
Healthcare providers and pharmacies are expected to operate as scheduled, but residents are advised to confirm operational hours closer to the holiday dates, especially for smaller or private clinics.
Key Questions
Which hospitals are open during Chuseok in Seoul?
Major hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, and Seoul Asan Medical Center will operate emergency services during the holiday period. The full list is available on the Seoul Metropolitan Government website.
Are pharmacies open during Chuseok?
Yes, designated 24-hour pharmacies and other listed pharmacies will remain open to provide urgent medication needs. Residents should consult the official guide for locations and hours.
How can I verify if a specific facility is open?
Residents are advised to contact the facility directly or check the official list published by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for the most accurate and updated information.
What should I do in an emergency during Chuseok if I cannot reach a listed facility?
In case of urgent health issues, residents should call the emergency number 119 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department. The government recommends having the emergency contact numbers handy before the holiday.
Will the list be updated during the holiday?
The Seoul Metropolitan Government may update the list if there are changes in operation hours or facility availability. Residents should check the official website or contact facilities directly for the latest information.
Source: local
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
