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Expat Health Seoul
Giving Birth in Korea
Know the options available when the time comes for the birth of your baby in Korea. Find out about postnatal care in South Korea.
Pregnancy and Giving Birth in South Korea
Available birthing options
Top 6 Best Places to Give Birth in Seoul
Various options are available to pregnant women in Korea regarding the time of their baby's birth. Natural births and home births are allowed - both doulas and midwives are popular in Korea. Facilities are available in South Korea for water births as well.
Epidurals are common in South Korea. Caesarian sections are very popular in Korea and are carried out routinely. Talk to the doctor who will deliver the baby ahead of time to avoid an unwanted Caesarian section.
Physicians often address the father while a woman is in labor and rarely listen to the mother. The father must insist that his wife's questions be answered to ensure clear communication.
Post-natal Care
The length of hospital stay depends on the type of birth. A mother can usually leave the hospital after a natural birth in three days and after a Caesarean section in six days.
Traditionally, Koreans call postpartum Samchilil, literally meaning "21 days". During this time, Korean mothers rest before continuing with their normal responsibilities. Usually, the maternal mother attends to her daughter while living with them during this time. Or new moms go to a post-natal care center to rest, recover, and learn about the care of newborns. These places are called 산후조리원.
English Speaking Birthing Centers in Seoul
Vaccinations
Between birth and 12 years, children should receive 22 vaccinations for 14 preventable diseases. The South Korean government runs a National Immunization Program. Most vaccinations are free of charge at the local Public Health Centers (보건소). Find your closest Public Health Center at this website.
Vaccinations for Your Children in Korea