Those who get sick during the Seollal (Lunar New Year) holidays can use an emergency medical portal to find the nearest open hospital or clinic, or through the Ministry of Health and Welfare's call center. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Lee Jihae

Those who get sick during the Seollal (Lunar New Year) holidays can use the emergency medical portal to find the nearest open hospital or clinic, or through the Ministry of Health and Welfare's call center.

The health ministry announced on Jan. 23 a guide to visiting medical institutions during the Seollal holidays.

The government has designated and will operate some hospitals and clinics during the holidays so that people can visit them if needed.

People needing care can visit the emergency medical portal (www.e-gen.or.kr), phone the health ministry's call center by dialing 129, or the city or provincial call center by dialing 120 to find the nearest open hospital, clinic or pharmacy to their home. They can also download an emergency medical portal app (e-gen) to their smartphones.

They can also find information on Naver Map and Kakao Map about emergency rooms and medical institutions operating on the Seollal holidays.

The National Fire Agency also notified the public to call 119 should an emergency occur, and if patients need guidance on hospitals and clinics open during the holidays, or require consultations on emergency illnesses.

Korean tourists abroad or Korean nationals living overseas such as sailors can phone (+82-44-320-0119), send an email (central119ems@korea.kr), visit the website (119.go.kr) or go to the NFA's KakaoTalk channel to receive professional medical advice through the agency’s 119 emergency situation management center.

jihlee08@korea.kr