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Wisdom Teeth Removal as a foreigner?
I'm back in the states now but had such a great time in Korea that I would really like to go back within the next 1.5 years. As I was looking into it, I saw that wisdom tooth extraction in Korea was actually SO CHEAP compared to the states and it seemed like the quality of service and work was better even? I heard the dentistry in Korea is top notch and for the price I've been quoted to get them out in the states ($2.8k USD) it would cost me the same amount if only a few hundred more to go to Seoul for 3weeks and get them out there. So now I'm actually considering to have this done whenever I come back.
There is one bottom wisdom tooth I would like out as soon as possible because it's partially erupted and causing me issues, so I might have just that out in the states first, but the other three haven't given me issue so far, although their positioning means they will have to come out.
Ideally I could take off work for 2.5weeks, but I can push it to one month if needed. Although I feel fairly comfortable navigating Seoul alone with my beginners Korean while I was there recently, I don't have anyone I know well in Korea who could take me to a clinic or look after me for a bit if i have the proceedure and there's any complications. So given all that, do you guys think I should try to get them out in Korea instead of the states?
Getting them out in Korea makes a lot of sense financially, but you should consider the recovery timeline. I had one done at a clinic near Hongdae and the procedure itself was quick, maybe 20 minutes, but the swelling peaked on day two and I looked like a chipmunk for a full week. If you're planning to sightsee or actually enjoy your trip, you'll want to schedule the extraction for your first few days in Seoul so you're not miserable the whole time. The clinic gave me a list of nearby pharmacies that stocked the specific antibiotics and painkillers they prescribed, and every single one understood my broken Korean fine. Just make sure you have a place with a mini fridge to keep your ice packs going.
tbh the biggest thing nobody mentions is the language barrier for aftercare instructions. i got mine out at a clinic in Myeongdong and the dentist spoke perfect english but the printed post-op sheet was all korean. my phone translator did okay but i def missed some stuff about rinsing. if you do it just ask them to write down the important bits in english or record the instructions on your phone
Yeah just do it in Korea, it's way easier than you think. I got all four out at a clinic in Gangnam and the whole thing was like 800 bucks with sedation, and they gave me a care package with meds and a ice pack ready to go. You'll be fine on your own for recovery, just plan to chill at your place for a few days after and hit up a Paris Baguette for soft bread and soup.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too