IV Drips in Korea (수액): What They Are and How to Get One in Busan
In Korea, many people get a nutrient IV drip (수액, “suaek”) at a local clinic when they feel run down or are getting over a cold. Here is what is in it, how long it takes, and how to get one in Seomyeon.
☎ Call 051-802-7550 Walk-ins welcome · 5 min from Seomyeon Station Exit 7
In short
The doctor checks you first. Then 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
At Kim Joo-in Internal Medicine, the doctor first asks how you feel and checks your blood pressure and health history. Then you lie down in the IV room while the drip runs. A licorice and vitamin shot takes about 30–40 minutes. An amino-acid nutrient drip takes about 1 hour, and the fatigue-recovery set takes up to 1.5 hours.
Why IV drips
Why do Koreans get IV drips?
Neighborhood clinics in Korea commonly offer nutrient IV drips. People get one when they are tired, after a cold or the flu, or when they cannot eat or drink well.
A drip puts fluids, amino acids and vitamins straight into a vein. This makes it an easy way to top up when eating is hard.
The IV room at Kim Joo-in Internal Medicine
The menu
IV drips you can get at the clinic
The doctor helps you choose.
Licorice shot + vitamins
A licorice-root extract injection (감초주사, “gamcho”) often given in Korean clinics, with vitamins.
Basic amino-acid drip + vitamins
An amino-acid nutrient drip with added vitamins.
Complete amino-acid drip + vitamins
A richer amino-acid nutrient drip with added vitamins.
Fatigue-recovery set
The complete amino-acid drip, the licorice shot and vitamins together (피로회복 수액).
Safety
Tell the doctor first if any of these apply
Not feeling well? Just walk in.
No appointment needed during clinic hours. Questions? Call us first.
☎ 051-802-7550How it works
Getting an IV drip in Seomyeon, step by step
Walk in
No appointment needed. Come early, because a drip can take up to 1.5 hours. On Saturday the clinic closes at 2:00 PM.
See the doctor
In English. The doctor checks how you feel and helps you choose a drip.
Rest in the IV room
Lie down on a quiet bed while the drip runs.
Pay and go
Pay by credit card or cash. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted.
Prices depend on the drip. Please ask at the front desk or call 051-802-7550.
Kim Joo-in Internal Medicine · Dr. Kim Joo-in
A neighborhood clinic with a university-hospital background
- 14 years as an internal-medicine professor at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital
- Featured by the Busan Ilbo as a 'Best Doctor' (respiratory & allergy)
- Named an excellent respiratory-disease hospital 3 years in a row by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service
- Pulmonary function tests, allergy tests, ultrasound and endoscopy performed in-house
Visit us
Seomyeon Station Exit 7 — 5 minutes on foot
(부산광역시 부산진구 서면로 64 청석빌딩 8층 — show this to your taxi driver)
5 min walk from Seomyeon Station Exit 7 · Naver Map
Saturday 9:15 AM – 2:00 PM — no lunch break
Closed Sundays and public holidays
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a doctor for medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
IV drips in Busan: common questions
Can I get an IV drip during a trip to Busan?
Yes. At Kim Joo-in Internal Medicine you can walk in without an appointment. The doctor checks you first, then you rest in the IV room. You do not need a passport, but please bring it if you can.
How long does an IV drip take?
About 30–40 minutes for the licorice and vitamin shot, about 1 hour for an amino-acid nutrient drip, and up to 1.5 hours for the fatigue-recovery set.
How much does an IV drip cost?
The price depends on the drip. Please ask at the front desk or call 051-802-7550.
Can I get an IV drip when I have a cold?
The doctor first checks the cause of your symptoms. If you have a fever, a rapid flu or COVID test may come first. If you cannot eat or drink well, the doctor may suggest a drip.
Can everyone get an IV drip?
The doctor checks first. Tell the doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, are pregnant, or have allergies to medicines.
How do I pay?
By credit card or cash. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted.
Sources
Busan Ilbo — “Best Doctors in Busan” ④ Lung Cancer & Asthma (2006, Korean)
Press coverage featuring and quoting Dr. Kim Joo-in.