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Specialty · 한의원

Korean Medicine Clinics in Apgujeong

Hanuiwon in Apgujeong and Sinsa for acupuncture, chuna spinal therapy, pharmacopuncture and herbal programs, with notes on coverage.

At a glance
  • Korean: 한의원
  • Registered clinics nearby: 159 in Sinsa, Apgujeong, Cheongdam and Nonhyeon (HIRA, Sep 2026)
  • Treatments on this site: 4
  • Payment: Card or cash; foreigners without NHIS pay the full price

한의원 are clinics run by licensed Korean medicine doctors (한의사), a separate license from Western medicine. They use acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, chuna manual therapy, pharmacopuncture (herbal extract injections at acupoints) and herbal decoctions. Gangnam clinics often focus on pain, posture, skin, weight and women's health.

A first visit is a consultation with pulse reading and questions about sleep, digestion and pain, then treatment the same day. An acupuncture session with cupping or heat usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Herbal medicine is prepared in-house or at a partner herbal pharmacy and usually ready in 1 to 3 days.

NHIS covers basic acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion for insured patients. Chuna is covered for certain spine and joint conditions, with a limited number of sessions per year. Pharmacopuncture and most herbal decoctions, including diet programs, are non-covered. Visitors pay full price.

What to expect

  • Bring your passport and a list of medicines and supplements, since herbs can interact with them.
  • Wear loose clothing that can be rolled up to the knee and elbow.
  • Expect a pulse reading and questions about general health before treatment.
  • English is limited at many hanuiwon. Some Gangnam clinics market to foreign patients and have interpreters.
  • Herbal medicine is paid in advance and is usually sent as sealed pouches.

Tips for international patients

  • Check customs rules in your country before taking herbal pouches home.
  • Tell the doctor about pregnancy or blood thinners before acupuncture or herbs.
  • Eat a light meal 1 to 2 hours before acupuncture to avoid dizziness.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Korean Medicine treatments

  • Chuna Therapy: Hands-on spinal and joint manipulation by a Korean medicine doctor, often with acupuncture. Sessions run 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Acupuncture: Thin sterile needles at selected points, often with electrical stimulation, heat and cupping. A visit takes 20 to 40 minutes.
  • Korean Herbal Diet Program: Monthly herbal medicine (pills or decoctions) to reduce appetite, plus diet coaching. Many formulas contain ephedra, so screening matters.
  • Pharmacopuncture: Small amounts of purified herbal extract injected at acupuncture points or painful areas. Often added to acupuncture for joint and back pain.

Korean Medicine clinics near Apgujeong

Korean Medicine in Korea: questions

Does acupuncture at a Korean clinic hurt?

Most people feel a brief prick and a dull ache once the needle is in place. Needles stay in for about 15 to 20 minutes.

What is chuna therapy?

Chuna is a Korean manual therapy where the doctor moves and adjusts joints and the spine by hand, similar in feel to chiropractic work.

How long does an herbal diet program last?

Most programs run 1 to 3 months with monthly check-ins. Herbs are shipped or collected in batches.

Can I take herbal medicine with my prescription drugs?

Tell the doctor exactly what you take. Some herbs interact with blood thinners, diabetes medicines and antidepressants.

Is pharmacopuncture the same as Botox?

No. Pharmacopuncture uses herbal extracts injected at acupoints for pain or inflammation. It has no muscle-relaxing effect.

Can a hanuiwon issue a receipt for insurance?

Yes. Ask for a receipt and detailed bill. Whether your travel insurance pays for Korean medicine depends on your policy.

Plan your visit

Get a quote before you fly

Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.