The First Three Days After Arrival: What Happens in Korea? (2026 Update)

On the evening of arrival at Incheon International Airport, you'll be briefed on the next three days' schedule and how to stay in contact, and within roughly three days of arrival you'll complete the necessary tests so that your treatment schedule and final estimate can be confirmed.

Key Summary

• On arrival day (Step 5), you'll be driven from Incheon International Airport to your accommodation. That evening, a coordinator will walk you through the next three days' schedule, directions to the hospital, and emergency procedures, while also reviewing your passport, visa, and insurance documents together.
• Within roughly three days of arrival, you'll complete the necessary tests (Step 6), after which your treatment schedule and final estimate are confirmed. If the test results change the treatment plan, the schedule is rearranged on the spot and you'll receive a revised estimate.
• Throughout the treatment period, a medical interpreter accompanies you to consultations, tests, and consent-form explanations, while your assigned coordinator manages admission, procedure, and outpatient scheduling.
• There are several types of consent forms—surgery, anesthesia, blood transfusion, and others. The interpreter explains them sentence by sentence before you sign, and you may delay signing if anything is unclear.
• Approximate stay lengths vary by treatment type: about ten days for endoscopic resection, 2–3 weeks for laparoscopic or robotic surgery, and 2–3 weeks for the first cycle of drug therapy.

What exactly happens on arrival day?

• Arrival day centers on airport pickup, an evening briefing, and document review.
• After landing at Incheon International Airport, you'll be driven to your accommodation. That same evening, a coordinator explains the schedule for the next three days, the route to the hospital, how to stay in contact, and what to do in an emergency.
• During this session, your passport, visa, and insurance-related documents are reviewed together, so it's best to bring all paperwork received before entering the country.

In what order are tests and the treatment schedule confirmed?

• Step 1 — Within roughly three days of arrival, you'll undergo the necessary tests.
• Step 2 — Based on the test results, the treatment schedule and final estimate are confirmed.
• Step 3 — If the test results change the treatment plan, the schedule is rearranged on the spot and you'll receive a revised estimate.
• Step 4 — During the treatment period, a medical interpreter accompanies you to consultations, tests, and consent-form explanations, while the coordinator manages admission, procedure, and outpatient scheduling.
• Even if the plan changes based on test results, any deposit already paid is reconciled against actual medical costs at discharge, and the patient can decide again whether to proceed.

What consent forms do I need to sign, and could I end up signing something I don't understand?

• Depending on the treatment, consent forms may include those for consultation/testing, surgery/procedures, anesthesia, blood transfusion, provision of personal information and medical records, and costs/payment.
• All consent forms are explained sentence by sentence by the interpreter before signing, and you may delay signing if something is unclear. It's advisable to request and keep a copy of any document you sign.
• If you do not wish to receive blood transfusions for religious reasons, you should inform the team in advance so the treatment approach itself can be reconsidered. The final decision is made by the medical team based on patient safety.

Does the length of stay differ by treatment?

• Length of stay varies considerably depending on the type of treatment, so there's no single number that applies to everyone.
• General targets are about ten days for endoscopic resection, 2–3 weeks for laparoscopic or robotic surgery, and 2–3 weeks for the first cycle of drug therapy. These are average targets and will vary based on individual condition.
• Family accompaniment is based on one person by default; if more is needed (e.g., a child patient or an extended stay), this is arranged in advance at the estimate stage.

FAQ — Can I have surgery right after arrival?

If staging and surgical eligibility are confirmed in advance during the remote review (pre-arrival review) stage, preparations are made so that, after completing the necessary tests following arrival, surgery can be scheduled within roughly three days. However, the exact date is confirmed based on test results and the hospital's schedule, so timing may vary by individual.

FAQ — Who do I contact in an emergency?

During the evening briefing on arrival day, you'll be informed of emergency procedures and contact methods. Throughout the treatment period, your assigned coordinator manages the schedule, and a medical interpreter accompanies consultations and tests, which is designed to reduce delays in contact caused by language barriers.

Sources and Notes

• This article was written based on notes covering the treatment journey, medical visas, insurance and documentation, and frequently asked questions (sources: Ministry of Health and Welfare, HiKorea, Medical Korea).
• This content is provided for general medical information purposes only. Diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes may vary depending on individual condition. Please consult with your medical team to determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.