How does the health care system work in South Korea?

• South Korea has one of the most efficient and well-organized health care systems in the world. The country is known for modern facilities, advanced technology and affordable healthcare. 
• This is also reflected in the ever-increasing life expectancy which is already around 90 years old! 
• The country also happens to be the leading country in facial care and treatments. You can see that when you walk among the people there! 
• You'll find a mix of public and private institutions, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. The difference between private and public care is not as clear as in some other countries. Hospitals often serve people with public insurance as well as those with private insurance. 
• In hospitals, you generally find very modern facilities and good specialists. Clinics are smaller and often focus on specific fields such as dermatology and dental care, or sometimes traditional Korean medicine. Pharmacies are found everywhere and provide advice on minor health problems.
• In Korean culture, respect is very important. So is toward medical personnel. It is customary to bow towards your doctors or caregivers. It is also important to arrive on time and remain polite and patient.
• What is related to this is that it is not common to ask a lot of questions or question your doctor's conclusions. Do you want to have that freedom? Then it may be wise to find a doctor who has a lot of experience with expats. 
• There can be quite a language barrier. Look for an English-speaking doctor, bring a Korean-speaking person with you or make sure you have a good translation app! 
• Traditional Korean medicine plays a big role in the health care system. It is very common to be recommended things like acupuncture, natural medicines and moxibustion (a type of heat treatment). 
• Call 119 if you need an ambulance. The ambulance service is fast and good. 
• Mental health care is emerging in South Korea. There are more and more international clinics where you can see a therapist/psychologist as an expat.  

How does the public health care system work in South Korea?

• South Korea has a national healthcare system, the National Health Insurance (NHI), which is mandatory and covers almost everyone, including expats with visas longer than six months. 
• Premiums are income-based and are often shared between employee and employer. For the self-employed, it is calculated based on income and assets. Treatments through the NHI are partially reimbursed, with small co-payments. 
• You pay between 20 and 50% of the cost yourself, depending on the type of care you receive. 
• The waiting times on the day itself can be long, though. So be sure to make an appointment in advance. 
• To enroll, you must go to a local National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) office. Here you show your passport, registration card and work contract, then fill out an application form and receive your health care card. 
• Public healthcare is of very high quality. Urban hospitals have modern facilities, while in rural areas the options may be fewer. 

How does the private health care system work in South Korea?

• Private healthcare is found almost exclusively in cities. 
• Private care is more expensive but offers shorter wait times. 
• South Korea attracts many medical tourists, especially for cosmetic surgery and specialized treatments such as cancer therapy and orthopedics. 

How is the general practitioner in South Korea arranged?

• Most South Koreans go to the hospital when they have problems. Here you can visit outpatient clinics without an appointment. 

How is the dentist arranged in South Korea?

• Dentistry is mainly provided by private practices. Most treatments such as checkups and fillings are not covered by the NHI, but are relatively affordable. 
• Dental care is modern and comparable to Western standards. 
• Orthodontics and aesthetic dentistry are popular in South Korea and also attract medical tourists. 

How is the pregnancy, obstetrics & maternity care arranged in South Korea?

• In South Korea, you found very specific, perhaps crazy to us, customs regarding pregnancy and birth that have mostly disappeared. One that has stuck around, however, is that it is unusual to make noise during pregnancy, that way you may even be shushed by your doctor. 
• There is a lot of care available for pregnant women. There are good hospitals, birthing centers, doelas, midwives, etc. 
• Cesarean sections are very common in South Korea, as are enemas and episiotomies. So discuss carefully with your doctor what you want and don't want. 
• Breastfeeding in public is not seen as much as in the West, but it does happen. However, mothers do often cover themselves to be “considerate of others.” Also, breastfeeding rooms can be found everywhere. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in South Korea?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safely in South Korea?

• South Korea is an incredibly safe country. Street crime is rare and violence against foreigners is virtually non-existent. 
• Political protests are generally peaceful. 
• South Korea is also a safe country for women. 
• However, beware of “drink spiking” (when something is put in your drink) and other safety hazards in entertainment areas. 
• The risk of natural disasters is not very high in South Korea. Although typhoons in summer and the rainy season can cause inconvenience. 

What should you watch out for in terms of diseases in South Korea?

• You will find virtually no tropical diseases in South Korea.
• Tap water is safe to drink. 
• Food hygiene is excellent in South Korea. You need not fear food poisoning anytime soon! 

What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in South Korea?

• The roads are good, public transport is efficient, reliable and affordable, and cabs are available everywhere. What more could you want?
• If you have an accident, you as a car or motorcyclist will be seen as at fault if cyclists or walkers are involved. Also, regardless of whether guilt is proven, hefty penalties can follow. 
• Traffic lights are generally arranged horizontally with four lights: red, yellow, green and a green arrow. 
• At most gas stations, you will be helped to refuel. 
• When you see four traffic lights next to each other, you are not allowed to turn left unless you see a green arrow. So traffic lights can be quite confusing. 

Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in South Korea?

• Is the trip to South Korea and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for South Korea if you are going to live there for a while?

• It is mandatory to register with the National Health Insurance if you are staying in South Korea for more than 6 months. Expats also often choose additional private insurance to cover other expenses and non-covered treatment, repatriation and other possible expenses. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

Why this blog about habits and philosophies in Asia

I love Asia. I feel at home in Asia. I am half chinese and half dutch. I feel more at ease in filipino culture than chinese culture. I have a good friend from Japan. Throughout the years, I have tried to be open to everything Asia has to offer. To embrace Asia in my being, in my core and to understand and learn more of this continent in the world. Some of the things that really caught me...  Any Asian habits that particulary interest you? 

What are the habits in China?

• Don't scoop food in your bowl for yourself, but wait for your host or hostess to do so.
• It is impolite to eat everything in your bowl; leave a small amount as a sign of respect.
• Slurping while eating is not rude in China, but rather a sign that you like the food. Let's slurp.
• Never refuse an offer to have some food or drinks.
• Red is the color of happiness, do not wear it at funerals.
• When you have tea, make sure the teapot points at the other tables, not at a person on your table, that doesn't bring luck.
• Squat toilets, yes they are still widely used all over China.
• Public spitting is still a habit for some people. 
• Drinking hot water is normal and considered healthy.
• Early rising is a habit for many chinese people and to practice tai chi.

What are the habits in Indonesia?

• Gotong royong is the spirit of communal cooperation and mutual assistance. It's a deeply ingrained value in Indonesian society and is often seen in neighborhood clean-up efforts or helping neighbors in need.
• When having a meal together it is customary to wait for the host to start eating before you dig in. It is also considered impolite to refuse food that is offered to you. If you are full, you can take a small portion and say thank you.
• Eating together is a time for families and friends to connect and socialize. Rice is a staple food in Indonesia and is usually eaten with every meal without rice it is not considered a meal. It's not uncommon for Indonesians to eat with their hands.
• Life Cycle Ceremonies happen around various stages of life. Tedak Siten, a Javanese ceremony, celebrates a baby's first steps. Metatah, a Balinese ritual, involves the filing of a child's teeth to mark their passage into adulthood.
• Batik - is an Indonesian fabric with cultural significance. Different patterns have different meanings and are worn for different occasions.

What are the habits in Japan?

• Cultural customs: Instead of shaking hands, people in Japan bow. The deeper, the more respectful. Respect for elders and superiors is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Kawaii means “cute” and is an important part of Japanese culture, especially among young people.
• Social norms & mutual communication: Everything is about respect and harmony. Order, punctuality and cleanliness are key words. There are a number of expressions for this. Kurashi - means “way of life” or “the ideal way to spend our time,” but like many words that get lost in translation, it means more than that. If you have not yet tidied up according to the KonMari Method, focusing on your kurashi will motivate you to start. Kirei - is an activity. You look at all your possessions and decide what you want to keep and what can go. It is an emotional literal clearing and cleaning activity. By cleaning up, you reflect on your past and future.
• Etiquettes & traditions: Onsen are public Japanese baths, there are many rules how to bathe. Like about chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, is full of traditions and etiquettes. It is an art form, a very formal event where every movement and action has a meaning. It is about creating a moment of calm and harmony.
• Eating and drinking habits: Eating with chopsticks is the standard way of eating. There are several etiquette rules associated with using chopsticks. The most important are that you never place your chopsticks upright in the rice (similar to incense sticks at a funeral), or pass things from chopstick to chopstick. This happens at funerals and not in everyday life. In addition, eating on the street or public transportation is not-done among locals. Ramen you may slurp, but don't burp! Fish is often eaten first, and then the rice. If you go to an “izakaya” with friends or colleagues, you often share dishes. Here it is customary to use the back of your chopsticks to place the food from the plates on your own plate, or you use clean chopsticks. 
• Bonsai - Japanese people recreate nature in miniature, this specific horticulture is called bonsai. 
• Ikigai - What is worth living? What is it worth coming out of bed for? What drives you? What inspires you?
• Kintsugi (golden joinery) - is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. You can buy Kintsugi kits in the Netherlands, it is in my opinion a very nice way to glue broken things, with golden glue. 
• Kirei - is an activity. You look at all your possessions and decide what you want to keep and what can go away. It is an emotional literal clean-up and clean-up action. By cleaning up, you reflect on your past and future.
• Kurashi - translates to “way of life” or “the ideal way of spending our time,” but like many words lost in translation, it means more than that. If you haven’t tidied using the KonMari Method, focusing on your kurashi will motivate you to start.
• Mottainai - (もったいない or 勿体無い) It is a term of Japanese origin that has been used by environmentalists. The term in Japanese conveys a sense of regret over waste; the exclamation "Mottainai!" can translate as "What a waste!" Mottainai is the feeling of sadness you have when something hasn't reached its full potential. Recycle and repair. It's all about the love you have for your old stuff.
• O-hanami - In april are the cherry blossom viewing parties.
• Omikuji - These are slips of paper that tell your fortune, divided into kichi (good luck) and kyo (bad luck). Depending on the shrine there are various grades of good and bad luck in between. One theory says if you read it without showing anyone else and then tie it to the branch of a tree in the shrine grounds before going home, even bad luck is converted into good luck.
• Omoiyari - Omoi is thinking, memories and emotion. Yaru is doing. It is empathy, freely translated, it is on the other hand more ordinary and special. It's just because it's part of everyday life in Japan, not just an empathetic reaction. It is special because it makes compassion a part of the community. How do you master omoi? Start with yourself, focus inwards. If you recognize and understand your own feelings, you can translate that into compassion for others. The essence of omoiyari is that you are aware, of other people in life. You behave in a way that is pleasant for others.
• Shintoism - Shinto is the early religion of Japan. It is a combination of two chinese characters, which means: "The way of the gods." In Shintoism the Kami are being worshipped. Kami are gods of nature. Some kami are bound to be found in certain places, others are united with bigger objects and phenomena. Amaterasu is for example the god of the sun. Marie Kondo the "spark-joy guru of tidying" and her method, the KonMari method, is based on Shintoism. Keeping the house tidy is part of the practice.
• Shinrin-yoku - I have sent my japanese friend once a photo of me snow bathing (in a bathing suit swimming in the snow) and asked her the japanese term for snow bathing. There is no japanese term for it. And I thought there was! The Japanese have a term for forest bathing: Shinrin-yoku. To be in the forest with the trees, will make sure you will be re-energized and that you can feel your own core.
• Sumo, Judo and Karate
• Tea ceremony - The aim of the tea ceremony (in a small space) is to reduce daily life to the barest essentials and idealize form. Behind this idea is to intensify the brief time spent together as a moment to be cherished. Tea utensils, the preparation of tea and the tea ceremony etiquette is all very important. When you will experience a true tea ceremony it is advised to prepare yourself to understand more beforehand of this Japanese ceremony.
• Tenei- It is about patience and respect of the daily things. Try to find harmony in the day to day activities, to be correct and punctual towards others and to be persistent of the things which are important to you, even when it is not easy. 
• Tokimeki - As explained by the latest Marie Kondo on Netflix or in her book, do what you like and what you think is important in your life…
• Tsukumogami - According to Shinto animism, some inanimate objects could gain a soul after 100 years of service, a concept know as tsukumogami.
• Omiyage and Temiyage - Omiyage and Temiyage are Japanese names for two kinds of gifts. Omiyage are souvenirs you bring home from a trip. Temiyage are thank-you gifts you bring when you visit someone. Japanese people have the habit of buying plenty of gifts for their friends. As a foreigner it is appreciated when you bring Omiyage and Temiyage.
• Wabisabi 侘 寂 - A lot of things around me are Wabisabi, especially when you try to use things as long as possible. And when you are open to see things in the light they are, and not everything has to be perfect around you. Life in it's imperfection.
• Zakka - is to be grateful for the normal, simple things that make life special. For example your favorite sweater of coffee cup.

What are the habits in Laos?

• Cultural habits: Lao people generally prioritize balance and well-being over material possessions. Lao people are known for their patience and laid-back attitude. Stress in uncommon. This is reflected in their daily lives and business interactions.
• Boh penyang means "never mind". It is a way of life and considers the slow pace the best. 
• Social habits & communication: Wai - This is a traditional greeting where people press their palms together in front of their chest and slightly bow their head. The higher the hands, the more respect shown.
• Sabai-dee- A common greeting that translates to "Are you well?" This reflects the Laotian emphasis on well-being and politeness.
• Showing anger or disappointment in public is inappropriate. It causes everyone to lose face, better to keep smiling and keep your voice low, speak softly.
• Pointing and gesturing with hands is frowned upon. 
• Lao people are not big on waiting in line. They often push and shove to get to the head of the line.
• Etiquettes & traditions: Spirit worship - Alongside Buddhism, many Lao people also believe in spirits and engage in traditional rituals to honor them.
• Women should avoid touching a monk, the robes and not sit besides a monk. Almsgiving can be done directly in the bowl, not handed directly to the monk.
• Never point your feet or soles towards people, a buddha, a temple or statues. That is considered disrespecfull.
• Eating & drinking habits: Lao people eat with spoon and fork, not with chopsticks. It is common to sit on the floor while eating.

What are the habits in Mongolia?

• There are certain habits in the ger, the yurt.
• Sleep - Always sleep with your feet facing the door, never toward the altar.
• Whistling - Whistling in a ger is considered rude.
• Be aware that fire is sacred to Mongolians. Do not throw garbage into the fire.
• Elders - Always let elders lead the way and do not sit with your back or feet to the altar.
• Hospitality - When you are offered food or drink, accept it, even if it is just a little. Use your right hand, with your left hand for support. It is customary to give small gifts to your hosts, such as fruit, candy or alcohol.
• Holding a cup - Hold a cup underneath, not by the rim.
• Say no in an indirect way, that is polite.
• Tsagaan Sar - From late January to mid-February, Mongolians celebrate the New Year. It is the most joyous occasion for the country's nomadic herders because Tsagaan Sar marks the arrival of spring after the long and harsh winter in which hundreds of their animals can freeze to death. Tsagaan Sar has been celebrated for more than 2,000 years. The festival is essentially intertwined with numerous deeply symbolic rituals. The festival is celebrated throughout the country and is still a holiday that Mongolians most look forward to with renewed hope for happiness and prosperity. Around the New Year, families burn candles at the altar, symbolizing Buddhist enlightenment. Mongolians also visit their friends and relatives (at the home of the eldest in the family) on this day and exchange gifts. Many people dress in full Mongolian national costumes.

What are the habits in the Philippines?

• Use of 'face' in communication - Briefly raise eyebrows to confirm or to mean yes to a question and also used as a brief greeting (all silent).
• Indicating direction by pursing lips and turning head in direction, all silent as well.
• Baon - refers to the monetary allowance or food normally provided by the parent to a child who goes to school.
• Bayanihan - When a house is broken, the whole community helps fixing the house. You might have seen the pictures of a group of people carrying a hut, when it needs to be transferred. It is a true community spirit. You talk, you help and protect the people around you. It is team effort, only possible when done with a group. It is truly a beautiful thing. 
• Cockfighting is a popular national sport in big and small arenas all over the country. Goal is to gamble (win money) and eat the roosters who lost the game.
• Finding your spot - Recently I was back in the Philippines, taking public transportation. When you would like to take your window seat, be reminded you have to climb over other peoples lap. Squeeze in between the seat in front of you and the seat with the passenger on it. Enough space, a little intimate but do-able, it has something about it.
• Pacquiao - Filipinos adore boxer (and politician) Manny 'Pagman' Pacquiao.
• Pagmamano - Children take your hand, put it on their forehead, as a way of greeting you. It is an act of respect. The child says mamo po, can I have your hand please? Most of the time, they say God bless (you), when put on their forehead.
• Pasalubong -In the Philippines it is common when you have been on a trip, that you bring a token of love back to the people who stayed home. It is a filipino tradition of travellers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home. It can be anything, something to eat or to drink is always a welcoming gift, since filipinos love eating! It is actually not about what you bring, it is something that you have brought, so the other person knows you thought about them while away. The first time, I heard bring pasalubong, from multiple people, and didnt know how to act. When you see souvenir stores in the Philippines, it has the sign pasalubong. So now you are prepared.... just bring something back... 
• Noise and music - Filipinos are crazy about high volumes and karaoke (called videoke) and music from the 70s like The Carpenters. There was one big world hit: Anak by Freddie Aguilar in 1978.
• Remedio - Is fixing things, even though you dont know how to fix it. The filipinos use remedio. Remedio used to drive me crazy. It is fixing things with what you have, in a creative way, and if it works again... that will be clear in the near future. You have to be flexible to embrace remedio.
• Squeeze - Squeeze your but, in the jeepney, also when you think it is already full. There will be place, when you squeeze. When you are for example sitting at the window in an airplane and you have two filipinos beside you, you squeeze your body in and out going to the aile. It is not a habit to stand up, when you can squeeze, when used to it, it works perfectly fine.
• Volume - Pump up the jam, pump up the volume. Filipinos love loud music, loud talking, as long as it is lively. The high amounts of volume makes you feel festive and alive, even when there is not a party.
• 'Whitening' products such as soap, make-up, deodorant are very popular, to stimulate white skin.

What are the habits in South Korea?

• In South Korea, and other places I have seen it in Asia, they brush their teeth, three times a day after a meal. People bring portable toothbrushes and you often see people brushing their teeth in the washroom in their office.
• Family is everything and the eldest son carries the responsibility of the family.
• Kimchi is a national dish. People make kimchi at home. In the supermarkets a lot of dark bordeau red buckets can be found, so you don't see the stains of the herbs going to be fermented with the vegetables.
• I personally love banchan. When you order Korean food it is likely you get a lot of different small bowls, (most of the time vegetarian) side dishes. For me as a dutch person, I can do without the maindish, since banchan is so delicious.

What are the habits in Taiwan?

• Politeness - Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone and to say “thank you” and “please.”
• Respectfulness - Taking off shoes when entering a house: In Taiwan, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's house. This is done as a sign of respect and to keep the house clean.
• Respect for elders is considered vital, as is loyalty toward the family.
• Leave some food on your plate - It shows appreciation for the amount of food served and is considered polite.
• Cleanliness - Using toilet paper with the right hand: In Taiwan, toilet paper is used with the right hand, while the left hand is considered unclean.
• Bubble tea is a Taiwanese invention, same like stinky tofu. That stinks.
• KTV – Karaoke is a popular waste of time or night.
• Convenience stores – Open 24/7, with a variety of food, drinks and everyday items available.
• Gifts – Knives and scissors are not appreciated and will be seen as severing a relationship. Clocks and handkerchiefs are best avoided, that will be connected to death and funerals. Check the label: made in Taiwan is not an interesting gift and the recipient from Taiwan already has (all) things made in Taiwan.

What are the habits in Thailand?

• Thai people will talk about architecture, dance, festivals and food when you ask about their culture. 
• Sanuk is a term to express that everything should have something sanuk. Something which is worth doing. The sense or approach with a little playfulness. Even work can be sanuk, singing while working, cracking jokes in combination with the thai smile. 
• Saving face is important as is in many Asian countries. The habit is to avoid confrontation, and not to embarrass yourself or others.
• Social rank plays an important part in society. It goes with obligations, obedience, caring for, respect, sharing of wealth. The "big person or senior" pays the bill when dining or entertaining. The person with the most social rank pays for everyone.

Did you know that.... 

Asia is the biggest continent in the world. It is huge, this is the list of most Asian countries (including the Middle East)

• Afghanistan - Armenia - Azerbaijan - Bangladesh - Bhutan - Brunei - Cambodia - China - Hong Kong - India - Indonesia - Japan - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Laos - Macau - Malaysia - Maldives - Mongolia - Myanmar - Nepal - North Korea - Oman - Pakistan - Palestinian Territories - Papua New Guinea - Philippines - Singapore - South Korea - Sri Lanka - Taiwan - Tajikistan - Thailand - Timor-Leste - Turkmenistan - Uzbekistan - Vietnam
• Abu Dhabi, Dubai & United Arab Emirates - Bahrain - Iran - Iraq - Israel - Jordan - Kuwait - Lebanon - Oman - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - Syria - Turkey - Yemen