Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In just a few generations, South Korea has achieved one of the highest life expectancies in
the world. This is partly a result of habits—South Koreans are by and large more physically
active than the average North American, and the local cuisine tends to be low on fat and
meat and big on herbs and vegetables. But the government also deserves credit for building
a sophisticated and efficient health care system that has made medical care relatively af-
fordable and accessible to all, including foreign residents. Western medicine is supplemen-
ted by a highly developed system of indigenous and Chinese-influenced medical traditions
that some have found more effective in treating chronic ailments.
South Korea's achievements can't be discounted, but problems still exist. Air and water
quality, although they are improving, are poor in places. Facilities for the disabled fall short
of those in most Western countries. Smoking and heavy drinking are national pastimes. And
expatriates may have a tough time embracing some local medical practices, such as the very
public hospitals or doctors' affection for injections.
