Kangbuk Samsung Hospital said Thursday that it will open an international clinic on Feb.16 at the Samsung office building in Taepyeongno, central Seoul.

Located 500 meters from Seoul City Hall, the clinic expects to cater mostly to expats and foreign tourists. It will share facilities and infrastructure with the Samsung hospital.

The hospital conducts joint studies with Johns Hopkins University and has been praised as one of the leading medical institutions in preventative medicine. All its systems meet international standards, the hospital said.

Currently, family practitioners deal with primary care while five specialists look after anal disease, diabetes, thyroid and breast diseases as well as chronic fatigue, stress and cardiovascular disorders.

A total of 15 doctors will be able to conduct hands-on gastrointestinal endoscopy tests, and examinations involving MDCT, MRI, PET-CT are available if necessary.

The clinic said all staff members are fluent in English. There is a coordinator for English and Chinese speakers at the center while an interpretation service for Japanese, Russian and other language users is provided on prior notice.

The clinic is comprised of separate waiting rooms and treatment rooms to make patients feel more comfortable.

Primary care at the international healthcare center includes diagnosis, examination, consultation and vaccination. Tailored service will be provided at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital by experienced medical personnel working in 32 departments, the hospital said.

“We will step up efforts to maintain the health of foreigners visiting Seoul through our high-end devices and best medics. We also have a plan to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency care designed for foreigners,” said Shin Ho-chul, an official of the hospital.

The clinic will be open from Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information, visit http://international.kbsmc.co.kr or call (02) 2001-5100.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heeraldm.com)