English-speaking orthopedics · Myeongdong, Seoul
Get back to moving. Without surgery.
Relief Orthopedics is an English-speaking, non-surgical orthopedic clinic 2 minutes from Euljiro 1-ga Station (Exit 3). Two board-certified orthopedic surgeons treat neck and back pain, shoulder, knee, elbow and wrist, hip and foot and ankle problems, and give you English documents for your travel insurance.
Medical content reviewed by Dr. Saintpee Kim, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon · Updated October 2026
Conditions we treat
Where does it hurt?
Pick the area. Each guide explains common causes, when to see a doctor, and how we treat it without surgery.
Inside the clinic
See where you'll be before you arrive
Real photos of our clinic on the 3rd floor, from the street sign to the treatment rooms.
Meet your doctors
Two board-certified orthopedic surgeons. Both on duty, all day.
You see a specialist, not a general practitioner. Both doctors consult in English and review difficult cases together.
Dr. Saintpee Kim, MD
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon (Korea)
- MD, Wonkwang University School of Medicine
- Residency, Wonkwang University Hospital
- Foot & Ankle Fellowship, Seoul Paik Hospital
- Presenter, AOFAS 2024 (Vancouver) and ASSH 2018 (Boston)
Dr. Hoeyoung Kwon, MD
- Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon (Korea)
- MD, Wonkwang University School of Medicine
- Residency, Wonkwang University Hospital
- Former medical officer, 707th Special Mission Group
- ISTA Young Researcher Award, 2020
A note from your doctors
Being in pain is hard. Being in pain in a country where you don't speak the language is harder. We see it every week: a traveler who twisted an ankle in Myeongdong, or an expat who has put up with back pain for months because finding a doctor felt too complicated.
So we keep it simple. We listen first, we explain in plain English, and we try everything that doesn't need surgery before anything that does. You'll leave knowing what's wrong, what we did, and what to do next.
Dr. Saintpee Kim & Dr. Hoeyoung Kwon Chief Directors, Relief Orthopedics
Do no harm
We avoid unnecessary treatment and excessive procedures. An accurate diagnosis comes first, then the safest treatment that works.
A prescription made for you
We don't hand out pre-packed medication. Even on repeat visits, we review your condition and adjust your treatment.
Honest, careful steroid use
Steroids are used only when truly needed, at the lowest effective dose, and only after we explain them and you agree.
Non-surgical treatments
How we treat pain
Each treatment page explains what it is, who it suits, how many sessions are typical, and which conditions it helps.
Image-guided injections
Ultrasound and C-arm guidance for joints, tendons, nerves and spine.
Learn more →
PRP & prolotherapy
Regenerative injections for tendons and ligaments.
Learn more →
IV pain relief therapy
Intensive pain care for acute flare-ups.
Learn more →
Shockwave therapy
For plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and calcific tendinitis.
Learn more →
Physical therapy
Manual therapy, exercise and gait analysis.
Learn more →
Feel at home in Seoul
Little things that make your visit easier
We know a clinic visit abroad can feel stressful. Save this section on your phone before you come.
Show this to your taxi driver
Most Seoul taxi drivers read Korean addresses faster than English ones.
서울 중구 남대문로10길 9, 3층
릴리프정형외과의원
9 Namdaemun-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul · 3rd floor · Relief Orthopedics
A few useful Korean words
Our team speaks English, but these help with pharmacies and taxis.
| It hurts here | 여기가 아파요 yeogi-ga apayo |
| Knee · Back · Shoulder | 무릎 · 허리 · 어깨 mureup · heori · eokkae |
| Ankle · Wrist · Neck | 발목 · 손목 · 목 balmok · sonmok · mok |
| Receipt, please | 영수증 주세요 yeongsujeung juseyo |
| Diagnosis certificate | 진단서 jindanseo |
What to bring
Five things that make registration and insurance claims quick.
- Passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Your travel or international insurance details
- A list of any medications you take
- Previous X-rays or MRI reports, if you have them
- Comfortable clothes that let us examine the painful area
What patients say
Read real reviews from expats, travelers and local patients on Google.
5.0
Google rating
Alex's first visit!
A sore knee, a city you don't know, a language you don't speak. Here is what a visit looks like, in six panels.
Alex
OUCH! My knee!
English-speaking doctor today?
Yes! Walk in any time until 7:30 PM. No lunch break.
Alex
2 minutes from the subway. Easy!
Doctor
Let's check it with ultrasound first.
Alex & Doctor
That's it?
Guided right to the spot.
Front desk
Your English receipt and diagnosis for insurance!
So easy. Thanks!
Illustrated story. Alex is a fictional character, not a real patient. Read more about knee pain treatment and ultrasound-guided injections.
International patients
Your first visit, step by step
Most visits take 60–90 minutes from arrival to leaving with your documents.
- Message us on WhatsApp or walk in
Send your symptoms and preferred time. We reply in English during opening hours.
- Bring your passport or ARC
We need it to register you and to issue insurance documents in your name.
- Consultation and imaging
Your surgeon examines you and uses X-ray or ultrasound on site. If you need an MRI, we arrange it nearby.
- Treatment and a clear plan
You get the diagnosis, the options and the costs in English before anything starts.
- Pay and get your documents
Foreign cards accepted. Ask for your English receipt, diagnosis certificate and medical record.
Documents for insurance claims
| Document | In English |
|---|---|
| Itemized receipt | Yes |
| Diagnosis certificate | Yes |
| Medical record / doctor's note | Yes |
| Imaging copy | On request |
Registered foreign residents can use Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS). Travelers usually pay first and claim from their insurer.
In pain today? Get seen today.
Walk-ins welcome. Two English-speaking surgeons on duty, no lunch break.
FAQ
Questions foreigners ask us
Do the doctors speak English?
Yes. Both orthopedic surgeons consult in English, and our front desk handles booking, payment and documents in English.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. Booking on WhatsApp first reduces your wait, especially on Saturday mornings.
Will my travel insurance cover the visit?
Most travel insurers reimburse outpatient orthopedic care. You pay at the clinic, and we give you an English receipt and diagnosis certificate. See our travel insurance guide.
Can I use Korean national health insurance as a foreigner?
Yes, if you are enrolled in NHIS as a registered resident. Bring your ARC and the insured rate is applied.
Do I need surgery for my knee or back pain?
Usually not. Many patients improve with image-guided injections, shockwave therapy and rehabilitation. We refer you for surgery only when imaging shows a problem that needs it.
How do I get to the clinic?
Take Line 2 to Euljiro 1-ga Station and leave by Exit 3. The clinic is on the 3rd floor (Rooms 302–304) of 9 Namdaemun-ro 10-gil, about a 2-minute walk. See contact and directions.
Visit us
Location & hours
3F, Rooms 302–304, 9 Namdaemun-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울 중구 남대문로10길 9, 3층 302–304호
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 – 19:30 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 13:00 |
| Sunday & public holidays | Closed |
| Lunch break | None |
中文患者 · WeChat Scan to add us on WeChat. 扫码添加微信咨询。
Spine & upper body
Lower body & sports
Treatments
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Contact Us
Relief Orthopedics Myeongdong specializes in non-surgical orthopedic care, regenerative stem cell therapy, sports injuries, spine care, joint pain treatment, and rehabilitation. Located in the heart of Myeongdong, Seoul, we provide personalized, evidence-based care for local residents, expats, travelers, and international patients. English support, Korean National Health Insurance
(for eligible residents), and international insurance assistance are available.
Clinic Hours
Weekdays (Mon–Fri) : 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Last Registration : 7:10 PM (Weekdays)
Lunch Break
No Lunch Break – Two Doctors Are Available Throughout the Day.
Enquiry : +82-10-4881-8634
Address :
3F, Rooms 302–304
9 Namdaemun-ro 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea