Hus-hu: Seoul’s Best English Speaking Dental Clinic

Going to the dentist can be scary anywhere, but even more so in a place where language barriers exist and clinical procedures aren’t necessarily the same as those in one’s home country.

Still, one’s health should not be neglected simply because one is intimidated by language or unknown procedural costs.  Despite my nursing background, it actually took me a couple years to work up the courage to go to the dentist in Korea.  As a result, I ended up with a few cavities and an urgent need to get myself to the nearest clinic ASAP.  I did a few searches on Google and came across multiple testimonials that led me to Hus-hu Dental Clinic, a highly reputed dental office that caters to both locals and foreigners from all around the world.

I arrived at the clinic, located conveniently just outside Apgujeong Station, and was immediately impressed by the lobby’s decor.  The clinic felt more like a luxurious hotel than a medical facility, complete with plush couches, free internet, and a small coffee bar.  Apparently, Hu-shu is a popular choice of K-pop and K-drama stars, as there were photographs of some idols I recognized with the dentists and hygienists displayed about the room.

I was promptly greeted by Yeona, the clinic’s friendly receptionist/interpreter who spoke perfect English and after filling out some paperwork and taking some x-rays, I was off to have my teeth cleaned.  Sanitation is of utmost importance to me in a medical facility, so I was pleased to see that the clinic rooms were spotless and was reassured after being introduced to Hus-hu’s “one instrument for one patient” rule: each packet of dental tools is removed and sterilized after each patient’s visit.

Actor Lee Jongseok poses with his dental hygienist at Hus-hu.

After a rather pleasant cleaning (if a dental procedure could be described as such), I was informed that I would need to have two cavities filled.  I was made aware of my options and chose to have them filled at Hus-hu.  Yeona, who stayed in the room with me at all times to interpret, explained to me the procedure so there would be no unexpected surprises during the remainder of my visit.

Both the hygienist and dentist did everything in their power to ensure that I was comfortable during the cleaning and filling.  The procedure was quite similar to what I had experienced in America, with the only difference being a pad that was placed over my face that obstructed my vision.  Perhaps it was because I couldn’t see or maybe it was simply that the staff were that good, but honestly, I didn’t experience any pain or discomfort during the entire visit.  Why did I ever wait so long to go to the dentist in Korea?  One thing is for sure… I won’t be missing my six month check-ups now that I know Hus-hu exists.

One might expect a visit to such a lavish medical facility to be extremely costly when in actuality, the price is exceptionally affordable.  For those with National Health Insurance (which includes most foreigners working in Korea), a yearly dental checkup, x-ray and cleaning is only 20,000 won ($18USD).  This insurance also covers periodontal (gum) problems, root canals and wisdom tooth extraction (only 10,000-20,000 won per tooth!)  No wonder medical tourism is on the rise in Seoul!

Additionally, the clinic offers a number of other services such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and crowns which are not covered by insurance but are quite reasonable considering the quality of the clinic.  They also offer special discounts on their website and Facebook page so be sure to keep an eye out for exclusive deals to save money and take care of yourself while you’re away from home.  Don’t neglect your well-being like I did for so long… get in touch with Hus-hu for a comfortable and affordable check-up today.

More Information

Clinic Hours:  Monday-Friday 10:00-21:00; Saturday 10:00-16:00; Lunch Break Monday to Saturday 13:00-14:00

To Make an Appointment: Call 02-1588-7464 or fill out the appointment request form here.

To Get There:  From exit 3 of Apgujeong Station (Seoul subway line 3), walk past Café Pascucci and IBK Bank to the Gujeung Building entrance just before the crosswalk. Take the elevator or the stairs to the 3rd floor.  (For a map, bus directions, and taxi instructions in Korean, click here.)

*Although this post is partially sponsored by Hus-hu Dental Clinic, the opinions are, of course, my own.

Words and photos by Mimsie Ladner of Seoul Searching.  Content may not be reproduced unless authorized.

Comments

  1. Torrance dentist

    Went to the dentist a week ago, it was amazingly pleasant. The thing that stood out the most was that it was so unwinding and tranquil throughout my procedure. Everything was fresh out of the box new and fantastically clean.

  2. Amelia

    Hi, thanks for sharing about this dentist. I'm desperately searching for a good, english speaking dentist as I also know I have a few cavities that need treatment. Could you tell me how much your cavities cost per tooth and if your insurance covered it? Thanks!

  3. Unknown

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I have been looking all over for this! It was excellent and very informative. I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i'm glad reading your article. It's really a great and useful piece of info.

    Playa del Carmen Dentist

  4. Unknown

    Hi, do you know if they do any procedures without freezing your mouth/gums? That's the part I hate the most about going to the dentist as it can take several hours to go away after leaving. I know some dentists (at least in Canada) which are using modern techniques that avoid having to go through that annoying numb feeling.

  5. Unknown

    Thanks for the advice. Very informative blog, it helps us a lot because medical staffing. and we are worried about it. GERD can cause to a serious illness, we don’t want to happen that. We seek help at placidway.com to find us the best doctor that can help my father kill the GERD. Now, he is having his treatment I hope the GERD will shoo away after this.

  6. Anonymous

    Nice to see about the English Speaking Dental Clinic post. A lot of people in the world looking or a better solution for their dental problems and it is good to provide the quality services. Here i have seen the best Dental Clinic In Hungary that provide the equality services and you should check it too.

  7. Anonymous

    Really? I think you might be off on your pricing. I thought scaling at a non-luxurious clinic ran at least $50. I had a root canal and a gold crown put in about four years ago at a dentist in CoEx. My ex used to privately tutor the dentist, so he gave me/us a break, and I think I still paid in the $4-500 range. Been so long, I can't remember clearly.

    But anyhow, I'm badly in need of a scaling and check up because I've got some throbbing pain under that gold crown. I'm definitely gong to give that clinic a call in the morning.

  8. Emma

    Great atmosphere and do love this dental clinic. It took 30 seconds to get there. Easy to approach from Apgujeong station. Highly recommend this place!!!

  9. Anonymous

    I got worried a lot but they were really nice, have English, Japanese and Chinese speaking medical staff and totally helpful!!!

  10. Jessica

    When I visited them, they offered me promotions that I got 15 % discounts. Youn can ring them since they speak English.

  11. Unknown

    I'm waiting on my US Passport so I can take part of S Korea's Dental Tourism gig. I'm just extremely (no, I mean extreeeeemely) terrified of dental pain, and can't find any information on the internet (please don't say Google, I been looking for 2 years). I need almost all teeth replaced with implants. Any suggestions? Anyone?

  12. DS

    Hi,

    Firstly, awesome information and beautifully understandable writing!

    What kind of visa did you have, for you to be able to get South Korean Health Insurance (HCI)?

  13. Anonymous

    Thanks for this information! I am going to set an appointment with them soon. I also need some orthodontic work, but I am sure they will be able to recommend me to a skilled professional.
    Thanks to you I am finally getting my teeth cleaned after four years! (yuck!)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *