Seoul activates round-the-clock emergency medical system for Chuseok holiday

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is activating a 24-hour emergency medical system over the Chuseok holiday to ensure residents do not need to rush to emergency rooms for minor ailments. Those with mild symptoms can pick up over-the-counter medicines at nearby convenience stores, while clinics and pharmacies open throughout the holiday will be available for those who need medical attention.

The city said it will fully operate the emergency medical system from Wednesday through Saturday to help residents access the right medical facilities based on their symptoms and circumstances.

For minor symptoms requiring medication, residents can purchase remedies at any of 6,926 designated over-the-counter medicine retailers across the city, which carry 13 product categories including digestive aids, fever and pain relievers, cold medicines and pain-relief patches.

Clinics and pharmacies will also remain open for patients with mild conditions such as upset stomachs or colds. A total of 6,189 facilities — 2,568 clinics and 3,621 pharmacies — will operate at some point during the holiday period, with an average of 1,547 locations open each day, comprising 642 clinics and 905 pharmacies.

To compensate for private clinic closures, the city and district governments will also run their own care networks. Six city-run hospitals and 12 public health centers will offer outpatient services on Friday and Saturday of the holiday.

Pediatric care will also be maintained throughout the holiday for parents with sick children. Eight "Woori Ai Ansim" hospitals and three "Woori Ai" specialized emergency centers will operate around the clock for critically ill or emergency pediatric patients, while 10 "Woori Ai Ansim" clinics and 21 "Dalbit" children's hospitals will provide outpatient care for children with mild conditions.

Emergency rooms will operate as usual around the clock throughout the holiday for patients with serious or urgent conditions. A total of 74 facilities will maintain emergency care services, including 31 regional emergency medical centers such as Seoul National University Hospital, 20 local emergency medical institutions such as Seonam Hospital, and 23 hospitals with emergency room operations.

A 24-hour hotline will be kept active among relevant institutions to handle emergencies involving high-risk mothers and newborns. Participating hospitals will secure reserve beds in neonatal intensive care units and keep specialists on standby around the clock to provide care and perform emergency deliveries.

The city ran a similar emergency medical system during the Lunar New Year holiday in February, designating more than 13,000 clinics and pharmacies to remain open.

Detailed information on clinics, pharmacies and other medical facilities open during the holiday is available on the city's "2026 Chuseok Holiday Comprehensive Information" website and the websites of Seoul's 25 autonomous districts. Residents can also call 120 (Dasan Call Center) or 119 (Emergency Medical Services) for guidance.

"We ask residents to check operating information in advance through the 120 Dasan Call Center or the Sonmok Doctor 9988 app before visiting a facility," said Jo Yeong-chang, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Public Health Bureau. "Seoul will do its utmost to operate the emergency medical system so that residents can enjoy the Chuseok holiday with peace of mind, without any gaps in medical care."