Minister Jeong Eunkyung: "Concerns Over Emergency Room Gaps Outside Seoul During Chuseok... Emergency System to Be Maintained"

Government Implements Special Measures to Maintain Emergency Medical System During Holiday
413 Emergency Medical Institutions and 17 Regional Trauma Centers to Operate 24 Hours a Day

The government will maintain an emergency medical system during the upcoming Chuseok holiday from October 3 to 9, in preparation for the possibility of medical service gaps at some emergency medical institutions outside the Seoul metropolitan area.

Jeong Eunkyung, Minister of Health and Welfare, attended the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on doctors' collective action at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on October 1st, and made remarks related to the medical system during the Chuseok holiday. 2025.10.1 Photo by Cho Yongjun

On October 1, Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eunkyung held a Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on doctors' collective action at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "We will ensure that the emergency medical system is well maintained throughout the long Chuseok holiday so that the public can safely access medical services."

Minister Jeong said, "Since last month, as a significant number of resident doctors have returned, hospitals' treatment capacity has been improving. However, the return rate of emergency medicine residents remains somewhat low," and added, "We will operate the emergency medical system during the Chuseok holiday without any disruptions."

She continued, "During the Chuseok holiday, all 413 emergency medical institutions and 17 regional trauma centers nationwide will operate 24 hours a day without interruption. In order to address outpatient service gaps and alleviate emergency room overcrowding, we will secure the maximum possible number of open hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies by providing temporary additional compensation."

The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to maintain the existing additional compensation for emergency medicine specialists' consultation fees and backup treatment fees during this holiday period as well. Information on the location and operating hours of open hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies can be found on the Emergency Medical Portal (e-gen), the Emergency Toktok App, and through the call center (129).

Response measures for high-risk mothers and newborns, children, and patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases will also be further strengthened. Even during the Chuseok holiday, the "Mother and Child Medical Care Cooperation Pilot Project," which provides 24-hour emergency response for mothers and newborns, will operate without disruption to ensure rapid transfer and referral in emergencies.

For pediatric patients, those with severe or emergency conditions can receive 24-hour care at 12 pediatric emergency centers, while those with moderate conditions can be treated at 3 pediatric hospitals. For mild cases, 128 Moonlight Children's Hospitals will remain open during the holiday period. If a child suddenly becomes ill, parents can visit the "Ai Ansim Tok" website to consult 24 hours a day with pediatric emergency medical professionals about emergency care and the use of over-the-counter medications.

To respond to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients, 24 regional and local cardiovascular and cerebrovascular centers-14 regional and 10 local-will operate around the clock.

Regarding concerns about emergency room "ping-pong" (patients being bounced between hospitals), the minister requested cooperation from local governments and the public. Minister Jeong said, "In the event of an emergency patient, we will minimize refusal of emergency room admissions through swift transfer and transport. All six regional situation rooms nationwide will work together with 119 emergency teams to identify medical institutions that can accept critical emergency patients."

Minister Jeong also urged, "Local governments should strengthen cooperation between local medical institutions and 119 emergency teams to ensure a smooth patient transfer system. We also ask the public to immediately contact 119 if you suspect a serious illness, and if not, please visit a nearby hospital, clinic, or the emergency room of a small or medium-sized hospital first."