Before You Arrive: The Packing List
Medical Essentials
- All previous fertility test results (printed + digital): AMH, FSH, LH, E2, AFC ultrasound
- Semen analysis report (within 6 months)
- List of current medications and supplements (generic names, not brand names)
- Previous IVF cycle summaries (protocol, egg count, embryo grades, medications used)
- Allergy information
- Insurance documents (even if not covering treatment — useful for emergencies)
Personal Comfort Items
- Loose, comfortable clothing (abdominal bloating during stimulation is real)
- Compression socks for long flights
- A good book or downloaded shows — there is waiting involved
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated during stimulation)
- Heating pad or hand warmer (some patients find warmth comforting post-transfer)
Practical Items
- Universal power adapter (Korea uses Type C/F, 220V)
- Korean SIM card or pocket WiFi (get at the airport — essential for navigation and clinic communication)
- Kakao T app (Korea's main ride-hailing app, works in English)
- Naver Maps (better than Google Maps for Korea; download offline)
- Papago app (best translation app for Korean)
At the Clinic: What to Expect
First Appointment
- Plan for 2–4 hours on your first visit (paperwork, consultations, baseline ultrasound, blood work)
- Bring your passport — clinics need ID for international patients
- You'll meet with the doctor AND likely a nurse coordinator AND possibly a financial counselor
- Don't be shy about asking for everything in writing (treatment plan, medication schedule, cost breakdown)
During Stimulation Monitoring
- Monitoring appointments are typically early morning (7:30–9:00 AM) — Korean clinics are efficient; most monitoring visits take 30–60 minutes
- You may have 3–5 monitoring visits during the 10-day stimulation phase
- Bring your medication list to every visit — dosage changes happen based on follicle response
- Ask for a printed or digital copy of each ultrasound result — this helps you track progress
Egg Retrieval Day
- You'll be under sedation/anesthesia — bring a companion if possible
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing
- Don't eat or drink after midnight the night before
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day at your accommodation
- Mild cramping and bloating for 1–3 days afterward is normal
After Transfer (the 2-week wait)
- Light activity is fine — complete bed rest is NOT required and not recommended
- Walking is good. Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, and alcohol
- Continue prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Cramping and spotting can be normal — check with your clinic before panicking
What to Eat During IVF in Korea
Korea's food culture is actually quite fertility-treatment-friendly:
Recommended Foods
| Food | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Korean seaweed soup (미역국) | Rich in iodine, folate, and minerals |
| Tofu and edamame | Plant protein, isoflavones |
| Fermented foods (kimchi, doenjang) | Gut microbiome support |
| Grilled fish (mackerel, salmon) | Omega-3 fatty acids |
| Bibimbap with vegetables | Balanced nutrition, antioxidants |
| Warm soups and stews | Easy digestion, warming |
Avoid During Treatment
- Raw fish (sashimi) during stimulation and especially after transfer
- Excessive caffeine (limit to 1 cup/day)
- Alcohol (completely)
- Very spicy food immediately post-retrieval (can irritate)
- Extreme dieting — this is not the time to restrict calories
Where to Eat Near Gangnam Clinics
- GS25 / CU convenience stores: Nutritious grab-and-go options, warm bento boxes
- Gimbap restaurants: Quick, affordable, balanced meals
- Korean soup restaurants (국밥집): Warm, nourishing, easy on the stomach
- Large food courts in COEX Mall: International food options within walking distance of many clinics
Managing Stress and Time Between Appointments
Things to Do in Seoul During Treatment
- Han River Park: Easy walking, beautiful scenery, low intensity
- Gangnam COEX Aquarium and Mall: Light indoor activity, no walking stress
- Bongeunsa Temple (5-min from many Gangnam clinics): Peaceful grounds, free entry
- Lotte World Tower Sky Observatory: Relaxing, minimal physical effort
- K-beauty shopping: Myeongdong or Apgujeong — find Korean skincare products known for quality
Mental Health Tips
- Connect with online communities: Expat and international fertility forums have active groups for Korea IVF
- Set realistic expectations: Most patients need 2–3 cycles; don't put all emotional weight on cycle 1
- Establish a daily routine: Meal times, gentle walks, sleep schedule — structure helps
- Limit obsessive symptom-checking: It's hard, but early pregnancy symptoms and side effects from medications look identical
Communication With Your Clinic
Key Korean Phrases
| Situation | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I have an appointment | 예약이 있어요 | Ye-yak-i i-sseo-yo |
| I have pain here | 여기 아파요 | Yeo-gi a-pa-yo |
| How much does it cost? | 얼마예요? | Eol-ma-ye-yo? |
| I don't understand | 이해 못 했어요 | I-hae mot-haess-eo-yo |
| Can I get this in English/Chinese? | 영어/중국어로 받을 수 있나요? | Yeong-eo/Jung-guk-eo-ro ba-deul su in-na-yo? |
Digital Communication
- Most clinics accept questions via messaging apps — ask your coordinator which they prefer (KakaoTalk, LINE, WhatsApp, WeChat)
- For urgent questions (bleeding, severe pain), always call — don't rely on text
- Korean clinic hours are typically 8:30 AM–5:30 PM weekdays, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM Saturdays
Budget Breakdown for a Typical 10-Day Korea IVF Trip
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Flights (round trip, East Asia) | $200–$600 |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | $500–$1,200 |
| IVF cycle costs | $1,500–$3,800 |
| Medications | $375–$1,125 |
| Food and transport | $300–$500 |
| Miscellaneous | $100–$300 |
| Total | $2,975–$7,525 |
Compared to $15,000–$30,000+ for a single IVF cycle with medications in the USA
FAQ
Q. Is it safe to fly during IVF stimulation?
During stimulation, short-haul flights are generally fine. For retrieval, you should be in Korea and avoid flying for 1–2 days after retrieval. Discuss long-haul travel timing with your doctor.
Q. Can my partner join me the whole time or just for retrieval?
Partners are always welcome. For fresh cycle IVF, sperm sample collection happens on retrieval day — partners need to be present then. For frozen cycles, partners don't necessarily need to travel.
Q. What's the best time of year to visit Seoul for treatment?
Treatment is available year-round. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but manageable.
📧 For hospital consultation and referral inquiries, contact: info@bronis.co.kr
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your clinic's specific instructions.