I got food poisoning in Korea and I am not sure what to do?

If you have food poisoning right now, hydrate aggressively with electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat or oral rehydration salts (경구수액, sold at any pharmacy for 2,000 won), eat plain foods like white rice, bananas, and crackers when you can hold them down, and rest. Symptoms typically resolve in 24 to 48 hours. If you have severe symptoms (high fever above 38.5C, blood in stool, vomiting for more than 12 hours, severe dehydration with dizziness, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days), go to a clinic or hospital immediately. Internal medicine (내과) clinics are everywhere and a same-day visit costs about 8,000 to 15,000 won with NHIS, plus medication. Emergency rooms cost more (50,000+ won) but are open 24/7 and the 1339 Medical Helpline (24/7 English) can guide you to the nearest one.

For the food safety side, Korea actually has very strict food safety regulations, and major restaurants and chains are extremely reliable. The risk areas are primarily summer street food (June to September when heat and humidity spoil food fast), raw seafood like sannakji and hoe at non-specialist restaurants, and cold buffets. Stick to busy stalls with high turnover so food doesn't sit out, observe whether vendors handle cash and food with the same hands (a red flag), and avoid raw chicken or undercooked pork at any cost.

Know these higher-risk foods: gimbap left out longer than 3 to 4 hours (especially with mayo or egg), street tteokbokki sauce that's been sitting (rather than freshly made), raw oysters during summer (R-less months are safer), and hoe at non-specialty places. Lower-risk safe bets: hotpot stews bubbled to high temps, deep-fried snacks, freshly made noodles, and convenience store packaged items with clear expiry dates. Korean kimchi is fermented and very safe even when slightly sour. Always check 유통기한 (sell-by) and 소비기한 (consume-by) dates on packaged foods. The MFDS (mfds.go.kr) has a recall list in English. If you suspect food poisoning from a specific restaurant, report to the local 보건소 (public health center) with receipts so they can investigate.