Medical Imaging Records in Korea: X-ray, CT, and MRI Guide for Foreign Patients

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Last updated: May 26, 2026

Sources reviewed: May 26, 2026

For orthopedic care, cancer screening, dental surgery, emergency care, and second opinions, the image itself can matter as much as the consultation. A phone photo of a monitor is not the same as a formal radiology report or a shareable imaging file.

Quick answer

  • Ask for both the radiology report and the actual image files when X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, or dental imaging is important for follow-up.
  • Confirm whether images are provided by CD, USB, portal link, printed film, or another format that can be opened abroad.
  • Write down the date, body part, contrast use, facility name, and doctor or department that ordered the test.
  • If surgery or dental work depends on imaging, ask which images a doctor at home will need to review later.
  • Do not wait until airport day to request copies; some hospitals require forms, identification, or processing time.

Med-in-Korea insight

  • Foreign patients often think a screenshot is enough. For continuity of care, the useful package is report plus images plus procedure context.
  • RadiologyInfo emphasizes that sharing images and reports can improve safety and speed of care. For medical travelers, that point is even more practical because the next doctor may be in another country.
  • Med-in-Korea treats imaging records as part of the treatment plan, not as an administrative afterthought.

What to compare

Point What to confirm
Report Request the written radiology report, not only the image viewer screen.
Images Ask for DICOM files or a format the receiving doctor can open, especially for CT and MRI.
Metadata Keep exam date, facility, body area, contrast, and comparison study information.
Translation Ask whether an English summary or diagnosis code is available when needed.
Delivery Confirm CD, USB, portal, download expiry, and whether another person can collect records with authorization.

Questions to ask

  • Can I receive both the image files and the written report?
  • What format will the images be in?
  • Will my doctor at home need a viewer program?
  • Is the report available in English or with a summary?
  • How long does record issuance take?
  • Can I request another copy after leaving Korea?

Red flags

  • The clinic says a phone photo of the screen is enough for future care.
  • No one can explain how to obtain CT, MRI, or dental CBCT files.
  • You are asked to leave before biopsy, imaging, or operative reports are ready.
  • The clinic refuses to give basic exam details or report copies.
  • A treatment plan is based on imaging you cannot later access.

FAQ

Do I need images or only the report?

Often both. The report summarizes findings, while image files may be needed for surgical planning, second opinions, or comparison with future scans.

What is DICOM?

DICOM is a common medical imaging format used for studies such as CT and MRI. Ask whether your home doctor can open the files.

Can another person collect imaging records for me?

Rules vary by institution. Ask about authorization forms, passport or ID requirements, and whether international office support is available.

Related Med-in-Korea guides

Official and authoritative sources

Important note

This guide is general educational information. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendation, legal advice, clinic verification, or a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals. Med-in-Korea does not rank, recommend, verify, refer, or book clinics.