HIV Testing in Korea – Foreigner-Friendly Guide

Why Get an HIV Test in Korea?

HIV testing is an important step in protecting your health and the health of others. Whether you live in Korea or are visiting short-term, testing is accessible, accurate, and discreet. Clinics in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities offer foreigner-friendly services with English-speaking staff.

Types of HIV Tests Available

  • Rapid HIV Test – Results in as little as 20–30 minutes using a finger-prick blood sample.
  • ELISA Test – Standard blood draw with results in 1–3 days; highly accurate.
  • Confirmatory Test – Performed if the screening test is positive, using more advanced lab analysis.

Where to Get Tested in Korea

  1. OB/GYN & Urology Clinics – Private and discreet, ideal for international patients.
  2. General Hospitals – Equipped with full labs; often have multilingual support.
  3. Public Health Centers – Offer free or low-cost testing; however, English support may vary.

Popular foreigner-friendly areas for HIV testing include Gangnam, Itaewon, and Myeongdong.

Cost of HIV Testing in Korea

  • Rapid Test – 10,000–30,000 KRW (~$8–$25 USD)
  • Standard ELISA – 30,000–60,000 KRW (~$25–$50 USD)
    Public health centers sometimes offer free anonymous testing.

What to Expect During Testing

  1. Registration – Present your passport or ARC; some clinics offer anonymous testing.
  2. Consultation – Brief discussion of sexual history or possible exposure.
  3. Testing – Either a finger prick (rapid) or standard blood draw.
  4. Results – Rapid test results the same day; standard tests in 1–3 days.

Confidentiality & Privacy

Korean clinics maintain strict patient confidentiality. If you request it, results can be given in a sealed envelope or emailed securely. Anonymous testing is possible in select facilities.

Tips for International Patients

  • Ask for English-speaking staff when booking.
  • Schedule testing early if visiting short-term, to allow for result turnaround.
  • If you test positive, your clinic will guide you through confirmatory testing and referral to HIV treatment centers.

Bottom Line

HIV testing in Korea is quick, confidential, and accurate. With many English-speaking and foreigner-friendly clinics, you can take the test with confidence, knowing your privacy and health are prioritized.