How to Get Tested for STDs in Korea (2025 Guide for Locals & Foreigners)

STD Test Gangnam, Seoul, Korea

Whether you're living in Korea or just visiting, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is simple, confidential, and more accessible than you might think. Korea offers modern testing facilities, fast results, and even English-speaking clinics for international patients.


Why You Should Get Tested

STDs often show no symptoms. Regular testing is the best way to protect your health and the health of your partners. You should consider testing if:

  • You’ve had unprotected sex
  • You have multiple partners
  • You’re starting a new relationship
  • You experience unusual discharge, pain, or irritation


What STDs Can Be Tested in Korea?

A full STD panel in Korea may include tests for:

  • HIV (1 & 2)
  • Syphilis
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis B & C
  • Herpes (HSV-1, HSV-2)
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Ureaplasma & Mycoplasma
  • HPV (for certain patients)

Tests are done using:

  • Blood
  • Urine
  • Swab (vaginal, urethral, or throat)
  • PCR-based testing for high accuracy


Where to Get Tested

You can get tested at:

  1. Private Urology or OB/GYN Clinics
  • Most offer same-day testing
  • Discreet service and English-speaking staff (especially in Seoul, Busan, Incheon)
  • Ideal for foreigners
  1. Public Health Centers (보건소)
  • Free or low-cost HIV and syphilis testing
  • Korean-only service, but affordable
  • May require ARC (alien registration card)
  1. General Hospitals with International Clinics
  • e.g., Severance, Asan, Samsung Medical Center
  • Best for full panels and foreigners with insurance
  1. Sexual Health & Men’s Clinics
  • Examples: Trueman Men’s Clinic, Himchan, Gangnam Urology
  • Specialized for male sexual health, fast turnaround


How Much Does It Cost?

  • Private Clinics: ₩150,000–₩350,000 ($110–$270 USD)
  • Public Health Centers: Free to low-cost (limited tests)
  • Insurance: National insurance rarely covers full STD panels at private clinics


How Long Do Results Take?

  • Rapid Tests: 20–30 minutes (HIV, syphilis at public centers)
  • Standard Panels: 1–3 business days
  • PCR Tests: 2–4 days depending on the clinic


Foreigners: What You Should Know

  • Many clinics now offer English-speaking services
  • No referral is needed at private clinics
  • No need to be a Korean citizen (passport is enough for most clinics)
  • Clinics in Seoul’s Gangnam, Itaewon, Sinchon, and Hongdae are very foreigner-friendly


What to Ask at the Clinic

When booking or visiting, ask:

  • “Do you offer a full STD panel?”
  • “Are the results anonymous?”
  • “Can I get results in English?”
  • “Is same-day testing or express service available?”


Getting tested for STDs in Korea is safe, fast, and more foreigner-friendly than ever. Don’t wait for symptoms—routine sexual health screening protects you and your partners. If you're in Korea long-term or just passing through, know that quality testing and care are just a short visit away.