Foreigners in Korea can get STD tests at private urology or OB-GYN clinics, public health centers (보건소) and the international clinics of large hospitals. Private clinics offer same-day English service with a passport and no referral; public health centers offer free or low-cost HIV and syphilis tests, mostly in Korean. Results take from 20 minutes to about 4 days.
- Private clinic panel
- About ₩150,000–350,000
- Public health center
- Free/low-cost HIV & syphilis
- Rapid tests
- About 20–30 minutes
- PCR tests
- About 2–4 days
- What to bring
- Passport or ARC
- Insurance
- NHI rarely covers full panels
Where can foreigners get tested for STDs in Korea?
| Option | Best for | Language | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private OB-GYN clinics (women) | Full panels, symptoms, pelvic exam, treatment | English at many clinics in Seoul | Panels about ₩150,000–350,000 |
| Private urology clinics (mainly men) | Men's testing and treatment | English at many clinics in Seoul | Similar to OB-GYN clinics |
| Public health centers (보건소) | HIV and syphilis screening | Mostly Korean; may need ARC | Free or low-cost |
| University hospital international clinics | Complex cases, specialist referral | English coordinators | Higher; longer waits |
Large hospitals with international clinics include Severance, Asan Medical Center and Samsung Medical Center. Women in Seoul can also use a gynecology clinic such as Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, which offers a women's STD panel with English consultation.
Step by step: getting tested at a private clinic
- Choose a clinic Women usually visit an OB-GYN clinic; men usually visit a urology clinic. Check English support and opening hours.
- Book or walk in Many clinics accept walk-ins and messages via WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. No referral is needed.
- Bring ID A passport is usually enough; residents can bring their ARC and NHI card.
- Consultation and samples Expect questions about symptoms and exposure, then urine, swab and/or blood samples.
- Results and treatment Rapid tests can be ready the same day; lab and PCR results typically take 1–4 days. Ask how results will be delivered.
- Unsure which clinic to visit
- Panel may miss key infections
- Language barriers at reception
- Unexpected total costs
- Right clinic type for your needs
- Panel matched to your exposure
- Results explained in English
- Clear cost estimate up front
Test types and result times
- Rapid tests(e.g., HIV, syphilis) — about 20–30 minutes.
- Standard blood tests — usually 1–3 days.
- PCR / NAAT tests(chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, mycoplasma) — typically 2–4 days.
Timing after exposure matters: some infections are not detectable for weeks. See HIV testing and window periods for details.
Questions to ask before you test
- Does the panel include all the infections I am worried about (for example, Mycoplasma genitalium or throat and rectal sites)?
- Is anonymous testing available?
- Will I receive results in English, and can I get a copy for my doctor at home?
- Can I be treated the same day if something is found?
- What is the total cost, including the consultation fee?
English-speaking STD clinics in Seoul
The following clinics have been reported to offer STD testing with English support. Details such as hours, prices and language support change, so please confirm directly with each clinic.
| Clinic | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yoonho Hospital (Seoul OBGYN for Foreigners) | Apgujeong, Gangnam | Women's STD tests, Pap and HPV tests, counseling in English |
| Trueman Urology Clinic | Seocho | Urology clinic; website stdclinicseoul.com |
| Sinsoe Women's Clinic (Lante OBGYN) | Sinsa | All-female team; WhatsApp contact |
| Lante OBGYN Clinic | Gangnam | OB-GYN clinic with English consultations |
| Samsung J Women's Clinic | Wangsimni | Women's clinic with English support |
| Gangnam St. Mary's Urology Clinic | Gangnam | Urology clinic |
| YQUEEN Women's Clinic | Seocho | Women's clinic |
| Second Spring Clinic | Apgujeong | Women's clinic |
| Goeunbit Urology Clinic | Seocho | Urology clinic |
For a fuller comparison, see our guide to English-speaking STD clinics in Seoul. In Busan, see STD testing in Seomyeon.
Costs, insurance and documents
As a general guide, private clinic panels range from about ₩150,000 to ₩350,000, with consultation fees around ₩20,000–50,000; clinics confirm the exact cost after consultation. National Health Insurance rarely covers full screening panels, though treatment of a diagnosed infection may be covered for enrolled residents — see health insurance for foreigners. Ask for an itemized English receipt if you plan to claim from travel insurance.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ARC to get an STD test in Korea?
Not at private clinics, where a passport is usually enough. Some public health centers may ask for an ARC or a Korean phone number.
Can I get tested anonymously in Korea?
Some public health centers offer anonymous HIV testing. Private clinics record your identity but keep results confidential.
Does Korean health insurance cover STD tests?
NHI rarely covers full screening panels without symptoms. If you have symptoms or a diagnosed infection, part of the testing and treatment may be covered for enrolled residents.
How fast can I get results?
Rapid HIV or syphilis tests take about 20–30 minutes. Lab tests usually take 1–3 days and PCR tests about 2–4 days.
Where should women go for STD testing in Seoul?
A gynecology clinic can test, examine and treat at the same visit, and check related conditions such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.
Written and fact-checked by our medical editorial team
Content is checked against current Korean regulations and international clinical guidance and updated regularly. Information about other clinics is provided for orientation only — please confirm details directly with each clinic.
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.