At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, a women's STD test can cover chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HIV, hepatitis B, trichomonas, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma and HPV in one visit. Samples are a vaginal swab, urine and blood. PCR results usually take 2–4 days and most others 3–7 days, explained privately in English.
- Samples
- Vaginal swab, urine, blood
- Method
- PCR plus blood tests
- Results
- PCR ~2–4 days; others ~3–7 days
- Cost guide
- ₩100,000–350,000 (estimate)
- Bring
- Passport or ARC
- Follow-up
- Treatment, partner advice, test of cure
What does the STD panel test for?
| Infection | Sample | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Vaginal swab or urine | PCR |
| Gonorrhea | Vaginal swab or urine | PCR |
| Trichomonas | Vaginal swab | PCR |
| Mycoplasma / Ureaplasma | Vaginal swab | PCR |
| Herpes (HSV-1/2) | Swab of a sore; blood if indicated | PCR / antibody |
| HPV | Cervical swab | HPV DNA |
| Syphilis | Blood | Antibody |
| HIV | Blood | Antigen/antibody |
| Hepatitis B | Blood | Antigen/antibody |
Your doctor may suggest a basic or a comprehensive panel depending on symptoms and exposure. Bacterial vaginosis and yeast can be checked at the same time if you have discharge.
Who should get an STD test?
- Anyone with a new partner or more than one partner
- Anyone whose partner has symptoms or a diagnosed STI
- Women with unusual discharge, odor, itching, sores, pelvic pain or bleeding after sex
- Before stopping condoms in a new relationship
- When planning pregnancy
- After a condom failure or unprotected sex — consider emergency contraception too
Your STD test at Yoonho, step by step
- Contact or walk in Message us in English on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk, or walk in during opening hours. Bring your passport or ARC.
- Private consultation Your doctor reviews symptoms, dates and type of exposure to choose tests and the right timing.
- Sample collection A vaginal swab (with a short speculum exam if needed), a urine sample and a blood draw. It takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Results You are contacted when results are ready; they are explained in English and an English report is available.
- Treatment and follow-up If something is found, treatment starts promptly, with partner notification advice and a retest or test of cure when recommended.
- Not knowing if an infection is present
- Symptoms with an unclear cause
- Unsure what to tell a partner
- Worry about long-term effects
- Clear results explained in English
- Targeted treatment if needed
- Partner and retest plan
- Many patients notice peace of mind
Timing: when is the test accurate?
| Infection | Reliable from about |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas | 1–2 weeks after exposure |
| Syphilis | 6–12 weeks |
| HIV (4th-generation test) | About 6 weeks |
| Hepatitis B | About 6–12 weeks |
If you test early, you may be advised to repeat some tests later. After a high-risk HIV exposure, seek PEP within 72 hours rather than waiting for testing.
Cost, insurance and privacy
As a general guide, a basic panel is about ₩100,000–200,000 and a comprehensive panel about ₩200,000–350,000, plus consultation; a written estimate is given after consultation. Screening panels for non-nationals are usually paid out of pocket, while treatment of a diagnosed infection may be covered for NHIS members — see insurance for foreigners. For other testing routes in Korea, read how to get tested for STDs in Korea.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to avoid anything before an STD test?
Ideally avoid vaginal creams and douching for 24–48 hours. You can be tested during a period, but a light day is better for swab tests.
Can I collect the swab myself?
For some PCR tests a self-collected vaginal swab is accurate and may be offered. An exam is recommended if you have symptoms.
How will I receive my results?
Results are shared with you confidentially, and you can request an English report. Your doctor explains any positive result and the next steps.
Is Mycoplasma always treated if found?
Not always. Mycoplasma genitalium is usually treated, while Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma hominis are often found in women without disease. Your doctor decides based on symptoms.
Can I be tested on Saturday?
Yes. Yoonho is open Saturdays 9:00–13:00. Results that need a lab will be ready on a later weekday.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Book a private STD test in English
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.