How Much Does STD Testing Cost in Korea?

For anyone in South Korea concerned about their sexual health, getting an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) test is a straightforward process, with a range of options catering to different needs and budgets. The good news is that high-quality testing is readily available, and costs can be quite reasonable.

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Free and Low-Cost Options

South Korea offers excellent resources for accessible STD testing, especially for HIV:

  • Public Health Centers (보건소 - Bogeonso): Many district public health centers across the country provide free and anonymous HIV testing. Some also offer free tests for other common STIs like Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) for residents. This is often the most budget-friendly option.
  • Korea Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention (KHAP): This organization is a fantastic resource for foreigners, offering free and anonymous rapid HIV tests. While primarily focused on HIV, they may also provide other STI screenings for a small cash fee (e.g., around ₩30,000 for Chlamydia if sent to an external lab). Check their website (khap.org) for monthly schedules and locations in Seoul (like Itaewon and Gireum) and other cities.


Private Clinics and Hospitals

For a more comprehensive panel of tests, faster results, or if you prefer a clinic with dedicated English-speaking staff, private clinics and major hospitals are excellent choices.

  • Individual STD Tests: If you're only looking to test for one or two specific STIs (e.g., Gonorrhea or Chlamydia via urine PCR), the cost can range from ₩20,000 to ₩80,000 (approximately $15 - $60 USD) per test. A rapid HIV test at a private clinic might be around ₩30,000 to ₩70,000 ($22 - $50 USD).
  • STD Panels (Comprehensive Screening): Most private clinics offer cost-effective "panels" that test for multiple infections at once:
  • Basic Panel (e.g., HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia): Expect to pay between ₩100,000 to ₩250,000 (approximately $75 - $185 USD).
  • Comprehensive Panel (adding Herpes, Hepatitis B & C, HPV, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma): These more extensive tests can range from ₩250,000 to ₩400,000+ (approximately $185 - $300+ USD).
  • Consultation Fee: Remember that an initial consultation fee (typically ₩30,000 - ₩50,000) might be added to the test costs, especially at private clinics.


Note on Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS): If you are a long-term resident with NHIS, your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly lower, as the insurance covers a substantial portion of medically necessary tests.

Overall, whether you opt for a free anonymous test at a public health center or a comprehensive panel at a private clinic, getting an STD test in Korea is accessible and generally affordable, allowing you to prioritize your sexual health with peace of mind.