STD Test Price in Seoul, Korea

The cost of STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) testing in South Korea can vary significantly depending on the type of test, whether you opt for individual tests or a panel, the medical facility (public health center, private clinic, or large hospital), and your insurance status (Korean National Health Insurance Service - NHIS).

Here's a breakdown of typical costs and options:



1. Free or Low-Cost Options (Highly Recommended for Foreigners)

South Korea offers excellent free or very low-cost options, especially for HIV and common STIs, particularly for foreign residents and even tourists:

  • Public Health Centers (보건소 - Bogeonso):
  • Many district public health centers across Korea offer free and anonymous HIV testing.
  • Some also provide free testing for other common STDs like Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) for residents. For example, Guro Public Health Center explicitly lists free STD & AIDS testing.
  • Cost: Generally free.
  • Note: While free, the range of STIs tested might be more limited compared to private clinics, and English services can vary (it's advisable to call ahead).
  • Korea Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention (KHAP):
  • KHAP provides free and anonymous rapid HIV and STI screening services for foreigners at various rotating clinic locations in Seoul (e.g., Itaewon, Gireum) and other major cities (Ansan, Busan).
  • Cost: HIV rapid test is free. Some specific tests like Chlamydia might incur a small fee (e.g., around ₩30,000 cash if they need to send it to an external lab, as reported by users).
  • Note: KHAP primarily focuses on testing and generally does not provide treatment. If positive, they will offer counseling and refer you for treatment. Check their monthly calendar on their website for specific test schedules and locations.

2. Private Clinics (Urology for Men, OB/GYN for Women, or General Clinics)

Private clinics offer a wider range of tests, often with faster results and potentially better English communication. Costs will be higher than public options.

  • Individual STD Tests (e.g., Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, Syphilis):
  • A single test for a common bacterial STI like Gonorrhea or Chlamydia (usually via urine PCR) can range from ₩20,000 to ₩80,000 (approximately USD 15 - 60) per test.
  • A Rapid HIV test at a private clinic might cost around ₩30,000 to ₩70,000 (approximately USD 22 - 50).
  • Syphilis tests (blood) are usually in a similar range.
  • Note: These prices are for the test itself and generally do not include the initial consultation fee (which can be around ₩30,000 - ₩50,000) or any subsequent treatment costs.
  • Full STD Panels (Comprehensive Screening):
  • Private clinics often offer "panels" that test for multiple STIs simultaneously. These are more cost-effective than getting individual tests.
  • Basic STD Panel (often including HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia): Typically ranges from ₩100,000 to ₩250,000 (approximately USD 75 - 185).
  • Comprehensive Panel (including Herpes, Hepatitis B & C, HPV, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma): Can range from ₩250,000 to ₩400,000+ (approximately USD 185 - 300+).
  • Factors affecting panel price: The number of STIs included, the specific testing methods used (e.g., advanced PCR for more pathogens), and the clinic's location/reputation.
  • Examples of Clinics: Proud Urology Clinic, Trueman Urology Clinic, StanTop Urology Clinic, and various OB/GYN clinics (like Songpa Goeunbit Women's Clinic or Second Spring Women's Clinic) offer these panels. Many of these clinics in Gangnam and other expat-friendly areas cater to international patients with English-speaking staff and aim for quick results (sometimes same-day for common STIs).


3. Major University Hospitals

Large university hospitals (like Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital) offer comprehensive STI testing and treatment through their Infectious Disease, Urology, or OB/GYN departments.

  • Cost: Generally higher than private clinics, especially without Korean NHIS.
  • Benefits: May be preferred for complex cases, or if you already have other medical conditions managed at a specific hospital. They have dedicated International Healthcare Centers to assist foreign patients.
  • Insurance: If you are a long-term resident with Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), a significant portion of the test costs will be covered, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses to a fraction of the listed prices (typically 20-40% of the total cost).


Summary of Estimated STD Test Prices (without Korean NHIS):

Test Type

Estimated Price Range (KRW)

Estimated Price Range (USD)

Notes

Free/Low-Cost Options

HIV Rapid Test (Public/KHAP)

Free

Free

Anonymous, quick results.

Basic STI (Public Health Ctr)

Free

Free

May be limited to HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, NGU. Check specific center.

KHAP (Additional tests)

~₩30,000 (cash)

~USD 22

For specific outsourced tests like Chlamydia.

Private Clinics

Individual Test (e.g., Gonorrhea/Chlamydia PCR)

₩20,000 - ₩80,000

USD 15 - 60

Per test. Does not include consultation fee.

Basic STD Panel (HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia)

₩100,000 - ₩250,000

USD 75 - 185

Most common panel.

Comprehensive STD Panel (incl. Herpes, Hepatitis, HPV, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma)

₩250,000 - ₩400,000+

USD 185 - 300+

More extensive, covers a wider range of infections.

Consultation Fee

~₩30,000 - ₩50,000

~USD 22 - 38

Typical initial consultation fee at private clinics.

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Important Considerations:

  • Treatment Costs: These prices are generally for testing only. If an STD is detected, the cost of medication (antibiotics for bacterial STIs, antivirals for viral STIs) will be additional. With NHIS, medication costs are highly subsidized.
  • Identification: While public health centers and KHAP offer anonymous HIV tests, most private clinics and hospitals will require your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC) for registration.
  • Payment: Clinics accept Korean Won (KRW) cash and major credit/debit cards.
  • Always Confirm: It is highly recommended to call the specific clinic or hospital you plan to visit in advance to confirm their current prices for the tests you need, especially if you have specific concerns or insurance questions.