Full STD Panel Test Gangnam Seoul

Getting a full STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) panel test in South Korea is straightforward, confidential, and highly recommended, especially if you're sexually active or have new partners. Korea has excellent medical facilities, and many cater specifically to foreigners, particularly in major cities like Seoul.



What is a "Full STD Panel"?

A "full STD panel" typically screens for the most common and clinically significant STDs. While the exact tests can vary slightly between clinics and your individual risk factors/symptoms, a comprehensive panel usually includes:

  • Bacterial Infections:
  • Chlamydia: (Urine test or swab)
  • Gonorrhea: (Urine test or swab)
  • Syphilis: (Blood test)
  • Viral Infections:
  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): (Blood test, often with rapid testing available)
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2): (Blood test for antibodies, or swab if active lesions are present)
  • Hepatitis B & C: (Blood test)
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV): (For women, often via Pap test/HPV DNA test. For men, less common routine test but can be done via swab if warts are present, or PCR for specific types).

Some clinics might also include tests for Trichomoniasis (parasitic infection, via urine or swab) or Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma (bacterial infections, via urine/swab).


Cost of a Full STD Panel Test in Korea (Approximate Ranges)

The cost will vary based on the clinic, the specific tests included in the panel, and whether you have Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS).

  • Basic STD Panel (HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea): Often ranges from ₩100,000 to ₩250,000 KRW (approx. $75 to $185 USD).
  • Comprehensive/Full STD Panel (including Herpes, Hepatitis B/C, HPV): Can range from ₩250,000 to ₩400,000 KRW (approx. $185 to $300 USD) or even higher depending on the number of HPV types tested for.
  • Individual Tests: If you only need a specific test (e.g., just for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea), it might be ₩30,000 to ₩80,000 KRW per test.
  • Rapid HIV Test: Often around ₩30,000 to ₩70,000 KRW.
  • Consultation Fee: An initial consultation fee of ₩30,000 to ₩100,000 KRW will apply in private clinics, in addition to the test costs.

Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS):

  • If you are enrolled in NHIS (and have an Alien Registration Card), diagnosis and treatment of STIs are generally covered. This means your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly lower (you'll pay a co-payment) for medically necessary tests.
  • However, if you are getting a comprehensive panel as a routine screening without symptoms or specific medical indication, some clinics might classify it as non-covered, or certain tests (e.g., extensive HPV typing for men without warts) might not be fully covered. Always confirm with the clinic about NHIS coverage for the specific panel you choose.


Key Considerations for Foreigners:

  • Confidentiality: Korean clinics generally maintain strict patient confidentiality.
  • Language Support: Many clinics in Gangnam specifically cater to international patients with English-speaking staff. Confirm this when making an appointment.
  • Identification: Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC) for identification, especially if you have NHIS.
  • Sample Types: Be prepared for various sample collections:
  • Blood samples: For HIV, Syphilis, Herpes antibodies, Hepatitis.
  • Urine samples: For Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma.
  • Swab samples: From the urethra, vagina, cervix, throat, or anus, depending on symptoms and risk (e.g., for active herpes lesions, HPV genotyping).
  • Results: Results for PCR tests (for bacterial STIs) often come back within 1-3 business days. Blood tests may take a similar timeframe. Rapid HIV tests give results in under 30 minutes. Clinics can often email results.
  • Treatment: If positive, clinics can usually provide immediate treatment (e.g., antibiotics for bacterial STIs, antiviral medications for viral outbreaks) and counseling.

Getting tested regularly is a responsible and crucial step for your sexual health. With the availability of foreigner-friendly clinics in Korea, it's a straightforward process.