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STD Test Cost in Korea

The cost of STD testing in Korea depends mostly on two things: whether you have symptoms (which affects insurance coverage) and how many infections you are tested for. Here is how billing usually works and where lower-cost options exist.

What drives the cost

• Symptoms vs screening: if you have symptoms such as discharge, pain, sores or itching, the visit and medically indicated tests are usually billed as regular care and partly covered under National Health Insurance (NHI). Testing with no symptoms, "just to check," is more often billed as self-pay.
• Number of infections tested: a single chlamydia or gonorrhea test costs less than a multiplex PCR panel that checks for many organisms at once (often marketed as a 12-type or similar panel).
• Test method: PCR swabs or urine tests, blood tests (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, herpes antibodies), and rapid tests are priced differently.
• Speed: same-day or rapid results may cost more.
• Insurance status: uninsured patients pay the full fee for everything.

We could not verify reliable current price ranges, so ask each clinic for an itemized quote. Clinics must post non-covered (비급여) prices, and HIRA publishes non-covered fee comparisons on its website and app.

Public health centers (보건소)

Busan's district public health centers offer anonymous HIV testing, and some also test for syphilis or hepatitis. Services and fees vary by center, so call your district center before going. They generally do not offer full vaginal swab panels; for those, see an OB/GYN.

What is typically included

A clinic visit usually includes a consultation fee, a pelvic exam and swab or urine sample, lab fees, and a follow-up for results. Treatment (antibiotics, antivirals) is a separate charge and is usually covered under NHI once an infection is diagnosed.

How to ask for a quote

• "Which infections does this panel include?"
• "Is it PCR? How long until results?"
• "What is covered by insurance and what is self-pay?"
• "Is the follow-up visit for results charged separately?"

Tips for foreigners

Bring your ARC or passport. Results are confidential. If you need help explaining symptoms, see international patients .

Related

• STD testing in Busan
• Women's STD panel
• Same-day STD test
• HIV test
• Chlamydia test
• All cost guides
• International patients

When to get help sooner

See a doctor promptly for fever with pelvic pain, painful sores, or pain during urination. If you had a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, go to an ER or hospital right away to ask about PEP.

STD test cost FAQ