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HIV Testing in Busan
You can get an HIV test in Busan at an OB/GYN clinic, a hospital, or your district public health center (보건소), where testing is free and can be done anonymously. Here is how the options compare and what to expect.
Where to get tested
- Public health centers (보건소) : According to a November 2025 Busan Metropolitan City announcement, all 16 district and county public health centers in Busan offer free HIV testing, and anonymous testing is available. Call your district center for hours and how results are delivered.
- OB/GYN clinics and hospitals : HIV testing can be added to an STD panel or done on its own. Results go into your medical record, but medical records in Korea are confidential.
When to get tested
- Unprotected sex with a new partner or a partner of unknown status
- A partner who has HIV or another STI
- A diagnosis of another STI, such as syphilis or gonorrhea
- Sharing needles or other equipment
- Planning pregnancy or as part of prenatal screening
Timing and window periods
No test can detect HIV immediately after exposure. Modern antigen/antibody (4th generation) blood tests detect most infections within about 4 to 6 weeks, and Busan's public health guidance recommends testing from four weeks after a possible exposure. A negative result taken earlier may need to be repeated. Rapid tests are convenient but may have a longer window.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
If you had a high-risk exposure in the last 72 hours, do not wait for a test: go to a hospital emergency room and ask about PEP, a short course of HIV medicines that works best when started as early as possible. Many local clinics do not stock PEP.
What the visit involves
A blood sample is taken from the arm, or a finger-prick for rapid tests. Positive screening results are always confirmed with additional testing before a diagnosis is made. HIV is now a manageable long-term condition with effective treatment, and treatment that keeps the virus undetectable prevents sexual transmission.
Cost and insurance
Testing at Busan's public health centers is free. At private clinics, HIV tests ordered for symptoms or exposure may be partly covered under National Health Insurance (NHI); screening on request is often self-pay. Ask for a quote first.
Tips for foreigners
- For anonymous testing at a public health center, ask in advance how results are collected; you may need to return in person.
- Bring your ARC or passport to private clinics.
- The 1330 hotline can help with interpretation when you call.
See international patients .
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When to get help sooner
If a high-risk exposure happened within the last 72 hours, go to a hospital emergency room right away to ask about PEP. See a doctor promptly for fever, rash, sore throat and swollen glands a few weeks after a possible exposure, which can be signs of early HIV infection.
Busan clinics for HIV and STD testing
These clinics are listed in our directory with STD testing or extended hours. Call ahead to confirm they offer HIV testing and how results are given.
| Clinic | Area | Phone | Listed features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaen OB/GYN Clinic | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | 051-804-3000 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Eroom Women's Clinic (Seomyeon) | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | Not listed | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Mirae Women's Hospital | Gaegeum | 051-890-9999 | Sat, STD tests |
| Queens Park Women's Hospital | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-715-4100 | Delivers, Sat, STD tests |
| Eve & Adam Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-743-7585 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Samsung Jeil OB/GYN Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-747-3999 | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Sehwa Hospital | Oncheon-dong | Not listed | Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
| Mari Women's Clinic | Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) | 051-626-1009 | Sat, STD tests |
| She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic | Suyeong / Millak area | Not listed | Sat, STD tests |
| L Women's Clinic | Hadan-dong | 051-207-2727 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| The Mizwell OB/GYN Clinic | Hwamyeong-dong | 051-365-3575 | Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, STD tests, Fertility |
HIV test FAQ
Is HIV testing really free and anonymous in Busan?
Busan Metropolitan City states that its 16 district and county public health centers offer free HIV testing and that anonymous testing is possible. Call your local center to confirm hours and procedures.
How long after exposure should I test?
Busan's public health guidance recommends testing from four weeks after a possible exposure. A doctor may advise a repeat test later to rule out infection fully.
What if I was exposed in the last few days?
Go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible and ask about PEP. It needs to be started within 72 hours and works best the earlier it is taken.
Does a positive rapid test mean I have HIV?
Not necessarily. All reactive screening results need confirmatory testing. If confirmed, effective treatment is available and support can be arranged.