Women's Health › Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical Cancer Screening in Busan
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, because screening finds precancerous changes years before they become dangerous. Korea's national program offers free screening to women aged 20 and older every two years, and Busan OB/GYN clinics make it easy to keep up.
Screening tests
- Pap smear (cytology): looks for abnormal cervical cells. This is the test used in Korea's national program.
- HPV test: looks for high-risk HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. It can be done from the same sample, often as a self-pay add-on.
- Co-testing: Pap plus HPV together. Some doctors recommend it for women over 30.
Korea's national program
Women aged 20 and older who are enrolled in National Health Insurance (including eligible foreign residents) are offered cervical screening every two years at no cost. The NHIS lets you know when you're eligible, and designated clinics, many of them OB/GYN clinics, carry out the test. If you're not eligible that year, you can still have a Pap smear as a regular paid test.
What the visit involves
A speculum exam and a quick cervical swab, which takes only a few minutes. Avoid scheduling during your period, and skip sex, douching and vaginal medicines for a day or two beforehand. Results usually come within about a week.
If your result is abnormal
Most abnormal results are caused by HPV and many clear on their own. Depending on the finding, your doctor may recommend:
- A repeat Pap or HPV test in a few months
- Colposcopy , a magnified look at the cervix, with a biopsy if needed
- Treatment of precancerous areas, such as a LEEP/conization procedure, if confirmed
Keep every follow-up appointment. That's where screening actually prevents cancer.
Cost and insurance
The national screening is free for eligible women. Added HPV tests are usually self-pay. Follow-up tests for an abnormal result, such as colposcopy and biopsy, are diagnostic and generally partly covered by NHI. Ask for a quote before add-ons. See the Pap smear cost guide .
Tips for foreigners
- Bring your ARC or passport. Ask the clinic to check your national screening eligibility.
- Bring previous screening results, so the doctor knows your history.
- Ask for results in writing, ideally in English. See the international patients guide .
Related
Elsewhere in Korea
When to get help sooner
See a doctor promptly, even if your last screening was normal, if you have bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or after menopause, unusual or foul-smelling discharge, or persistent pelvic pain.
Busan clinics for cervical screening
Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm whether the clinic does national screening and to check hours.
| Clinic | Area | Phone | Listed features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roaen OB/GYN Clinic | Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) | 051-804-3000 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Centum Eroom Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-758-8275 | Sat, Fertility |
| Eve & Adam Women's Clinic | Centum City (U-dong) | 051-743-7585 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
| Ms For You Women's Clinic | Jwa-dong (Jangsan) | 051-636-7975 | Sat, Evenings |
| Dongnae Bom OB/GYN Clinic | Oncheon-dong | 051-711-2060 | Sat, Evenings |
| Seoul Samsung OB/GYN Clinic | Yeonsan-dong | 051-714-3500 | Sat |
| Jini OB/GYN Clinic | Jangjeon-dong (Pusan Natl Univ) | 051-582-8275 | Sat, Evenings |
| 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 |
| Rose Women's Clinic | Nampo-dong | 051-245-7911 | Sat, Evenings |
| L Women's Clinic | Hadan-dong | 051-207-2727 | Sat, Evenings, STD tests |
Cervical screening FAQ
At what age does cervical screening start in Korea?
The national program starts at age 20 and repeats every two years.
Can foreigners use the free national screening?
Foreign residents enrolled in NHI are generally eligible on the same terms as Korean nationals. Ask the clinic to check your eligibility with your ARC.
Is HPV testing included in the national screening?
The national program uses Pap cytology. HPV testing can usually be added for a fee. Ask the clinic.
I had the HPV vaccine. Do I still need screening?
Yes. Vaccines don't cover every cancer-causing HPV type, so regular screening is still recommended.