Women's Health › HPV Vaccination

HPV Vaccination in Busan

The HPV vaccine protects against the virus types behind most cervical cancers, as well as other HPV-related cancers and genital warts. In Busan you can get it at most OB/GYN clinics, either free through the national program if you're eligible or as a self-pay vaccine.

Vaccine options in Korea

  • 4-valent (Gardasil): covers HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. This is the vaccine used in the national program.
  • 9-valent (Gardasil 9): adds five more high-risk types for broader cervical cancer protection. It's usually self-pay.
  • 2-valent (Cervarix): covers HPV 16 and 18. Availability varies by clinic.

Korea's national program

Under the national immunization program, the 4-valent vaccine is free at designated clinics and public health centers for girls aged 12 to 17 and for low-income women aged 18 to 26. From May 2026 the program was extended to 12-year-old boys. Adolescents receive two doses six months apart. Busan has also run separate city-funded programs for specific age groups. Ask your district public health center (보건소) what's currently available.

Adults outside the program

Adults who weren't vaccinated can still benefit, especially before exposure to HPV. People aged 15 and older usually need three doses over six months. The vaccine still helps if you've already been sexually active or have had HPV, because it protects against types you haven't caught yet. Discuss your age and history with the doctor, since the benefit is smaller for older adults.

What the visit involves

A short consultation, then an injection in the upper arm. You'll be asked to wait about 15 to 30 minutes afterward in case of fainting or an allergic reaction. Sore arms and mild fever are the most common side effects. The vaccine isn't recommended during pregnancy. If you become pregnant mid-series, pause and finish after delivery.

Cost and insurance

National-program doses are free for eligible people. Outside the program, HPV vaccines are self-pay and NHI doesn't cover them. The price depends on the vaccine type and the clinic, and the 9-valent vaccine costs more. See the HPV vaccine cost guide and ask for the price per dose before you start.

Tips for foreigners

  • Bring your ARC or passport, plus any vaccination record from home, so you don't repeat doses.
  • Ask whether the clinic stocks the vaccine you want, and book all doses on a schedule.
  • If you move or leave Korea mid-series, ask for a written record of the doses you've had.
  • See the international patients guide .

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

Severe allergic reactions are rare. Seek emergency care (call 119) if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash shortly after a dose. Vaccination doesn't replace regular cervical screening.

Busan clinics for HPV vaccination

Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm which vaccines are in stock and whether the clinic takes part in the national program.

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

HPV vaccination FAQ

  • Is the HPV vaccine free in Korea?

    It's free under the national program for eligible groups: girls aged 12 to 17, low-income women aged 18 to 26, and, since May 2026, 12-year-old boys. Adults outside these groups pay out of pocket.

  • How many doses do adults need?

    Usually three doses over six months for people aged 15 and older. Your doctor will set the exact schedule.

  • Should I choose the 4-valent or 9-valent vaccine?

    The 9-valent vaccine covers more cancer-causing HPV types, but it costs more. Both protect against HPV 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers. Ask your doctor which suits you.

  • Do I still need Pap smears after vaccination?

    Yes. The vaccine doesn't cover every high-risk HPV type, so keep up with regular cervical screening.