Getting a Full STD Panel in Korea: What to Expect & Where to Go

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Getting a "full panel" STD test in South Korea is definitely possible, and it's a recommended way to ensure comprehensive sexual health. Here's what that typically entails, where to get it, and what to expect:


What a "Full Panel" STD Test Usually Includes

A "full panel" or comprehensive STD test generally screens for the most common and significant sexually transmitted infections. While the exact components can vary slightly by clinic, a typical panel will include:

  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): Usually tested via blood, with options for rapid tests.
  • Syphilis: Tested via blood.
  • Chlamydia: Often detected via urine test (for both men and women) or swab (vaginal, rectal, or throat).
  • Gonorrhea: Similar to Chlamydia, typically a urine test or swab.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2): Tested via blood to check for antibodies, or a swab if active lesions are present.
  • Hepatitis B & C: Tested via blood.
  • Trichomoniasis: Often tested via urine or swab.
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus): For women, this is usually part of a Pap smear. For men, testing is less common unless there are visible warts.

Some clinics might offer even more extensive panels depending on individual risk factors and symptoms.


Where to Get a Full Panel STD Test

Private clinics are your best bet for a comprehensive full panel STD test in Korea, especially if you're looking for English-speaking services and faster results. Public health centers often offer free basic tests (like HIV and some others), but a "full panel" is more typically found in private settings.

Here are some types of clinics in Seoul known for offering comprehensive STD testing:

  • Urology Clinics (for men): Many urology clinics specialize in men's sexual health and offer extensive STD panels.
  • Gamdong Urology Clinic (Gangnam): Known for confidential, fast, and English-speaking services. They accept walk-ins and can send results via email. www.gangnamseoulurologists.com
  • Gangnam St.Mary Urology Clinic (Gangnam): Offers comprehensive STD/STI testing including urine/vaginal bacterial PCR (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea), HIV/Syphilis, Hepatitis A/B/C, and Herpes tests. They emphasize privacy and partner with a professional lab for accuracy. www.urologyseoul.com
  • Seoul Trueman Urology STD Clinic (Gangnam): Provides full examinations for various STDs with English-speaking staff and same-day service. www.seoulurologyclinic.com
  • Blue Urology Clinic (Yeongdeungpo): Offers confidential STD testing, including PCR tests and blood tests, with same-day testing and treatment options. www.seoulurologyspecialists.com
  • OB/GYN Clinics (for women): Women's clinics are equipped for comprehensive STD testing, including HPV screening.
  • Seoul LANTE OBGYN (Gangnam): Offers a "Full STD Panel" that typically includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Trichomoniasis, and sometimes Hepatitis B and C. They are foreigner-friendly with English-speaking staff. www.gangnamobgyn.com
  • Songpa Goeunbit Women's Clinic: Provides comprehensive and confidential STD testing services including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, HPV, and more. They have multilingual support and English-speaking female doctors available. www.englishobgynseoul.com
  • General Clinics/International Clinics: Some larger general clinics or clinics catering specifically to international patients may also offer full STD panels.


What to Expect During a Full Panel Test

  1. Registration and Consultation: You'll typically register and then have a private consultation with a doctor. Be prepared to discuss your sexual history, any symptoms you're experiencing, and your reasons for wanting the test. This helps the doctor recommend the most appropriate panel.
  2. Sample Collection: This usually involves:
  • Blood draw: For HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis, and sometimes Herpes antibodies.
  • Urine sample: For Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
  • Swab: Depending on your symptoms or risk factors, the doctor might take swabs from the throat, rectum, or genitals. For women, a Pap smear might be part of an OB/GYN visit which can screen for HPV.
  1. Payment: Full panel tests are generally out-of-pocket expenses at private clinics unless you have specific symptoms that might be partially covered by Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) if you're enrolled.
  2. Results: Results for a full panel usually take 1-5 business days, though some clinics offer rapid HIV tests with results in 20-30 minutes. Results are often sent via email, or you may need to return for a follow-up consultation.
  3. Follow-up and Treatment: If any test comes back positive, the clinic will provide counseling, discuss treatment options (antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections), and offer guidance on partner notification.


Cost of a Full Panel STD Test

The cost of a full panel STD test in Korea can vary, but generally, expect to pay:

  • Comprehensive panel (including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, hepatitis): Approximately ₩250,000 to ₩400,000 (roughly $185 to $300 USD, though exchange rates fluctuate).
  • Individual tests are less expensive, but a panel offers more comprehensive coverage at a bundled price.

It's always a good idea to call the clinic beforehand to confirm their specific "full panel" components and current pricing.

Getting regular full panel STD tests is a proactive step towards maintaining your sexual health and the health of your partners. Clinics in Seoul, especially in areas like Gangnam, are well-equipped to provide these services with confidentiality and often with English-speaking support.