Syphilis in Korea

Syphilis is a complex bacterial STI that can have serious health consequences if left untreated, but it is curable, especially when caught early. In South Korea, syphilis is a notifiable infectious disease, meaning all diagnosed cases must be reported, highlighting its public health importance. If you're concerned about syphilis in Seoul, Gangnam J Andrology Clinic is a reliable option for testing.

Syphilis Testing at Gangnam J Andrology Clinic

Gangnam J Andrology Clinic, located at 4F, 203 Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, is a recognized clinic for comprehensive STD testing, and syphilis screening is a standard part of their services.

• Testing Methods: Syphilis diagnosis primarily relies on blood tests.
• Screening Tests (Non-treponemal tests): These include tests like the VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) or RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) tests. They measure antibodies that the body produces in response to syphilis infection.
• Confirmatory Tests (Treponemal tests): If a screening test is positive, a confirmatory test (like TP-PA, FTA-ABS, or chemiluminescence immunoassay) is performed. These tests look for antibodies specific to the Treponema pallidum bacterium that causes syphilis. Both types of tests are crucial for an accurate diagnosis.
• Direct Detection (less common for diagnosis): In cases of active sores (chancres), a darkfield microscopy of fluid from the sore can sometimes directly identify the bacteria. PCR testing on swabs from lesions can also be used.
• Results Turnaround: Blood test results for syphilis typically take a few business days (e.g., 3-5 days) to be processed. The clinic will advise you on the specific timeline.
• Convenience and Accessibility: The clinic's location in Gangnam, near the Apgujeong area, makes it easily accessible.
• Clinic Hours:
• Mon–Fri: 10 AM – 7 PM
• Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
• Closed on Sundays and public holidays
• Confidentiality and English Services: Patient confidentiality is paramount. Given Gangnam's international environment, it is highly probable that Gangnam J Andrology Clinic has English-speaking staff or access to translation services, facilitating clear communication.

Understanding Syphilis

Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with different symptoms, if left untreated. It's spread through direct contact with a syphilitic sore (chancre) during sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral).

• Primary Syphilis: A painless, firm, round sore called a chancre appears at the site of infection (genitals, mouth, anus, etc.). It typically appears 3 weeks after exposure but can range from 10 to 90 days. The chancre will heal on its own, but the infection remains.
• Secondary Syphilis: This stage usually begins 2 to 10 weeks after the chancre appears. Symptoms can include a non-itchy skin rash (often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, and muscle aches. These symptoms will also resolve on their own, but the infection is still present.
• Latent Syphilis: This is an asymptomatic stage where the bacteria remain in the body without causing visible symptoms. This stage can last for years. Early latent syphilis is when infection occurred within the past year, while late latent syphilis is when it occurred more than a year ago.
• Tertiary Syphilis: If untreated, syphilis can progress to this severe stage, years or even decades after the initial infection. It can cause severe damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This can lead to paralysis, blindness, dementia, and even death.
• Neurosyphilis/Ocular Syphilis: Can occur at any stage and involves the central nervous system or eyes.

Syphilis Treatment in Korea

The good news is that syphilis is easily curable with antibiotics, especially in its early stages. Penicillin is the preferred treatment.

According to Korean and international guidelines:

• Early Syphilis (Primary, Secondary, or Early Latent):
• A single intramuscular (IM) injection of Benzathine Penicillin G 2.4 million units.
• Late Latent Syphilis, Tertiary Syphilis (excluding neurosyphilis), or Syphilis of Unknown Duration:
• Benzathine Penicillin G 2.4 million units IM once a week for 3 consecutive weeks (total 3 doses).
• Neurosyphilis/Ocular Syphilis:
• Requires more intensive intravenous (IV) penicillin treatment, typically Aqueous Crystalline Penicillin G, given every 4 hours or as a continuous infusion for 10-14 days.
• Alternatives (for penicillin-allergic patients): Doxycycline or Ceftriaxone may be used, but your doctor will determine the appropriate alternative based on your specific case and allergy history.

Crucial Treatment Considerations:

• Complete Treatment: It is absolutely vital to complete the entire course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms disappear. This ensures the infection is fully eradicated.
• Treat All Partners: All sexual partners from the past 90 days (or longer, depending on the stage of syphilis) should be tested and treated. This is crucial to prevent reinfection and further spread.
• Abstinence: Avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed for both you and your partners, and any sores have completely healed.
• Follow-up Blood Tests: Regular follow-up blood tests (non-treponemal tests) are essential to ensure the treatment was successful and that the antibody levels are declining. The frequency of follow-up depends on the stage of syphilis.

Syphilis Prevalence in Korea

While South Korea has seen a significant decrease in syphilis prevalence since the 1970s due to public health efforts and access to treatment, it remains a monitored STI. Recent data from 2019 showed 1,750 syphilis cases, with the highest incidence in individuals aged 20-40 years. Syphilis has been reclassified to a more stringent reporting category in Korea from January 1, 2024, to strengthen surveillance.

Cost of Testing and Treatment

• National Health Insurance (NHIS): If you have valid Korean National Health Insurance, a significant portion of the consultation, blood tests, and medication (especially penicillin injections) will be covered, making the cost very manageable.
• Without Insurance: For those without NHIS, you will pay the full cost. A basic STD panel including syphilis might cost between ₩100,000 to ₩250,000 KRW. Individual tests would be part of this. The cost of penicillin injections can vary but is generally reasonable. Clinics in Gangnam are usually transparent about their fees for uninsured patients.



If you have any concerns or symptoms suggestive of syphilis, prompt testing and treatment are critical for your health and to prevent long-term complications. Gangnam J Andrology Clinic offers a confidential and professional environment for these services in Seoul.