Best STD Clinics in Seoul (2025): Costs, Methods & How to Book

Quick, discreet, English-friendly testing in Seoul—here’s how to compare options, what each test costs, and the fastest way to book.


Trueman Urology Clinic

  • Discreet, urology-led STI testing with NAAT/PCR (CT/NG) and rapid HIV/syphilis.
  • Clear English results and straightforward pricing; same-visit treatment when indicated.

Lante Clinic

  • All-gender STD panels (NAAT/PCR + hepatitis options) with English support.
  • Can request throat/rectal swabs based on exposure; fast result turnaround.

Yoonho Hospital

  • Hospital-based lab for comprehensive panels (HIV, syphilis, CT/NG, hepatitis, ±HPV).
  • Good for one-stop testing, vaccinations, and formal English result letters.

Gamdong Urology Clinic

Confidential men’s sexual health screening and symptom-focused consults.:



Who this guide is for

  • English-speaking residents, travelers, and students in Korea
  • Anyone needing same-day or next-day results with confidential service
  • Women’s health (OBGYN), men’s health (urology), and general STI screening


At-a-Glance Costs (typical 2025 ranges, KRW)

Prices vary by clinic, panel size, and turnaround. Use these as ballparks to plan and compare.
  • Basic screen (Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT): ₩90,000–₩180,000
  • Extended “common STI” panel (CT/NG NAAT + Syphilis + HIV): ₩180,000–₩350,000
  • Comprehensive panel (adds Hep B/C, ±Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma, ±HSV): ₩250,000–₩490,000+
  • HIV (rapid/4th-gen): ₩25,000–₩80,000 (rapid results often 20–30 min)
  • Syphilis (RPR/TPPA): ₩25,000–₩60,000
  • HPV (high-risk types, women/men): ₩90,000–₩200,000
  • Add-ons (rectal/oropharyngeal swab NAAT, pregnancy test, urine culture): ₩20,000–₩120,000 each
Tip: Ask for a printed quote before testing and whether repeat sampling for throat/rectal sites is included.

What Gets Tested (and why it matters)

  • NAAT/PCR (gold standard): Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma, Trichomonas (urine or swab; optional throat/rectal sites for oral/anal exposure).
  • Blood tests:
  • HIV (4th-generation antigen/antibody or rapid),
  • Syphilis (RPR + confirmatory TPPA),
  • Hepatitis B (HBsAg, HBsAb), Hepatitis C (anti-HCV),
  • HSV-1/2 (type-specific IgG; not for very early exposure).
  • HPV: High-risk genotype testing (commonly via Pap/ThinPrep for women; some clinics offer male urethral/anal sampling).
Window periods matter: NAAT is reliable ~7–14 days after exposure for CT/NG; 4th-gen HIV is most reliable at 4–6 weeks. If exposure is very recent, plan a repeat test.

How to Choose a Clinic (fast checklist)

  • Language: Confirm English results + consults.
  • Turnaround: Same-day/24-hour for rapid tests? NAAT lab days?
  • Sampling sites: Do they perform throat/rectal swabs if needed?
  • Privacy: Discreet check-in, initials on samples, private portals.
  • Women’s services: On-site OBGYN for pelvic exam, Pap/HPV.
  • Men’s services: On-site urology for urethral swab, prostate/urine studies.
  • Payment: Card accepted; itemized receipt; foreigner-friendly billing.



How to Book (step-by-step)

  1. Message/Call: Ask for “STI screen” and your preferred panel (basic/extended/comprehensive).
  2. Tell timing: “Need results by tomorrow”—clinics can prioritize.
  3. Request site coverage: “Please include throat and rectal NAAT.”
  4. Bring ID: Passport or ARC, and any allergy/med list.
  5. Confirm receipt style: Printed vs. online portal in English.
  6. Ask about follow-up: How they deliver positives, prescriptions, and partner testing.


What to Expect on Test Day

  • Check-in (5–10 min): Intake, symptom review, consent.
  • Sampling (10–20 min): Urine + blood; optional throat/rectal swabs.
  • Results:
  • Rapid HIV/Syphilis: 20–30 min.
  • NAAT/PCR: typically 24–72 hours (ask about weekend/holiday delays).
  • Treatment: If positive, many clinics provide same-visit antibiotics/antivirals or a next-day script and partner guidance.


Popular Panels (pick one)

  • Basic: CT/NG NAAT (urine) + Syphilis + HIV
  • Expanded: Basic + Hep B/C ± Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma
  • Comprehensive: Expanded + HSV 1/2 IgG ± extragenital swabs
  • Women’s well-check: Pap/HPV + targeted STI panel
  • Exposure-driven: Custom (e.g., throat/rectal NAAT after oral/anal exposure)

Tell the clinic if you’ve taken antibiotics in the last 2 weeks—this can affect NAAT results.


Result Delivery & Privacy

  • Private portals or encrypted email/PDF
  • Results labeled with initials/ID when requested
  • Discreet billing and non-descriptive visit titles (ask for this if you need it)


Insurance & Payment

  • Many foreign visitors are self-pay.
  • National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage varies with indication; call ahead.
  • Ask for a superbill if you plan to claim reimbursement with overseas insurance.


Useful Korean Phrases (copy/paste)

  • “성병 검사 받고 싶어요.” (I’d like an STD test.)
  • “질, 목, 항문 검사가 필요해요.” (I need vaginal/throat/rectal testing.)
  • “내일 결과 받을 수 있나요?” (Can I get results by tomorrow?)
  • “영문 결과지 주세요.” (Please provide results in English.)


FAQs

Q. Can I test right after exposure?
A. You can start with baseline testing, but plan a repeat at the recommended window (e.g., 4–6 weeks for 4th-gen HIV).

Q. Do I need throat/rectal swabs?
A. If there was oral/anal contact, yes—many infections are site-specific and urine-only testing can miss them.

Q. Will the clinic call me if positive?
A. Most will call + email and invite you back for treatment. Ask about partner notification options.