How to Get a Health Checkup in Korea – Tips & Checklist for Foreigners
Korea is renowned for its well-organized national health checkup system, making it accessible not only to citizens but also to foreigners seeking high-quality medical evaluations.
Many international visitors—including short-term travelers and overseas Koreans—choose to schedule a checkup during their stay in Korea.
However, for foreigners unfamiliar with local procedures, it can be difficult to know which hospital to choose, which package to select, and how to make a reservation.
This guide will walk you through the health checkup options in Korea, including package components, pricing, hospital selection tips, and booking advice.
Common Health Checkup Items in Korea
| Checkup Item | Description / Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Basic Measurements | Height, weight, blood pressure, BMI |
| Blood Tests | Liver function, cholesterol, glucose, kidney function |
| Urine Test | Kidney function, diabetes indicators |
| Chest X-ray | Lung diseases, tuberculosis screening |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Heart rhythm and abnormality detection |
| Endoscopy or Barium Test | For gastritis, ulcers, Helicobacter pylori detection |
| Abdominal Ultrasound | Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen |
| Cervical Cancer Screening (women) | HPV test included |
| Mammography or Breast Ultrasound (women) | Early breast cancer detection |
| Prostate Test (men) | PSA blood test included |
| MRI / CT (optional) | Advanced scans for brain tumor, stroke, etc. |
Checklist for Choosing a Health Checkup Hospital (for Foreigners)
✅ 1. Multilingual Support
Check whether the hospital offers coordinators or staff fluent in English, Japanese, or Chinese.
✅ 2. Package Content Transparency
Each hospital has a different set of items included in their checkup packages. Be sure to check for endoscopy inclusion, gender-specific options, and age-based customization.
✅ 3. Report Format
Confirm whether the hospital provides English-language reports, especially if you need to submit results for overseas documentation.
✅ 4. Procedure Duration & Preparation
Most exams can be completed in 1 to 3 hours, but some may require fasting or early arrival. Confirm all instructions beforehand.
✅ 5. Insurance & Payment Methods
Make sure the clinic accepts international credit cards (e.g. VISA, MasterCard) and, if applicable, check for international insurance partnerships.
Average Cost of Health Checkups in Korea
| Package Type | Avg. Price (KRW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Checkup | ₩100,000 – ₩250,000 | Includes physical & blood test |
| Standard Full Checkup | ₩300,000 – ₩700,000 | Includes endoscopy, ultrasound |
| Premium Checkup | ₩800,000 – ₩2,000,000 | Includes MRI, CT, etc. |
Prices vary by hospital, location, equipment, and number of included items.
Where Can Foreigners Compare and Book Checkup Packages?
Instead of navigating multiple hospital websites, you can use a trusted medical platform to compare health checkup packages based on services, pricing, and language support.
Kosmedi – A One-Stop Platform for Health Checkups in Korea
Kosmedi is a platform designed to help international patients access reliable hospitals and clinics in Korea.
In addition to cosmetic and specialty services, it also offers health checkup package listings, with real-time support and booking functions.
Key Features of Kosmedi:
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Compare package contents by gender, age, and health needs
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Multilingual consultation available (English, Japanese, Chinese)
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View satisfaction ratings and reviews for hospitals
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Access local info like hotels, attractions, and restaurants nearby
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Book checkups and view results conveniently via mobile
For travelers or foreign residents in Korea, Kosmedi provides an easy and language-friendly way to arrange medical checkups without the stress.
✅ Summary
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Korea offers accurate, affordable, and high-quality health checkups for foreigners
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Key considerations: language support, package transparency, and report format
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Kosmedi helps you compare packages, consult in your language, and book online with ease
