Getting same-day STD test results in South Korea, particularly for foreigners, is possible for some infections, while others may take a few days due to lab processing. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:



Which STD Tests Can You Get Same-Day Results For?

The most common STD test that offers same-day (or very rapid) results is for HIV.

• HIV Rapid Test: Many clinics and public health centers offer rapid HIV tests that use a finger-prick blood sample or an oral fluid sample. Results are typically available within 20-30 minutes. These are screening tests; if positive, a confirmatory lab test will be required, which takes longer.

Which STD Tests Typically Take Longer?

For most other common STIs, especially those diagnosed via PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests from urine or swab samples, and some blood tests, results usually take a bit longer:

• Chlamydia: Usually 1-3 business days (some clinics aim for 24 hours).
• Gonorrhea: Usually 1-3 business days (some clinics aim for 24 hours).
• Syphilis (Blood Test): Usually 1-3 business days for screening tests, with confirmatory tests potentially taking longer.
• Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma Genitalium, Trichomoniasis (PCR Tests): Typically 1-3 business days.
• Herpes (Blood for Antibodies, or Swab of Sore): Blood tests for antibodies usually 1-3 business days. Swabs of active lesions might be faster for direct viral detection.
• Hepatitis B & C (Blood Tests): Usually 1-3 business days.
• HPV (DNA Test or Pap Smear): Pap smear results can take several days to a week. HPV DNA testing might be 1-3 business days, depending on the lab.

Where to Get Same-Day or Rapid STD Results in Korea:

Private clinics are your best bet for potentially faster results and foreigner-friendly services for a wider range of tests.

1. Private Urology Clinics (for men) & OB/GYN Clinics (for women):

• Leading Option for Rapid Results: Many private clinics, especially in Seoul's expat-heavy areas like Gangnam, specifically advertise "same-day STD testing" and "rapid results". While "same-day results" usually applies to rapid HIV tests, some clinics using in-house PCR machines or fast-turnaround lab partners can indeed provide results for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Ureaplasma, and Mycoplasma within 24 hours or even within a few hours (though this depends on their lab processing times and how busy they are).
• Confidentiality & English Support: These clinics are generally very discreet and have English-speaking staff or international patient coordinators.
• Walk-in or Same-Day Appointments: Many accept walk-ins, making it convenient if you need a quick test.
• Examples of Clinics that explicitly mention fast/same-day results:
• Seoul Trueman Urology Clinic (Gangnam, Seoul): Explicitly advertises "Same-Day STD Test Results" for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and more, stating "results available in just a few hours."
• StanTop Urology & Andrology Clinic (Gangnam, Seoul): Mentions "rapid response within 24 hours" for PCR tests (including for HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea), and "same-day testing and same-day treatment."
• Proud Urology Clinic (Gangnam, Seoul): States that "results will be sent to your email within 3-5 business days," indicating their standard turnaround, but may offer faster for some tests if specifically requested. It's always best to inquire directly.
• Dr. Sean Park's Urology Center of Excellence (Gangnam, Seoul): States "Most results are ready within a day or two."

1. Korea Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention (KHAP):

• Free & Anonymous HIV Rapid Test: KHAP offers free and anonymous rapid HIV testing with results in 20 minutes. While their "STI test" results (for infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis) typically take "3-4 days later," it's a vital resource for immediate HIV status.

1. Public Health Centers (보건소 - Bogeonso):

• Free & Anonymous HIV Rapid Test: Public health centers also provide free and anonymous rapid HIV tests with results available very quickly (often within 30 minutes). For other STIs, the turnaround time is usually 3-7 days.

Tips for Getting Same-Day STD Results as a Foreigner in Korea:

• Call Ahead: Always call the clinic beforehand and specifically ask about their turnaround time for the specific tests you need. Explicitly ask about "same-day results" for non-HIV tests. Inquire about English-speaking staff availability.
• Go Early in the Day: If a clinic offers same-day results for PCR tests, your best chance is often to get tested early in the morning, allowing sufficient time for lab processing before closing.
• Specify Your Needs: Clearly communicate to the clinic staff and doctor that you are a foreigner and you require results as quickly as possible.
• Bring ID: For private clinics, bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or passport. If you have Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS), bring your card as it can reduce costs.
• Be Prepared for Costs: While HIV testing can be free, a full panel with rapid processing at a private clinic will incur a fee.

While genuinely same-day results for a full STD panel might be challenging due to lab processing for all tests, rapid HIV results are widely available. For other common STIs, many private clinics in Seoul can offer results within 24-48 hours, which is still very fast compared to many other countries.