Donating blood
You can donate at a nearby donation centre with just your ID.
Basic conditions
- There are age and weight requirements.
- You must be in good health. A cold, fever, a recent procedure, tattoo or certain medication can be grounds for deferral.
- Recent overseas travel may mean a waiting period.
- Foreign residents may donate, but identification and a health questionnaire are required. If Korean is difficult, ask in advance.
The process
- Find a donation centre (Blood Services website or app).
- Bring ID (alien registration card or passport).
- Complete the questionnaire — answer honestly about health, travel and medication.
- Have simple checks (blood pressure, blood test).
- Donate, then rest and take fluids.
- Receive a donation certificate, usable later for your own or someone else's transfusion.
What you need
- ID (alien registration card or passport)
- Enough sleep and a meal beforehand
- Details of any medication
Where to go
- 1600-3705 Korean Red Cross Blood Services
- www.bloodinfo.net (find a centre, book)
- Your nearest donation centre or blood café
Questions people ask
Is it fine if I don't speak Korean? The questionnaire has to be completed, so phone ahead to check on interpretation or an English form.
What is the donation certificate for? Submitted to a hospital when a transfusion is needed, it can help with part of the cost. You may also give it to someone else.
Can I work straight after donating? On the day, avoid heavy work, hard exercise and alcohol. Drink plenty of water and rest.
How do I know if I'm deferred? The questionnaire process determines it. Be honest about recent travel and procedures. It protects both you and the recipient.
Take care
Answering the questionnaire untruthfully puts the recipient at risk. Always disclose recent tattoos, procedures, medication and time spent abroad. Don't donate on an empty stomach.
Related
organ-donation · health-checkup · hospital-visit · volunteer-opportunities · hepatitis
Source
Korean Red Cross Blood Services www.bloodinfo.net / As of 2026-08