STI testing (anonymous testing)

An STI is not a shameful illness but a treatable one. Finding out early matters most.

Where to be tested

• Public health centres — some tests are available anonymously and free. Items and days differ by area, so phone ahead.
• Urology, gynaecology and dermatology clinics — tested alongside consultation.
• At hospitals, insurance coverage differs by test.

When to get tested

• After sex without a condom
• After a change of partner
• When you have symptoms — pain on urination, discharge, rash, ulcers, itching
• Even without symptoms you may be infected. Regular testing is recommended.

Steps

1. Phone your nearest public health centre to check what is available and when.
2. Attend and be tested. Anonymous testing sometimes does not require your name.
3. Get the result — it takes a few days.
4. If positive, get treatment. Most are treated with medication.
5. Your partner should be tested and treated too, to prevent reinfection.

Where to go

• Your local public health centre (anonymous, free testing)
• Urology, gynaecology and dermatology clinics
• 1339 Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation

Questions people ask

Will my employer or immigration find out? Medical information is protected by law. Anonymous testing at health centres specifically leaves no identifying record.

Can I be tested without residence status? Explain your situation to the health centre and ask. Public health testing is often provided broadly.

Should I test with no symptoms? STIs frequently progress without symptoms. If you have had a risky contact, testing is the safe choice.

I'm worried about treatment costs. Check a public health centre first. Depending on the item it is free or inexpensive.

Take care

Don't stop treatment because symptoms disappeared. Not finishing the course leads to recurrence or resistance. Treating alongside your partner is what stops you passing it back and forth.

Related

hiv-testing · contraception · hepatitis · women-health · free-clinics

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08