Sexually transmitted infections in South Korea: prevention, testing and public health centres (보건소)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect anyone, whatever their age or relationship. If you travel or meet new people, it is worth revisiting prevention and testing. This text summarises an educational item from the AIDS management division of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA; written February 2024, updated August 2024, read on 7 November 2026). It is general information and not a substitute for a doctor.

What they are

The KDCA explains that they spread mainly through sexual contact but also through other contact and bodily fluids. There are more than 30 types: viral ones include herpes, genital warts (HPV) and HIV/AIDS; bacterial ones include syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and chancroid. Syphilis can pass from mother to foetus, so testing is recommended during pregnancy.

No symptoms, still contagious

Symptoms include itching, pain, unusual discharge, blisters, ulcers or warts, and in severe cases painful urination, pelvic inflammatory disease or abdominal pain. But the material states that 3 to 5 in 10 infected people have no symptoms, so they can pass it on unknowingly. After a risky contact or a worry, testing is sensible even without symptoms.

Prevention

The measures the KDCA cites:

• Have sex with one trusted partner and avoid sex work or casual encounters with unknown partners.
• Use condoms correctly.
• Avoid contact that may cause bleeding.
• Get tested regularly.

As a couple, prevention is not one person's job: talk plainly about when you were last tested, your condom rules and what you will do if symptoms appear. The point is care, not blame.

Where and how tests are done

Tests use blood, urine and discharge samples. They are available at OB-GYN and urology clinics and at public health centres (보건소), but services vary by region, and the KDCA advises checking the local centre's website or phone first. According to a report based on local government information such as Seoul's, some centres test for syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and HIV, and in some the HIV test can be free and anonymous. That is municipal information: before you go, confirm which tests are offered, the cost, whether you need an appointment and whether foreign visitors are seen.

If you need language support, the UK travel advice mentions the Danuri Call Centre (1577-1366, 24-hour interpreting, three-way calls) and the 1330 tourism line (7am to midnight according to that advice).

If you are diagnosed

The KDCA says most can be treated with antivirals or antibiotics, but untreated infections can cause complications or need lifelong management. Get treated promptly, tell sexual partners so they can be tested and avoid sex during treatment. The video ends with the idea that an STI is a condition to be treated, not a stigma of blame or shame.

Quick checklist

• Carry enough condoms and check expiry dates.
• Talk about testing and prevention rules.
• If something worries you on return, get tested even without symptoms.
• With itching, pain, unusual discharge or sores, see a doctor soon.

Sources (read 7 November 2026): KDCA, educational video "Sexually transmitted infections, part 1" (https://www.kdca.go.kr/bbs/kdca/47/218700/artclView.do, KOGL type 4 licence); Seoul city STI prevention information (https://news.seoul.go.kr/welfare/); UK travel advice (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/getting-help).