Affordable Medical Check up in Korea for Foreigners | My Personal Experience at KMI in Seoul
Imagine having nearly 100 separate medical check ups in Korea in a single highly organized, technologically advanced, and modern medical facility. Now imagine that all tests are completed within a few hours, you get your results within 10 days, and on top of that – the prices are actually affordable.
Comprehensive medical check ups in Korea are fast, affordable, and easy.
Sounds impossible, right? Especially if you live in North America, like I used to. But it’s not. This is just par for the course at KMI in Seoul (that’s the Korea Medical Institute).
I recently had a full health screening there myself, and I’ll rundown how to book a medical check up in Korea for foreigners yourself. It’s much easier than you think!
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In this guide
- 1 Medical Check up in Korea for Foreigners Quick Guide
- 2 Why have a health screening for foreigners in Korea?
- 3 Planning a trip to Korea?
- 4 What to Expect at a Medical Health Screening in Korea for Foreigners
- 5 Medical Check up Packages for Foreigners at KMI in Seoul
- 6 How to Book a Medical Check up in Korea at KMI in Seoul
- 7 Where is the Korea Medical Institute (KMI) located?
- 8 How to Get to KMI in Gwanghwamun
- 9 How to Get to KMI in Gangnam
- 10 Final Thoughts | Should you have a medical check up for foreigners in Korea?
Medical Check up in Korea for Foreigners Quick Guide
KMI in Seoul | Medical Check ups in Korea for Foreigners |
Gwanghwamun Address | B1F, Donghwa Duty Free Shop, 149 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 149 동화면세점 B1층, 3, 4층 |
Closest Subway Station | Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 6 |
Gangnam Address | 4th Floor, 411 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Seongdam Building) 서울특별시 강남구 테헤란로 411 (삼성동 성담빌딩 10층 2~8층) |
Closest Subway Station | Seolleong Station, Exit 10 |
Opening Hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 - 16:00 (arrive by 10:00 for morning check-ups, 13:00 for afternoon check-ups) --- Wednesday, Saturday: 7:00 - 12:30 (arrive by 9:00 for morning check-up, NO afternoon screenings) |
Cost | Packages ranging from 500,000 (72 tests) to 2 million won (93 - 95 tests) approximately USD 350 - 1,400 Optional add-on tests |
How to Book | Creatrip for Best Prices + 20,000 points redeemable for activities in Korea |
Why have a health screening for foreigners in Korea?
I always approach medical check ups with quite a bit of trepidation. It’s one thing I definitely tend to avoid and procrastinate about – especially when I feel like there might actually be something wrong health-wise.
Getting a health screening isn’t my idea of fun, but Korea makes it so easy.
I know, I know. Early detection is the key, and it’s totally the wrong way to deal with health issues. Still…
When I do work up the courage to go for a health screening, I thank my lucky stars that I live in Korea. It’s as painless as such a thing can possibly be… and the world is starting to take notice, with many people booking comprehensive medical check ups in Korea for foreigners to coincide with their trip to Seoul.
I, for one, am not surprised at all. The prices are a fraction of what you’d pay in other countries, and the sheer number of medical tests performed in a short amount of time is mind-boggling.
Health checks in Korea are high tech and modern.
Add on the hyper efficiency, super modern facilities, and highly advanced technological equipment, and it’s no wonder medical check ups in Korea for foreigners are getting more and more popular day by day.
I’ll share my personal experience, as well as go into much more detail about what you can expect at a foreigner-friendly health screening in Seoul further on in this guide, so you know exactly what you’re in for.
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What to Expect at a Medical Health Screening in Korea for Foreigners
The goal of medical check-ups in Korea for foreigners and locals alike is early detection, diagnosis, disease prevention, and timely treatment. The hope is that it leads to improved health outcomes and longevity.
It’s working. In 2025, South Korea had the 3rd highest life expectancy in the world at 84.53 years. And well… a lot of my older relatives are still alive and kicking at over 90 years of age.
Timely medical check ups contribute to Korea’s life expectancy.
There are of course many factors, but a big part of this is accomplished through a series of medical screening programs, including, but not limited to:
- general physical health check-ups
- targeted medical tests tailored to different age groups and health concerns
- cancer screenings and other specialized tests
KMI has dedicated medical check-up floors for global vistors.
When you book a health screening in Seoul for foreigners, you can expect the exact same service that locals get. The language barrier can definitely be a little daunting though, so it’s easiest to go to a medical centre like KMI, that’s set up for this, or the international arm of a hospital that specifically caters to global visitors.
So, what can you expect during a medical check up in Korea for foreigners?
Fast Appointments and No Waiting Time
Hands down one of the best things about the Korean healthcare system, is its absolute speed and efficiency.
Whenever I’m having some type of medical issue (whether a cold, broken toe, or sinus infection – all true things), I literally just walk into a clinic in my neighbourhood, without an appointment, and get seen and treated by the appropriate doctor or specialist, before I’ve even blinked.
Seeing a doctor in Korea is a fast and easy process.
While you can’t really walk into a comprehensive medical check up in Korea without an appointment (you should book at least a week in advance), the efficiency and speed of the service once you’re at a place like KMI, is absolutely unparalleled.
When appointments ARE required, it’s also a quick and painless process. Unlike many other countries with “free” healthcare systems, there’s no waiting months to get necessary medical appointments in Korea.
It’s quick and easy to access medical care in Korea.
You can get in to do your health tests when YOU need them… and we all know that in some cases, early diagnosis and treatment can be the difference between life and death.
Trust me, you’ll be in and out before you know it!
HOW TO BOOK AT KMI SEOUL | There are several platforms where you can book this foreigner-friendly medical health check in Korea, but Creatrip currently has the best prices for the exact same services + you’ll get your deposit back AND 20,000 points that you can exchange for other fun activities in Seoul. Check full details here.
High Efficiency
Every comprehensive medical check up I’ve done in Seoul has been incredibly efficient, and one big reason is that all the health tests are done in the same building, and sometimes even on a single floor.
Medical tests are all done in one building! Just walk from room to room.
You literally do a chest x-ray in 1 room, move next door to do abdominal ultrasounds, then do your colonoscopy in another room. This makes it possible to complete a massive volume of medical tests in a short period of time.
When I had my medical check up for foreigners at KMI in Seoul, I was able to complete over 70 different health tests, including a gastroscopy under sedation, abdominal ultrasounds, and a cardiac CT, in under 3 hours.
Just tap in and out of each room to log your medical test using their RFID system.
When I had my medical check up for foreigners in Seoul at KMI, I was super impressed by the unique RFID system they use for keeping track of everything.
After I registered, I received a key card that was used to tap in and out of every health screening I had scheduled.
Medical staff will direct you to different room numbers for various tests, and once there, you simply tap your card, and it automatically logs your ID and adds your name to the waiting list.
My hearing is still good (for an old woman).
They’ll also keep an eye on which health tests have the shortest waits, and direct you to those rooms first. I didn’t wait longer than 10 minutes for any single medical test at KMI!
Affordable Prices
You wouldn’t be wrong to think that this type of comprehensive medical check up in Korea for foreigners would be crazy expensive, but I’m happy to report, that it’s actually really affordable. And in many cases, it’s significantly cheaper than what you’d pay at home.
To give you an idea of costs – I had the Standard health screening at KMI Seoul. It included 72 separate tests, and cost 500,000 won. I opted for a Cardiac Calcification CT because of my family health history – and this cost an additional 150,000 won as an add-on. In total, it cost 650,000 won, which is about 455 USD.
Getting ready for my cardiac calcification CT
I’m 99% sure that this volume of medical tests at this price and speed would be near impossible in most countries. In fact, I’m guessing it’s pretty hard to get just a colonoscopy or CT at that price in a lot of places.
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Medical Check up Packages for Foreigners at KMI in Seoul
The Korea Medical Institute (KMI) in Seoul is one of the biggest medical check up centres in Korea.
This is what they specialize in, and they do it VERY well. In fact, they’ve successfully completed medical screenings in Korea for over 1.4 million patients.
While they have 8 separate health screening facilities across the country, the Gwanghwamun location has specifically been chosen as a dedicated facility for foreign nationals and overseas Koreans, with multilingual staff, and aftercare support services.
KMI has 8 locations across Korea
The Gangnam location also has support for non-Koreans (that’s actually where I went), but maybe not to the same degree.
For a medical check up in Korea for foreigners at KMI, there are 3 separate screening packages to choose from. Here’s a quick summary of what’s included in each package. If you’d like more detailed info, you’ll find it in the next section.
Package | Cost | Tests | Full Details |
Standard | 500,000 won ≈350 USD | 72 | |
Signature | 1,000,000 won ≈700 USD | 77 | |
Noble | 2,000,000 won ≈1,400 USD | 93 for men 95 for women |
Standard Package Details
If you’ve opted for the Standard medical check up in Korea for foreigners, these are the tests you can expect.
You know you’ll have to pee in a cup, right?
- Physical measurements: height, weight, waist circumference, body composition, basic tests: blood pressure, vision, hearing, color vision, fundus, eye pressure, ECG
- Blood tests: liver, pancreas, kidney, lipid metabolism, diabetes, inflammation, anemia, thyroid, tumor markers
- Urine test: sugar, protein, blood cells
- Chest X-ray
- Abdominal ultrasound: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen
- Stomach exam (choose one): gastroscopy, upper GI series, or pepsinogen
I opted for a sedated gastroscopy.
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Signature Package Details
The Signature medical check up in Korea for foreigners builds on what’s included in the Standard package
It has 77 health tests in total, comprising all items in the Standard package + an additional colonoscopy option, and 2 CT or ultrasounds, as well. Book it here.
A panel of blood tests is included in every medical test package at KMI.
- For the Colon exam, select either a colonoscopy or M2-PK
- For the CT/Ultrasound, you can select 2 from the following list.
- CT: brain, lungs, lumbar spine, cervical spine, coronary calcium, or abdomen
- Ultrasound: breast, heart, thyroid, or carotid artery
Noble Package Details
The Noble medical check-up in Korea for foreigners is the most comprehensive screening package that KMI offers. It Includes all tests from both the Standard and Signature packages + 2 choices among ultrasound, immunity, heart, or CT tests + 1 MRI + 1 genetic test for both men and women.
The Noble package is the most comprehensive health check at KMI.
This screening package also includes 2 extra tests specifically for women: gynecological cervical cancer screening and a breast examination (X-ray). Book it here.
- Choose 2 medical tests from the following:
- Ultrasound: breast
- Immunity: NK cell activity
- Heart: cardiovascular risk assessment
- CT: brain, lungs, lumbar spine, cervical spine, coronary calcium, or abdomen
- Choose 1 MRI from: Brain 1 – structural analysis, Brain 2- vascular analysis, Cervical spine, or Lumbar spine
- Choose 1 Genetic test from: ophthalmology, dementia, cardio-cerebrovascular, general, common cancers, male cancers, or female cancers
The lung function test is not easy. Look at my red face!
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Add-on Medical Tests for Foreigners at KMI
It’s also possible to add extra tests to your selected medical check up package in Korea at very affordable prices. These range from 80,000 won for a Thyroid Ultrasound to 136,000 won for a 107 Allergy Test to 400,000 won for a Brain, C, or L-spine MRI.
I added a cardiac calcification CT to my medical check up in Seoul.
You can check their website for more details of all the different options available for this. There are a lot, and these can be selected and paid for on-site at KMI.
How to Book a Medical Check up in Korea at KMI in Seoul
There are many different platforms offering medical check ups in Korea for foreigners, but Creatrip has the best prices for the exact same services at KMI.
Not only do you get your 20,000 won deposit refunded, they’ll also credit you with 20,000 Creatrip points that you can use on their website like cash to book K-beauty services, tours, and so much more. That’s equivalent to a 40,000 won discount on your health screening package in Korea!
Creatrip has fabulous activities to book – like this 18 step stem cell scalp treatment at Eco Jardin.
If you’d like to book your medical check up in Korea for foreigners on Creatrip, this is the process:
IMPORTANT! | After the medical check up in Korea for foreigners, your 20,000 KRW deposit will be refunded to you. You’ll also get 20,000 Creatrip points, which are redeemable for activities on their website. This is equal to getting a 40,000 won discount off your overall package price, so make sure to watch out for that!
Colonoscopy Preparation for Medical Check ups in Korea
If you’ve elected to do a colonoscopy during your medical check up in Korea, there are a few extra steps to deal with, that I’ll cover below.
Prepping for my gastroscopy – a colonoscopy requires more prep than this.
If a polyp is found during your colonoscopy, you can opt to have the doctors remove it while you’re under sedation. Costs vary depending on the size and number – so if it’s something you’re unsure about, make sure to opt out of the removal when you sign in for your health screening at KMI for foreigners.
PERSONAL TIP | If you’re doing a colonoscopy, I recommend making your appointment for as early in the morning as possible. The fasting process and timing is much, much easier if you plan it this way.
Where is the Korea Medical Institute (KMI) located?
KMI has 8 separate health screening centers across Korea, but the most foreigner friendly ones are located in Seoul in Gwanghwamun and Gangnam.
If you’re staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Insadong, head to their Gwanghwamun location. If your hotel is south of the Han River in Gangnam, Jamsil, or Apgujeong, the Gangnam location would be easier to get to.
KMI has 2 foreigner-friendly locations for medical check-ups.
Apparently the Gwanghwamun location is the MOST foreigner friendly location, so this is where you’d want to go for the most ease – but I went to the Gangnam location (because it’s closer to home), and I don’t think you’d have major issues going there either.
Both locations have special areas for global visitors having health screenings in Korea.
How to Get to KMI in Gwanghwamun
Address: B1F, Donghwa Duty Free Shop, 149 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울특별시 종로구 세종대로 149 동화면세점 B1층, 3, 4층
It’s easiest to get to the KMI Gwanghwamun location using public transit. It’s just 100-metres away from Exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5.
KMI’s Gwanghwamun location is located close to major tourist attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
You’ll want to head straight to the B1 level of the Korea Medical Institute. This floor is dedicated to medical health screenings for foreigners.
Medical Check up in Korea for Foreigners Opening Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 – 16:00 (arrive by 10:00 for morning check-ups, 13:00 for afternoon check-ups)
- Wednesday, Saturday: 7:00 – 12:30 (arrive by 9:00 for morning check-up, NO afternoon screenings)
BOOK A MEDICAL CHECK UP IN KOREA | There are several platforms where you can book this foreigner-friendly medical health check in Korea, but Creatrip currently has the best prices for the exact same services + you’ll get your 20,000 won deposit back AND 20,000 points that you can exchange for other fun activities in Seoul. Check full details here.
How to Get to KMI in Gangnam
Address: 411, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (2 ~ 8F, 10F Seongdam Building, Samsung-dong) | 서울특별시 강남구 테헤란로 411 (삼성동 성담빌딩 10층 2~8층)
The Korea Medical Institute’s Gangnam location is equally as easy to get to using public transit. It’s just 200-metres away from Exit 10 of Seolleung Station on Line 2.
KMI in Gangnam is close to Seolleong Station
At this branch, head straight to the 4th floor for medical health screenings in Korea for foreigners.
Korea Health Check up for Foreigners Opening Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:00 – 16:00 (arrive by 10:00 for morning check-ups, 13:00 for afternoon check-ups)
- Wednesday, Saturday: 7:00 – 12:30 (arrive by 9:00 for morning check-up, NO afternoon screenings)
Final Thoughts | Should you have a medical check up for foreigners in Korea?
If you’re coming from a country where it’s difficult to access comprehensive medical check ups easily and cost-effectively, I definitely recommend having one in Korea.
Medical testing programs dedicated to foreign visitors, like the one at KMI, have translators on-site, and even help with after-care services, and additional testing should you require them. It makes the whole process easy to navigate and as stress-free as health screening can be.
Feeling ditzy after my sedated gastroscopy… but it was actually the best nap. 😉
As a foreigner, you can expect the exact same tests and access to technology that locals get. It also might ease your mind a bit to know that while some of our medical tests are covered or subsidized by the public healthcare system, this isn’t free for residents of Korea either.
We pay a monthly health premium for access to healthcare, and comprehensive medical testing like this mostly ISN’T covered under public healthcare.
Comprehensive medical check ups in Korea are worth doing.
But it’s something I happily pay for every couple of years, because it’s an excellent and practical system that meets its goals of early detection, disease prevention, and easy access to the healthcare I need.
When it comes to my health and peace of mind, it’s really a small price to pay.
My medical check up at KMI was as stress free as it could be.
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Medical Check up in Korea for Foreigners: FAQs
Are you interested in getting a comprehensive health screening and medical check up in Korea? I definitely recommend it!
