Health Checkups in Korea — Korean hospital guide
Health Checkups in Korea

Preparing for a Health Checkup

What to Do Before Your Medical Screening in Korea

Quick summary
Preparation
Follow your screening center's specific instructions
Fasting
Requirements vary by examination
Medication
Never stop prescribed medication without appropriate guidance
Colonoscopy
Requires specific bowel preparation
Bring
ID + medication information + requested medical records
Sedation
Allow time for recovery
International patient
Confirm all instructions before the appointment

Proper preparation is important for accurate health screening results. Instructions vary according to the examinations included, so patients should always follow the specific directions provided by their medical institution.

Preparing for a Health Checkup

FASTING

Some health checkups require fasting before the examination.

Depending on the tests, instructions may restrict:

  • Food
  • Certain beverages
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Gum or candy
  • Other intake

The required fasting period can vary.

Follow the screening center's instructions rather than using a general fasting rule.

MEDICATIONS

Tell the medical institution about medications you regularly take, especially when your checkup includes endoscopy or other procedures.

This may be particularly important for medications related to:

  • Diabetes
  • Blood clotting
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Other chronic diseases
Preparing for a Health Checkup

Do not stop prescribed medication on your own.

Ask the healthcare professional or screening center for appropriate instructions.

COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION

If colonoscopy is included, bowel preparation is normally required.

The medical institution will provide instructions concerning diet, bowel-cleansing medication, timing, and other preparation.

Follow these instructions carefully because inadequate preparation can affect the examination.

BRING WITH YOU

International patients may find it useful to prepare:

  • Passport or identification
  • Appointment information
  • Current medication list
  • Relevant previous medical records
  • Glasses or hearing aids if needed
  • Insurance information when applicable

The exact requirements vary by institution.

Preparing for a Health Checkup

PREVIOUS MEDICAL INFORMATION

Tell the medical team about relevant:

Medical Conditions · Previous Surgery · Allergies · Current Medication · Pregnancy or Possible Pregnancy

Also provide previous screening or imaging results when the center requests them.

ON THE DAY

Arrive according to the scheduled time and follow the center's instructions.

A typical process may include:

Registration → Changing Clothes → Measurements → Laboratory Tests → Imaging → Additional Examinations

The order varies according to the screening program.

AFTER SEDATION

If your examination involves sedation, you may need a recovery period and restrictions afterward.

Do not assume that you can immediately drive, work, exercise, or continue sightseeing.

Follow the medical institution's discharge instructions.

Official resources

National Health Insurance Service (NHIS)

www.nhis.or.kr

Ministry of Health and Welfare

www.mohw.go.kr

ASK KOREA Transit