Endoscopy in Korea: Why It’s the Gold Standard for Stomach Health

Prevent cancer, catch silent symptoms early, and save thousands—without the wait.

If you’re dealing with chronic bloating, acid reflux, or just want peace of mind, an endoscopy can be one of the most valuable screenings you get. In the U.S., it’s expensive and hard to schedule—but in Korea, you can get both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy—performed in a single sedation session—added to your checkup package for about $250 extra.

Here’s why thousands of global patients now turn to Korea for digestive health screenings.

---

What Is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to view your digestive tract using a flexible camera tube. There are two main types:

• Gastroscopy: Examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine

• Colonoscopy: Examines the rectum and colon

These procedures can detect problems early—long before symptoms appear.

---

Why Endoscopy Matters (Even If You Feel Fine)

Many serious digestive issues develop silently. Polyps, ulcers, inflammation—even early-stage cancers—can show no symptoms at all.

➡️ Example: One Himedi client came in feeling perfectly healthy. A routine gastroscopy revealed polyps. The doctor removed them immediately—preventing what could have developed into stomach cancer in a few years.

That’s the power of early screening.

---

🇰🇷 Why Korea Is the Best Place to Get One

Korea leads the world in endoscopy technology, frequency, and outcomes. Here’s what makes it stand out:

South Korea has among the highest gastric and colorectal cancer rates globally—which has pushed the medical system to evolve:

• National culture of routine screening from age 40+

• Doctors with extensive scope experience

• High early detection and polyp removal on the spot

---

Who Should Get an Endoscopy?

Endoscopy is recommended for:

• Anyone aged 40+

• People in their 30s with a family history of cancer or GI conditions

• Anyone experiencing:

  • Chronic acid reflux or heartburn

  • Bloating, abdominal pain, or indigestion

  • Irregular bowel movements or blood in stool

• A history of polyps, ulcers, or IBD

• A general interest in cancer prevention

---

What Can It Detect?

Gastroscopy:

• Gastritis or inflammation

• Polyps and ulcers

• H. pylori infection (a major cancer risk)

• Early-stage gastric cancer

Colonoscopy:

• Colon polyps and cancer

• Hemorrhoids and diverticulitis

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

---

Tips for International Patients

✅ Add both scopes to your checkup for convenience and cost savings
✅ Schedule early during your trip—if polyps are removed, doctors may advise avoiding air travel for 7–14 days
✅ Prep kits for colonoscopy can be:

• Delivered to your hotel (via courier)

• Picked up in person at the clinic

Your Himedi concierge will help arrange either option.

---

What to Expect on the Day of Your Exam

1. Prep (Before the Exam)

• Fasting 8+ hours

• Take prep solution (for colonoscopy) the night before

• No smoking or alcohol the day before

2. Arrival & Check-In

• Brief consultation with the doctor

• Change into exam gown

• Sedation administered if selected

3. Procedure

• Gastroscopy: ~5 minutes

• Colonoscopy: ~15–20 minutes

• Polyp removal if needed

4. Recovery & Results

• Rest 30–60 minutes if sedated

• Preliminary results same day

• Biopsy results (if taken) in 3–5 business days

• English medical reports available on request

---

Why Book Through Himedi?

🌎  English-speaking concierge team
🕐  Fast scheduling with top-tier clinics
💵  Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
🛎️  End-to-end support: prep, results, follow-up
🧪  Add blood tests or advanced imaging for a complete preventive package

---

Protect Your Digestive Health—The Smart Way

Discover medical tourism in Korea for safe, fast, and affordable endoscopy, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy in one seamless visit. Whether you're visiting Korea or living here, this is one of the smartest ways to protect your long-term health.

👉 Contact Himedi today to schedule your gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or full GI package—on your terms, with care you can trust.