Article: Visa & Employment Health Checkup in Korea: Complete Guide for E-2 Visa Holders
Visa & Employment Health Checkup in Korea: Complete Guide for E-2 Visa Holders
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If you are planning to work in South Korea or have already received an E-2 teaching visa, you will be required to complete a visa or employment purpose health checkup at a Ministry of Justice designated medical facility immediately after arrival.
This guide explains everything you need to know about visa and employment health checkups in Korea, especially for E-2 visa holders and foreign workers.
What Is a Visa / Employment Purpose Health Checkup in Korea?
A visa or employment purpose health checkup is a mandatory medical examination required by Korean immigration offices, schools, and employers. You must complete this checkup in Korea to apply for your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
It is commonly requested for:
- E-2 English teaching visa holders
- Other employment-based visas (E-9, etc.)
- Foreign workers entering Korean schools or institutions
The results confirm that the applicant meets Korea’s health and public safety requirements.
Who Needs This Health Checkup?
You will likely need a health checkup if you are:
- Applying for an E-2 visa (must be done within 90 days of entry, before applying for ARC)
- Already in Korea and starting a new job
- Working at a school, academy, or public institution
⚠️ Note: You cannot use a health checkup from your home country. It must be performed at a designated hospital in Korea.
What Tests Are Included in an E-2 Visa Health Checkup?
Most visa/employment health checkups in Korea include the following:
1. Common Medical Tests
- Chest X-ray (mandatory for Tuberculosis screening)
- Blood test (includes Syphilis and blood sugar)
- Urine test
- Blood pressure & basic physical exam
- Vision & hearing check
- Height & weight measurement
2. Drug & Infectious Disease Screening
-
TBPE Drug Test (Mandatory): This screens for Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Opium, and Cannabis (Marijuana).
- CRITICAL WARNING: Cannabis is strictly illegal in Korea. Even if it is legal in your home country/state, you must pass this test. Ensure your system is clean before arriving in Korea.
- HIV Test: While the Ministry of Justice no longer mandates HIV testing for the E-2 visa itself, many Offices of Education and individual schools still require it in their contracts. Most E-2 health packages will automatically include it.
Preparation: Before You Go
To ensure accurate results and a smooth process, you must follow these rules:
- Fasting is Required: Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for 6 to 8 hours before your appointment. Failure to fast may affect your blood sugar levels and require a re-test.
- No Photos, No Test: Most hospitals require 2 to 4 passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 4.5cm). Bring these with you, as not all hospitals have photo booths.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- 2-4 Passport-sized photos
- Employer request form (if provided)
- Payment (Cash or Credit Card)
Where Can You Do a Visa Health Checkup in Seoul?
You must visit a Ministry of Justice Designated Hospital for the E-2 visa checkup. You cannot go to just any local clinic.
Recommended checkup centers:
Seoul National University Hospital
Image from: Seoul National University Hospital website
Working hours: 09:00 ~ 16:00
| Category | Program A (Comprehensive) | Program B (Basic) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | E-2 Visa | E-2 Visa |
| Best For | Employers requiring full medical report | Employers requiring HIV & drug test only |
| Blood Tests | • Hemoglobin• Liver function (SGOT / SGPT)• Fasting blood sugar (FBS)• Syphilis (VDRL-qual.)• Drug screening (Cocaine, Opiates, Cannabinoid, Methoxyphenamine)• HIV | • HIV• Drug screening (Cocaine, Opiates, Cannabinoid, Methoxyphenamine) |
| Chest X-ray | ✔ | ✖ |
| Urine Test | Urinalysis & microscopy | ✖ |
| Physical Examination | • Doctor consultation• Height / Weight / Blood pressure• Vision (corrected)• Hearing test• Color-blindness test | ✖ |
| Fasting Required | Yes (12 hours) | No |
| Documents Needed | ARC card or Passport2 ID photos (3cm × 4cm) | ARC card or Passport2 ID photos (3cm × 4cm) |
| Examination Time | About 1 hour | About 20 minutes |
| Result Time | Within 7 days | Within 7 days |
| Cost | KRW 147,000 | KRW 125,000 |
| Insurance Status | Same price with or without Korean National Health Insurance | Same price with or without Korean National Health Insurance |
| Available Locations | Seoul National University Hospital : 101, Daehak-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul | Seoul National University Hospital : 101, Daehak-ro Jongno-gu, Seoul |
Hanaro
Image from: Hanaro website
Working hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday : 08:00 ~ 16:00
- Tuesday, Saturday : 08:00 ~ 11:00
- Close on national holidays
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | KRW 100,000 |
| Reservation Required | No reservation needed (Walk-in available) |
| Examination Items | • Physician consultation• Blood test• Urine test• Drug test• Chest X-ray |
| How to Receive Results | In person or by mail |
| Result Time | About 1 week(If all results are normal) |
| Documents to Bring | • 2 ID photos• Copy of your passport |
| Available Locations | Gangnam Center : 7F-11F. I Tower, 326, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
| Jongro Center : 5F. Tower 1, GRAN SEOUL. 33, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul |
KMI
Image from: KMI website
Working hours:
- 07:00 - 16:00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
- 07:00 - 12:30 (Wednesday, Saturday)
- Closed on Sundays
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | KRW 100,000 |
| Reservation Required | ❌ No (Walk-in available) |
| How to Receive Results | In person / Mail |
| Estimated Result Time | About 3–4 business days |
| Documents to Bring | • 2 ID photos• Copy of your passport |
| Available Location | Gangnam Center : 4F, 411, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
- Tip: Ask your employer or Himedi for more information. Himedi can assist you with making a reservation as well.
- If you’re looking for a facility authorized to conduct an E-2 visa health examination, find one here.
How Long Does It Take?
- On-site exam time: 1–2 hours
- Result processing: 1–5 business days (varies by clinic)
The Most Important Rule: The Sealed Envelope
When your results are ready, the hospital will give them to you in a sealed envelope.
- DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE.
- If the seal is broken, the Immigration Office will reject the document, and you will have to pay for the test again.
- Hand the sealed envelope directly to the Immigration Officer (or your employer, if they are handling the registration).
How Much Does a Visa Health Checkup Cost?
Prices vary by clinic but typically range from KRW 80,000 – 150,000.
- Because this is a visa requirement, it is not covered by Korean National Health Insurance.
Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
- Opening the result envelope (Instant rejection!).
- Eating before the test (Messing up blood sugar results).
- Testing positive for Marijuana (This leads to visa cancellation and deportation).
- Going to a non-designated local clinic.
Need Help Booking?
If you’re unsure where to go, ask your school's co-teacher or administration manager to help you find the nearest designated hospital.
We’re also here to help. Contact our Himedi team if you still have questions.
Written by Himedi Inc.
