(A health-checkup medical-tourism guide for international visitors)
[Document type] Medical tourism guide / Comprehensive health checkup
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Introduction
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Check your whole body while you travel. Among international visitors to
Korea, comprehensive health checkups have become a rising favorite.
Korea leads the world in health screening. Facilities and systems are
excellent, and early cancer detection rates are especially high, drawing
people from around the world to Seoul just for screening.
Costs are reasonable too: the same level of checkup is 40–70% cheaper
than in the US, UK or Australia, and basic checkups finish in half a day
while comprehensive ones often finish within one day — light on your
travel schedule.
This guide clearly explains the Korean comprehensive health-checkup
packages international visitors should know.
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How a health checkup is structured
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Checkups are tiered by how deeply they look.
1) Basic comprehensive (half a day)
Blood and urine tests, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound and basic
measurements check your overall status. Usually 2–3 hours.
2) Standard comprehensive (half to full day)
Adds ECG, pulmonary function, bone density, gastroscopy and women's
tests (breast, cervical). Usually 4–5 hours.
3) Premium / executive (full day)
Adds low-dose chest CT, brain MRI/MRA, cardiac work-up, colonoscopy,
tumor markers and more. 6–8 hours, a full day.
Key point: build your package by choosing items based on age, family
history and areas of concern (cancer, heart, brain, etc.).
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TOP 10 checkup items/packages international patients choose in Korea
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No.1
Basic Comprehensive (half day)
Purpose Check overall health status
Best for First-timers or short visits
Note Blood/urine, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, usually 2–3 hours
No.2
Gastroscopy (sedation available)
Purpose Examine stomach/esophagus, early gastric cancer detection
Best for Digestive symptoms, family history of gastric cancer
Note Sedation optional, biopsy can be done at the same time
No.3
Colonoscopy (sedation available)
Purpose Detect colon polyps and early colon cancer
Best for Age 40+, family history of colon issues
Note Requires bowel prep, polyp removal possible during the exam
No.4
Low-Dose Chest CT
Purpose Early lung cancer detection
Best for Smokers, those concerned about lung health
Note Detects lung nodules precisely with low radiation
No.5
Cardiac Work-up
Purpose Check heart and vessel status
Best for Hypertension, high cholesterol, family history
Note ECG, echocardiography, carotid ultrasound and more
No.6
Brain MRI / MRA
Purpose Check brain and cerebral vessels, stroke risk
Best for Headaches, dizziness, family history of stroke
Note Precise imaging of brain and vessels without radiation
No.7
Tumor Markers
Purpose Screen key cancer-related levels
Best for Those wanting broad cancer screening
Note Multiple markers checked from blood at once (supporting indicators)
No.8
Women's Detailed Exam
Purpose Check breast, uterus and women's health
Best for Female visitors in general
Note Mammography, breast ultrasound, cervical tests and more
No.9
Bone Density / Body Composition
Purpose Check bone health and body composition
Best for Post-menopause, those managing body/nutrition
Note Quickly assess osteoporosis risk and composition
No.10
Premium Executive Package (full day)
Purpose A thorough all-in-one screening
Best for Those wanting the most detailed checkup
Note CT, MRI, endoscopy, cardiac and tumor markers in one day
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How to choose and prepare
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[Choosing a package]
Short on time? A basic comprehensive (half a day) still checks your
overall status. Worried about a specific area (cancer, heart, brain)?
Add the relevant detailed items (endoscopy, CT, MRI). For the most
thorough check, the premium full-day package fits best.
[Preparation]
Most checkups require fasting from the previous evening (usually 8+
hours; water may be limited). If gastroscopy/colonoscopy is included,
separate prep (bowel cleansing) is needed. Starting in the early morning
pairs well with same-day sightseeing.
[Results and follow-up]
Results are given as a report; clinics serving international patients
often provide translated reports (English, etc.) and result consultations
(in person or remote). If findings are abnormal, you'll be guided to
further tests/care.
Important:
- Confirm prep items such as fasting.
- If endoscopy is included, confirm sedation and the prep process.
- Check report translation and follow-up before booking.
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FAQ
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Q1. Does the checkup finish in half a day?
A. Basic is usually 2–3 hours; standard 4–5 hours. Premium with
endoscopy/CT/MRI can take a full day (6–8 hours).
Q2. Do I need to fast?
A. Most require fasting from the previous evening (usually 8+ hours). If
gastroscopy/colonoscopy is included, extra prep is needed; you'll be
guided at booking.
Q3. How much does it cost?
A. Basic comprehensive is roughly KRW 300,000–500,000 (about USD 220–450);
CT/MRI/endoscopy add more. Korea is 40–70% cheaper than the West.
PrettyKeep confirms exact prices.
Q4. When do results come, and are they translated?
A. Some items same-day, detailed ones within a few days as a report.
International clinics provide translated reports and consultations.
Q5. Is endoscopy painful?
A. Choosing sedation makes it comfortable. You can decide the method with
the clinic.
Q6. Is interpretation available?
A. Screening centers for international patients offer English, Chinese and
other interpreters. PrettyKeep matches you to them.
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Medical tourism tips
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1. Book an early-morning slot so you can sightsee in the afternoon.
2. Since fasting starts the previous evening, a day-two checkup may be
easier than day-one.
3. If planning gastroscopy/colonoscopy, build prep time into your schedule.
4. Use family/couple checkup packages to screen together efficiently.
5. Check whether translated reports and remote result consultations are
available after you return home.
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About PrettyKeep
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PrettyKeep is a booking and concierge platform for international visitors
seeking medical care in Korea.
- Matching with verified screening centers and hospitals
- Clinics with interpreters and translated reports (English, Chinese, etc.)
- Price comparison by package and item
- Checkup scheduling and prep guidance around your travel plans
- One-stop support from booking to result consultation
Health, taken care of while you travel — prepare it safely with PrettyKeep.
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