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Seoul: Difference between revisions

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==Emergency Contraception==
==Emergency Contraception==


'''Important Note''': The earlier you take emergency contraception, the more effectively it will work. Take it as soon as possible.
'''Important Notes:''' The earlier you take emergency contraception, the more effectively it works. After unprotected sex, take EC '''as soon as possible'''. If you don't have access to EC, you can use oral contraceptives as EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC (so confirm they work as EC) 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages to work as EC (so get the proper instructions) 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) You must take the pills as soon as possible.


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===
'''Note:''' The most effective emergency contraceptive is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne]. It lasts up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Other EC brands are generally effective up to 3 days with occasional protection up to 5 days. So check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy for up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, look for regular EC, which may sometimes protect you for up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective, and they should be taken as soon as possible.


To get an EC prescription, you will need to go to a doctor. It is recommended to visit a women's clinic for the prescription rather than a hospital. You will find it especially difficult to secure an EC prescription at a Christian hospital. When you are seeking EC, it is customary that the doctor will ask some questions about your cycle, last period, etc. After they have written a prescription, you can bring it to a pharmacy ("yak-guk" in Korean).
To get an EC prescription, you will need to go to a doctor. It is recommended to visit a women's clinic for the prescription rather than a hospital. You will find it especially difficult to secure an EC prescription at a Christian hospital. When you are seeking EC, it is customary that the doctor will ask some questions about your cycle, last period, etc. After they have written a prescription, you can bring it to a pharmacy ("yak-guk" in Korean).
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The morning after pill should only cost between 10,000 and 20,000 won. The doctor's visit might cost around 10,000 won.
The morning after pill should only cost between 10,000 and 20,000 won. The doctor's visit might cost around 10,000 won.


==Medications==
==Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)==
 
'''Important Note:''' If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment that may prevent HIV infection, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible.


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
The South Korean government does not allow foreigners with HIV/AIDS or syphilis to enter the country. If you come as a tourist to South Korea, you will not be tested for HIV/AIDS. But, if you are a foreign teacher, you will typically be required to take an HIV test before working in Korea. If foreigners are found to be HIV+ or have syphilis, they will most likely be deported. As for locals with HIV/AIDS, there seems to be no special treatment centers in South Korea. There also no known distributors or trials for PrEP. The word for AIDS in Korean is 에이즈, or "eijeu." If you test positive for HIV or syphilis, and if you are a teacher, contact Legal Office For Foreign Teachers (LOFT) to discuss your options.
In Korean society, STI/STD tests do not appear to be overwhelming common. Many people hold the perception that they are "clean" though they may have never been tested. While STD rates are lower, particularly for HIV/AIDS, than in many other countries, South Korea is certainly not STD-free, and people should always practice safe sex.


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


For nearly all medications in Korea, you need a prescription from a doctor. For yeast infection medication, you can ask for the "Canesten" at the pharmacy (though I believe you need a prescription first), which is similar to Monistat or Lotrimin. Pharmacies should have both the cream and suppository types of Canesten. The word for suppository in Korean is "좌약" (prounounced as "jwa yak"). For UTIs, you will also need to see a doctor for treatment. Be sure to specify that you believe it is a UTI, otherwise the doctors may assume that you have an STI (due to the burning sensation). For herpes (수포진, or "supojin" in Korean), Valtrex is not readily available (as of 2012), but there is a generic version in Korea. Regarding HPV vaccines, the government approved Gardasil for females (ages 9-26) and males (9-15) in 2007. Since 2016, it has been a part of the National Immunization Program, and all children under 12 in South Korea receive the vaccination free of charge. Regarding HIV medication, the Korean government seems to bar foreigners with HIV/AIDS from entering the country. It also requires that all foreign teachers take HIV tests. If foreigners are found to be HIV+, they will most likely be deported. As for locals with HIV/AIDS, there seem to be no special treatment centers in South Korea. There also no known distributors or trials for PrEP. The word for AIDS in Korean is 에이즈, or "eijeu."
====Larger Hospitals====
 
Note: These larger hospitals may not do anonymous testing, so they may report your results to Korean authorities.
 
* Yongsan Public Health Center: Tests for hepatitis, STD test, blood, and urine tests. If you're not covered by public insurance, Yongsan provides free checks for foreigners.  Call 02-2199-8161 (Korean only). Often there is no one at the center who speaks a language other than Korean. You can contact 1339 (medical help line) for assistance while you're at the center. The health center is located in the Yongsan District Office building. Go out Exit 3 of  Noksapyeong Station (Line 6, Stop 628). Head toward Itaewon, crossing the street at the light. Right after you cross, turn right, heading toward Banpo Bridge. Walk about 2-3 minutes - the Yongsan District Office is the hug building right by the Crown Hotel.
 
* [http://www.yuhs.or.kr/en/hospitals/severance/Sev_Intro/Gnr_info/ Severance Hospital] - Does STD tests and has an international clinic for foreigners. It is one of the oldest and biggest university hospitals in South Korea. Address: 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Phone: +82 1599-1004.
 
* [http://www.kumc.or.kr/language/ENG/network/ansanHospital.do Ansan Hospital]: May only test for HIV/AIDS. Korea University Medical Center 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841.


===Costs===
====Specialized Clinics====


==Menstruation==
While you can get an STD test at many hospitals, they may not be anonymous. Here is a list of some more specialized places:


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
* [http://khap.org/ Korea Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention (KHAP)]: Provides free & anonymous tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, urethritis. Their HIV test are only for foreigners ("Our Testing both HIV Rapid and STD at any centers is offering basically for foreigners, not Koreans. Koreans are not available."). Reservation required by phone or website. Address: 30-6. Donam 1-dong Seongbuk-gu. 136-890. SEOUL KOREA ㆍTEL.82-2-927-4322 ㆍFax.82-2-927-4017, E-mail:khap@kaids.or.kr.


While tampons are available, they are not sold everywhere, as most South Korean women only use them for swimming.
* International Clinic: Provides STD tests, supposedly anonymously, and you can pay cash. "International Clinic was founded in 1987 with the goal of providing advanced and personalized health care for expatriates residing in Korea and travelers to Korea. The International clinic is a modern, full-service medical clinic specializing safe and effective natural therapies for medical conditions, including anti-aging programs." Address: 501 Hannam building, 737-37 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea 140-212. Phone Number: 82-2-790-0857. They have a website with an online reservation system but it often seems to be down.


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
* [http://www.ishap.org/ Ivan Stop HIV/AIDS Project]: Tests for the Korean gay community. Full-time gay staff and volunteers. May also test for women as well. Contact them to inquire. Seoul Center: Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 109-1 and Tel.02-792-0083 and Fax.02-744-9118.


Pads are available at convenience stores, often sold in “bulky” sizes. Tampons with and without applicators are available but the brand selection is pretty limited. There are no known sellers of menstrual cups (DivaCup, Mooncup, LadyCup), so it is recommended to buy them online.
'''Remember:''' Anonymous testing is especially important in South Korea where foreigners can be deported for positive results.


===Costs===
===Costs===


==Gynecological Exams==
==Medications & Vaccines==


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===
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===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


* [http://www.mediflower.co.kr/eng/sub_010101.html Medi-Flower OB/GYN Clinic] - Recommended. Located next to the Seoul National University of Education Metro stop. The female Korean doctor speaks English.
For nearly all medications in Korea, you need a prescription from a doctor. For yeast infection medication, you can ask for the "Canesten" at the pharmacy (though I believe you need a prescription first), which is similar to Monistat or Lotrimin. Pharmacies should have both the cream and suppository types of Canesten. The word for suppository in Korean is "좌약" (prounounced as "jwa yak"). For UTIs, you will also need to see a doctor for treatment. Be sure to specify that you believe it is a UTI, otherwise the doctors may assume that you have an STI (due to the burning sensation). For herpes (수포진, or "supojin" in Korean), Valtrex is not readily available (as of 2012), but there is a generic version in Korea. Regarding HPV vaccines, the government approved Gardasil for females (ages 9-26) and males (9-15) in 2007. Since 2016, it has been a part of the National Immunization Program, and all children under 12 in South Korea receive the vaccination free of charge. Regarding HIV medication, the Korean government seems to bar foreigners with HIV/AIDS from entering the country. It also requires that all foreign teachers take HIV tests. If foreigners are found to be HIV+, they will most likely be deported. As for locals with HIV/AIDS, there seem to be no special treatment centers in South Korea. There also no known distributors or trials for PrEP. The word for AIDS in Korean is 에이즈, or "eijeu."


===Costs===
===Costs===


==Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Tests & Support==
==Menstruation==


===Laws & Social Stigmas===
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


The South Korean government does not allow foreigners with HIV/AIDS or syphilis to enter the country. If you come as a tourist to South Korea, you will not be tested for HIV/AIDS. But, if you are a foreign teacher, you will typically be required to take an HIV test before working in Korea. If foreigners are found to be HIV+ or have syphilis, they will most likely be deported. As for locals with HIV/AIDS, there seems to be no special treatment centers in South Korea. There also no known distributors or trials for PrEP. The word for AIDS in Korean is 에이즈, or "eijeu." If you test positive for HIV or syphilis, and if you are a teacher, contact Legal Office For Foreign Teachers (LOFT) to discuss your options.
While tampons are available, they are not sold everywhere, as most South Korean women only use them for swimming.
 
In Korean society, STI/STD tests do not appear to be overwhelming common. Many people hold the perception that they are "clean" though they may have never been tested. While STD rates are lower, particularly for HIV/AIDS, than in many other countries, South Korea is certainly not STD-free, and people should always practice safe sex.


===What to Get & Where to Get It===
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


====Larger Hospitals====
Pads are available at convenience stores, often sold in “bulky” sizes. Tampons with and without applicators are available but the brand selection is pretty limited. There are no known sellers of menstrual cups (DivaCup, Mooncup, LadyCup), so it is recommended to buy them online.


Note: These larger hospitals may not do anonymous testing, so they may report your results to Korean authorities.
===Costs===


* Yongsan Public Health Center: Tests for hepatitis, STD test, blood, and urine tests. If you're not covered by public insurance, Yongsan provides free checks for foreigners.  Call 02-2199-8161 (Korean only). Often there is no one at the center who speaks a language other than Korean. You can contact 1339 (medical help line) for assistance while you're at the center. The health center is located in the Yongsan District Office building. Go out Exit 3 of  Noksapyeong Station (Line 6, Stop 628). Head toward Itaewon, crossing the street at the light. Right after you cross, turn right, heading toward Banpo Bridge. Walk about 2-3 minutes - the Yongsan District Office is the hug building right by the Crown Hotel.
==Gynecological Exams==


* [http://www.yuhs.or.kr/en/hospitals/severance/Sev_Intro/Gnr_info/ Severance Hospital] - Does STD tests and has an international clinic for foreigners. It is one of the oldest and biggest university hospitals in South Korea. Address: 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Phone: +82 1599-1004.
===Laws & Social Stigmas===


* [http://www.kumc.or.kr/language/ENG/network/ansanHospital.do Ansan Hospital]: May only test for HIV/AIDS. Korea University Medical Center 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841.
===What to Get & Where to Get It===


====Specialized Clinics====
* [http://www.mediflower.co.kr/eng/sub_010101.html Medi-Flower OB/GYN Clinic] - Recommended. Located next to the Seoul National University of Education Metro stop. The female Korean doctor speaks English.
 
While you can get an STD test at many hospitals, they may not be anonymous. Here is a list of some more specialized places:
 
* [http://khap.org/ Korea Federation for HIV/AIDS Prevention (KHAP)]: Provides free & anonymous tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, urethritis. Their HIV test are only for foreigners ("Our Testing both HIV Rapid and STD at any centers is offering basically for foreigners, not Koreans. Koreans are not available."). Reservation required by phone or website. Address: 30-6. Donam 1-dong Seongbuk-gu. 136-890. SEOUL KOREA ㆍTEL.82-2-927-4322 ㆍFax.82-2-927-4017, E-mail:khap@kaids.or.kr.
 
* International Clinic: Provides STD tests, supposedly anonymously, and you can pay cash. "International Clinic was founded in 1987 with the goal of providing advanced and personalized health care for expatriates residing in Korea and travelers to Korea. The International clinic is a modern, full-service medical clinic specializing safe and effective natural therapies for medical conditions, including anti-aging programs." Address: 501 Hannam building, 737-37 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea 140-212. Phone Number: 82-2-790-0857. They have a website with an online reservation system but it often seems to be down.
 
* [http://www.ishap.org/ Ivan Stop HIV/AIDS Project]: Tests for the Korean gay community. Full-time gay staff and volunteers. May also test for women as well. Contact them to inquire. Seoul Center: Nagwon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 109-1 and Tel.02-792-0083 and Fax.02-744-9118.
 
'''Remember:''' Anonymous testing is especially important in South Korea where foreigners can be deported for positive results.


===Costs===
===Costs===
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