Korean Job Discussion Forums

seaottertail · Joined: 08 Jun 2006

I've worked in Korea for about 4 years now... but went home to the USA for an extended time and am in the process of coming back. I am doing the health questionnaire for the first time, and have a quick question.

Could anyone share with me their experiences with the "health certificate" you are supposed to obtain once in Korea? On arrival in Korea, do you have to go get a physical of some kind, and what exactly do they do? Or, do you just show up, show them the form, and get the certificate?

I'm assuming they conduct a physical, test you for AIDS, and test you for drugs. Is that right? Any personal stories you care to share or info would be greatly appreciated, just curious....

I've heard through the grapevine some people have gotten a physical and related tests done in their home country before going to Korea, is that true? My employer hasn't said anything about that.

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

You do the medical when you get to Korea. Technically, you have 90 days to do this. You need to do it in order to get your ARC. It varies from hospital to hospital. Generally, they test for HIV and drugs. For me, they tested eyesight, blood pressure, teeth, etc. It isn't a big deal really. It is best to wait until you get here to do this.

TimothyWilkinson · Joined: 26 May 2009

You'll have to undergo a health check once you arrive in Korea. They test your blood for HIV and check a few other things (vision, weight, height..etc.). They got rid of the drug testing since some places did not have the facilities to get this part of the test done. Overall, its not a huge problem and doesn't take too long at all.

Goodluck

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

seaottertail · Joined: 08 Jun 2006

Thanks for your responses.

I'm remembering, actually, that I had to do one roughly a year ago while I was extending my contract, and they took my blood, did an xray, measured my weight/height, blood pressure, etc, very low key. I think I had to take a vision test. That's about it. Weird I couldn't remember it before, but now I do. Hmm. Well thanks for the info, won't worry too much about it.