Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Clarabella]

Hope this catches somoeones eye. When I take my physical in SO KO upon arriving, will the be screening for everything or just recreational stuff? I have some meds I take that I would rather keep private.
Also, if I am looking for a psychiatrist, will the insurance company make this known to my employer or will it be private? And are meds covered under health plans?

[ppcg4]

Some claim there is no cannabis test, but that's a load of hogwash. I was scanned for cannabis. But apparently it's not required by the gov, so you can ask to have it removed.

They scan for opiate narcotics (heroin, some painkillers), cocaine, and PCP (if I remember correctly). Edit: Also benzodiazepines such as xanax, klonopin, valium, ativan. If you're on any of these, I'd bring a copy of a prescription to the testing.

Here's an official announcement about the cannabis test being removed:

http://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/imm_09/focus.jsp

It doesn't get more official than that.

[eIn07912]

well, as for what they test, im pretty sure its all of the above and what would be considered a full toxic rundown u'd get in north america. check out what ppcg4 said on this as i am in no way an expert.

will ur info be made known to ur employer? probably. that "right to privacy" we hold dear elsewhere in the world, pretty much doesnt exist. we had check ups at my school and they just gave the results to our boss instead of us. in a day or two he gave them to us. making sly comments about what we "need to work on" like being overweight, teeth cleaning, blah blah blah.

but if u express to them u want to keep it private, they should just keep it between u and them, but, u really can never tell. when it comes to dealing with foreigners, koreans tend to just tell any and everything to ur english speaking boss, like handing off the problem to them. as most koreans r still a little unsure as to how to deal with westerners in everyday situations, and especially in non-everyday situation like drug tests and health check ups and such.

[Bibbitybop]

OP, go to the International Clinic at Severance Hospital next to Yonsei University.

They understand the law, the understand medications and Western medical practices. They will not screen you or report you for anything that is unnecessary.

People getting screened for marijuana are going to Korean doctors, who apparently don't read immigration rules and/or want to charge you for every kind of test in order to make money.

[dr. love]

If you'd like to set up an appointment for your E2 medical Test.

We have carried out dozens of these tests. You can consult with a doctor about any prescription medicines you take and if they will cause a false positive.

We are located in South Eastern Seoul at Godeok Station on line #5 of the subway. It is the East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University.

You can call the International Health Care Center for an appointment at

02 440 7304 or send me a pm and I'll help arrange it for you.

[Suza]

I had my test in Nov and they didnt do a Cannabinoid test! I asked when i got my results and they only tested for Speed, Coke and Heroin (which clears the system in 1 week anyway)

Tho must admitt i was pretty fookin gutted to say the least seen as id stopped the green 6wks prior!!!!

Few peeps i have spoken to have not had the cannabinoid test!

[Jandar]

To screen your drugs the most commonly used material is the "Chore Boy" or "Brillo" steel wool product.

[bluepiss]

does anyone know what TBPE test is then?

[Suza]

Yeah its only cocaine, heroin and amphetamines

[nattylitewvu]

[Trevor]

They don't screen for psychiatric meds, but as the previous poster suggested, if you are taking anything that can trigger a positive for the recreational drugs, bring evidence of a prescription and you'll be fine.

On another note, though, please be aware that the professional psychiatric community in Korea is much, much different than western countries and if you need ongoing treatment you should definitely make certain that a Korean psychiatrist can meet your needs BEFORE you come over here. They have much different ideas than western physicians and the quality of treatment can vary tremendously. I suggest seeking out a western-trained physician before you leave.

[Kimbos_Bread]

[ThingsComeAround]

Do you set up your own medical test, or does the school do that for you?

I was always under the impression that they have their own docs that run the test their way

[zipperhead2]

I'm comin' back over shortly. Cannibis test or no? Truth please.

[DrOctagon]