Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lhasa]

I'm getting close to finishing my contract and was told today that I have to go get a health check done...not for immigration or MOE but for myself...hmm? They said to show the hospital my NHIC card and it will be free.

Sounds a little bizarre. Anyone know what it's all about?

[T-J]

How old are you?

[lhasa]

I'm 40...41 in Korea.

[T-J]

There's your answer. 40 year old check-up. No I'm not kidding. It has nothing to do with your visa or that your a foreigner at all. 40 year old check-up is a preventative part of the health care system here. Get 'er done!

[lhasa]

Okay, I'm not against having a complete physical done for free but is it mandatory and what do they look into? Blood, cancer, chest etc?

[hogwonguy1979]

I was told last year if I didn't have it done I'd have to pay like a 50,000 won "fine"

Just go and have the basics done, its pretty an assembly line process they'll offer you extras like a cheap (50k) colonoscopy etc. you don't have to do. In a couple of weeks they send a pretty good report on things. though some of their standards for things are funny, a friend of mine's american husband got his results and he was told he was "severely obese" and had to lose like 20 kgs, if he lost that amount he'd make kate moss look fat

[augustine]

I'm about to say something that doesn't really pertain to this thread since you're talking about the 40+ mandatory check... but earlier this year my ex-gf did some research and I got a medical check done at the Yongsan-gu office place (? the place on the same side of the street of Suji's if you walk down a block on the left) for something like 4,000-6,000 won. I did a similar medical check here a year ago and it cost about 80,000 won. I think it's the Yongsan-gu office but I could be wrong, but I'm guessing that that's about as cheap as you'll be able to get a medical check done here.

[lhasa]

Many thanks.

One more question. Can all the tests be done on a Saturday or Sunday? In the past, I couldn't get an immigration check during weekends as that departments office was closed.

[EZE]

Is this for public school teachers only, or does it apply to hagwon teachers also? I hit the big 4-Oh soon.

[lhasa]

[rollo]

This actually sounds like a good thing for once. Get the checkup.