Pap smear
Conventional (₩20,000) or liquid-based (₩50,000). Liquid-based samples are clearer and can also be used for an HPV test. See Pap smear.
Routine screening
Pap, HPV or both: your screening plan
Cervical Cancer Screening in Gangnam, Seoul, planned for you
Cervical cancer screening is a programme of regular tests that finds HPV and cell changes on the cervix years before they could turn into cancer. At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, female OB-GYNs offer the Pap smear, the HPV DNA test, co-testing with both, and cervicography, and explain what to do after an abnormal result. On the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026, confirm before your visit), a liquid-based Pap is ₩50,000, an HPV DNA test ₩80,000 and cervicography ₩35,000. An English-speaking coordinator tracks your next due date.
- Pap, HPV and co-testing
- All-female OB-GYNs
- Cervicography ₩35,000 (2026 fee list)
- Clear plan after abnormal results
- 4 min from Eonju Station, Exit 7
- 3 screening tests: Pap, HPV, cervicography
- ₩35,000 cervicography, published fee 2026
- 5 female doctors on one team
- EN English coordinator from booking to results
The big picture
What is cervical cancer screening?
Cervical cancer develops slowly, usually over 10 years or more, from a long-lasting high-risk HPV infection that changes cells on the cervix. Screening finds those changes early, when a small treatment can stop them.
Screening is not one test but a schedule. Depending on your age and history, it may use a Pap smear, an HPV test, both together, or cervicography, repeated at set intervals.
This page explains the whole programme and your options. For what happens during the sample itself, see our Pap smear page.
Tests in the programme What we offer
- Conventional Pap smear (₩20,000)
- Liquid-based Pap smear (₩50,000)
- HPV DNA test for high-risk types (₩80,000)
- Co-testing: Pap and HPV from one sample visit
- Cervicography, a detailed photo of the cervix (₩35,000)
Not part of routine screening
- Treatment of abnormal cells. See cervical lesion treatment
- Checks of the ovaries. See ovarian cancer screening
Who and how often
Pap, HPV or co-testing: which schedule fits you?
Guidelines differ between countries. These are common international approaches. Your doctor helps you choose.
| Approach | How it works |
|---|---|
| Pap smear (cytology) | Looks for abnormal cells. Often every 1 to 3 years, depending on your age and country. |
| HPV primary screening | Tests for high-risk HPV first. If negative, many guidelines allow 5 years between tests from age 25 or 30. |
| Co-testing | Pap and HPV together. Often every 5 years from age 30 to 65 when both are normal. |
| Korea's national screening | Insured residents aged 20 and over are offered a Pap smear every 2 years through the National Health Insurance programme. |
| After treatment or with HIV | More frequent checks, as advised by your doctor. |
Vaccinated against HPV? You still need screening, because the vaccine does not cover every type.
Your options
Three ways to screen at Sinsoe
All three can be done during one short exam. Fees are from the clinic's published fee schedule, June 2026. Please confirm before your visit.
HPV DNA test
Finds high-risk HPV types before any cells change (₩80,000). Combined with a Pap, it gives the most complete picture.
Age 30 and overCervicography
A magnified photo of the cervix after a mild vinegar solution, reviewed for changes a Pap can miss (₩35,000).
Extra reassurance Step by step
Your screening visit in Gangnam
We help you choose the right tests, then keep track of when you are next due.
- 1 Message us in English On WhatsApp. Tell us when you were last screened and any past abnormal results.
- 2 Check in on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card. Residents can ask about national screening.
- 3 Choose your tests A female OB-GYN reviews your history and recommends Pap, HPV, co-testing or cervicography.
- 4 One short exam All samples and the cervicography photo are taken in a single speculum exam.
- 5 Results and next date Your doctor explains your results. The coordinator reminds you when your next screening is due.
How to prepare
- Book outside your period, ideally mid-cycle.
- Avoid sex, douching and vaginal creams for 48 hours.
- Bring past results, even from another country.
- Tell us if you are pregnant or have had cervical treatment.
National screening in Korea
If you are enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance, you may be eligible for a free or low-cost Pap smear every 2 years from age 20. Check your eligibility with NHIS or ask our reception.
HPV testing and cervicography are usually self-pay add-ons.
After an abnormal result
What happens after an abnormal result?
Most abnormal results are not cancer. They tell your doctor where to look more closely.
ASC-US
Unclear cells
Often caused by HPV or inflammation. Usually an HPV test or repeat Pap decides the next step.
LSIL
Mild changes
Often clears by itself. Follow-up testing, sometimes a closer look at the cervix.
HSIL or HPV 16/18
Higher-grade changes
A closer look with cervicography or colposcopy and a small biopsy. Treatment may follow.
Confirmed lesion
CIN 2 or 3
Treated to prevent cancer. See cervical lesion treatment and LEEP.
Colposcopy, LEEP and lesion treatment must be confirmed with the coordinator for your case.
Expats & visitors
Cervical screening in Korea as a foreigner
Your screening history may span several countries. We help you keep it together.
Use national screening
Bring your Alien Registration Card. If you have Korean insurance, ask whether your Pap is covered this year.
Catch up while in Seoul
Bring your passport. If you are overdue, a Pap and HPV test can be done in one visit, with results sent to you.
English results
Ask for English results to share with your doctor at home.
Quick answers
Cervical cancer screening in Seoul: common questions
Where can I get cervical cancer screening in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?
Sinsoe Women's Clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul offers Pap smears, HPV tests and cervicography with female OB-GYNs and an English-speaking coordinator. It is a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). Book on WhatsApp at +82-10-9517-5719 or walk in during clinic hours.
Should I get a Pap smear or an HPV test?
Both are good. HPV testing is more sensitive for women over 30, and co-testing gives the fullest picture. Your doctor advises based on your age and history.
How often do I need cervical screening?
It depends on the tests used and your results, from every 1 to 3 years with a Pap to every 5 years with normal co-testing.
Does Korea offer free cervical screening?
Insured residents aged 20 and over are offered a Pap smear every 2 years through National Health Insurance.
What is cervicography?
A magnified photo of the cervix, taken during a speculum exam and checked for visible changes. It costs ₩35,000 on the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026).
How much does cervical screening cost for visitors?
On the published fee schedule (June 2026), a conventional Pap is ₩20,000, liquid-based Pap ₩50,000, HPV DNA ₩80,000 and cervicography ₩35,000. Please confirm before your visit.
My Pap result is abnormal. Do I have cancer?
Very rarely. Most abnormal results are mild changes or HPV effects that need follow-up, not cancer.
Do I still need screening after the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The vaccine does not protect against every high-risk HPV type.
Ready when you are
Book cervical cancer screening in Gangnam, Seoul
Send a message in English with your last screening date. A coordinator replies and recommends the right tests.
Sinsoe Women's Clinic
537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South KoreaEonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
| Mon & Fri | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Thu | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |