Woman in rural Korea, asserting no sexual encounters after husband's demise, testifies positive for HIV infection.
In South Korea, the primary method of diagnosing HIV is through blood tests, which can be found at both public health centres and private clinics. These tests include rapid antibody tests and lab-based tests, with the former often being offered free of charge at public health centres, while the latter can cost between ₩50,000 and ₩100,000 in private clinics, equivalent to approximately $35 to $75 USD [1].
Upon diagnosis, individuals are eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART), a treatment covered by the National Health Insurance. This coverage ensures access to a variety of antiretroviral medications aimed at suppressing the virus and preventing progression to AIDS [1]. Additionally, preventive measures such as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are available, though costs may vary depending on the clinic and medication [1].
Patients can expect confidential, personalised care, and experienced medical professionals when seeking testing and treatment services. Some clinics even offer multilingual support to cater to diverse populations [1].
It's important to note that while HIV cases in South Korea are predominantly found in individuals aged 20 to 40, diagnoses can occur at any age. This was demonstrated by a recent rare case of an elderly rural woman testing positive, despite having no apparent risk factors [2][3][5]. This underscores the importance of accessible testing and awareness, even among older populations.
Key points:
- Testing methods: Rapid HIV antibody tests and confirmatory lab-based blood tests available publicly or privately [1].
- Testing cost: Free at public health centres; ₩50,000–₩100,000 in private clinics [1].
- Treatment: ART covered by National Health Insurance; PrEP and PEP available but with variable costs [1].
- Patient support: Confidential, specialized counseling and management services are provided [1].
- Epidemiology: Most HIV cases occur in young adults; however, elderly diagnoses do occur and require clinical awareness [2][3][5].
This structure ensures timely diagnosis and management aligned with international HIV care standards, adapted within South Korea’s healthcare system.
In South Korea's health-and-wellness landscape, mental-health and sexual-health resources are increasingly becoming an essential part of healthcare services. For instance, preventive measures such as PrEP and PEP, aimed at sexual-health, are available alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV patients, as part of the country's commitment to comprehensive health care [1]. Strides in science and technologyhave facilitated accessible HIV testing through rapid antibody tests and lab-based tests, furthering the country's endeavors to improve population health.
