E2 Medical Check / Medical Examination Requirements for Foreign Teachers in Korea
All foreign teachers in Korea must undergo a mandatory medical examination within three months of arrival as required by immigration laws. This examination is essential for obtaining your Residence Card (Former ARC) and completing your Teacher Registration.
Shortly after your arrival, you must complete a health check at a government-approved hospital, public health clinic, or general hospital. This examination typically costs around 100,000 KRW and is an expense you must cover.
The medical check includes tests for:
• TBPE (Tuberculosis Physical Examination)
• Drug screening (including cannabinoids for marijuana use)
🚨 Marijuana and all other drugs are illegal in Korea.Medication Warning
Certain pain medications may result in false positives on drug tests. To prevent this, do not take any medication for at least one week before departure to Korea and until after your medical check-up.
⚠️ If the drug test results are positive, your employment contract may be immediately terminated.1. Key Information
• Timing: Must be completed within 3 months of arrival
• Cost: Typically 70,000–130,000 KRW (Additional copies: 1,000–5,000 KRW each)
• Where to Go: Only government-approved hospitals, public health clinics, or general hospitals
• Result Validity: 1 month
• Processing Time: Results take 3–7 days
💡 Your employer (director/manager/co-teacher) will help you find a hospital for the E-2 medical test or make an appointment if you are coming to Korea for the first time.
2. What to Prepare
✅ 2–5 passport-sized photos (for medical forms)
✅ Valid passport
✅ Examination fee (Cash or card)
✅ Fasting for at least 8 hours before the test
✅ Check hospital policies (Some require appointments; walk-ins may not be accepted)
3. What the Medical Check Includes
• Blood pressure measurement
• Height & weight check
• Vision test
• Chest X-ray (Tuberculosis screening)
• Urine test
• Drug screening (including cannabinoids for marijuana use)
🚨 Important:
• Marijuana and all other drugs are strictly illegal in Korea.
• If any drugs, including marijuana, are detected, your contract may be immediately terminated.
• Pain medications can cause false positives, so do not take any medication at least one week before departure to Korea until your medical exam.
💡 Special Requirements for Public School & Public Institution Teachers
If your visa status is NOT E-2 but you work at a public school or public institution, you must also submit a Latent Tuberculosis (TB) test result in addition to the standard medical examination.
5. Submission of Results
• Your medical results must be submitted as part of your Residence Card application and education office registration.
• The results must be sealed—opened results may be rejected.
• You may need at least 3 copies of your medical report for immigration, the education office, and other authorities.
By following these guidelines carefully, you’ll ensure a smooth process for starting your teaching career in Korea.
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