The Millo Blog Editorial Team reviewed official sources from the Busan Metropolitan City and the Korean government; updated July 27, 2026.
Foreign residents in Busan can access infectious disease testing through a combination of the city’s newly launched mobile outreach services and standard community health infrastructure. If you are looking for how foreign residents can access infectious disease testing in Busan, the most direct current option is the “Mobile Integrated Infectious Disease Screening Pilot Program,” which brings diagnostic services directly to vulnerable populations to eliminate healthcare blind spots. For those needing standard care, Busan’s community health centers and the official city medical portal remain the primary resources for general health screenings and pharmacy information.
What is the Mobile Integrated Infectious Disease Screening Pilot Program?
Launched in 2026, the Mobile Integrated Infectious Disease Screening Pilot Program is a proactive healthcare initiative by the Busan Metropolitan City. The program is specifically designed to strengthen the community health safety net by reaching foreign residents who may face barriers to accessing traditional clinics, such as language gaps, work schedule conflicts, or lack of insurance.
Unlike static clinics, this program uses mobile units to provide screenings. This approach allows the city to identify suspected cases of infectious diseases early and facilitate prompt diagnosis and necessary follow-up care. The program is a collaborative effort involving several key organizations to ensure that residents are guided through the process in a culturally sensitive manner:
- Busan Metropolitan City: The primary governing body overseeing the pilot program.
- Busan Foreign Residents Support Center: Provides administrative guidance and outreach to the international community.
- Busan Foreign Workers Support Center: Assists in reaching laborers and workers who may have limited time to visit hospitals.
- Specialized Medical Organizations: Provide the clinical expertise and diagnostic tools required for infectious disease testing.
Which infectious diseases are covered in the mobile screening?
The pilot program does not cover every possible illness but focuses on a specific set of infectious diseases that are critical for public health monitoring and individual well-being. Foreign residents eligible for these checkups can be screened for the following:
- Tuberculosis: A primary focus of public health screenings in Korea.
- HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Confidential screenings to ensure early treatment.
- Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy): Included as part of the integrated screening effort.
- Hepatitis B and C: Viral screenings for liver health.
- Parasitic Infections: Screenings for various parasitic conditions.
The goal of including these specific tests is to ensure that suspected cases are identified quickly, allowing the city to provide the necessary medical interventions and prevent further transmission within the community.
When and where can foreign residents get tested?
Because this is a pilot program, the screenings are not available on a daily walk-in basis at a single location. Instead, the services are delivered on a quarterly schedule. According to official announcements from Busan Metropolitan City, the mobile screening activities generally take place in:
- March
- June
- September
- November
The exact locations of the mobile units vary depending on the quarterly plan to ensure maximum reach across different districts of Busan. For example, a foreign resident living in an industrial area might find the mobile unit stationed near a workers’ support center during the June cycle.
Since the schedule and specific locations can change, residents are advised to monitor the official city press releases or contact the Foreign Residents Support Center to confirm the current deployment of the mobile units.
How to access general medical services in Busan
While the mobile pilot program is excellent for specific infectious disease screenings, foreign residents should also be familiar with the permanent health infrastructure in the city. For general check-ups, prescriptions, or urgent care, the following options are available:
Community Health Centers (Bogonso)
Each district in Busan has a community health center. These centers are often the first point of contact for public health matters, vaccinations, and basic health screenings. They are typically more affordable than private clinics and are integrated into the city’s public health network.
Private Hospitals and Pharmacies
For specialized care or prescriptions, residents can use the official Busan Metropolitan City website to find listed hospitals and pharmacy information. The city provides resources to help foreigners navigate these facilities, including information on English-friendly services.
Government Certificates and Administrative Support
Medical procedures sometimes require official documentation, such as residency certificates or health-related permits. The Korean government provides these through the Government24 foreigner service portal. This portal allows foreign nationals to access various certificates and support services, including counseling and education, which can be helpful when coordinating long-term medical treatment.
Summary of Testing Options for Foreign Residents
| Service Type | Best For… | Availability | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Pilot Program | Specific infectious diseases (TB, HIV, Hep B/C) | Quarterly (Mar, Jun, Sep, Nov) | Busan Metropolitan City |
| Community Health Centers | General public health and vaccinations | Regular business hours | District Health Offices |
| Private Hospitals | Specialized treatment and emergencies | 24/7 (Emergency) / Business hours | Busan City Official Site |
| Government24 | Medical certificates and admin support | Online 24/7 | Ministry of Interior and Safety |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the mobile infectious disease screening free?
The provided research does not explicitly state the cost for the mobile screening. However, as it is a “pilot program” designed to reach “vulnerable foreign residents” in “healthcare blind spots,” it is intended as a support service. You should confirm the current fee structure or insurance requirements by contacting the Busan Foreign Residents Support Center.
Do I need a specific visa to use these services?
The program is targeted at “foreign residents” in Busan. Specific visa eligibility is not listed in the general announcements, but the collaboration with the Foreign Workers Support Center suggests that workers of various statuses are encouraged to participate. For confirmation regarding your specific visa status, please refer to the Government24 portal.
What happens if I test positive during a mobile screening?
The mobile program is designed not only for diagnosis but also to facilitate “prompt diagnosis and follow-ups for suspected cases.” If a screening indicates a positive result, the coordinating medical organizations and support centers will guide you toward the appropriate treatment facility and follow-up care.
Next steps for foreign residents
If you suspect you need infectious disease testing or wish to participate in the next screening cycle, follow these steps:
- Check the Calendar: Note the quarterly windows (March, June, September, November).
- Contact Support Centers: Reach out to the Busan Foreign Residents Support Center or the Busan Foreign Workers Support Center to find the mobile unit’s location for the current quarter.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure your residency documents are up to date via the Government24 portal to facilitate a smoother registration process.
- Visit the Official Portal: For non-pilot medical needs, browse the Official Website of Busan Metropolitan City to locate the nearest community health center or hospital.
Official sources
- Official Website of Busan Metropolitan City
- Busan Metropolitan City: Mobile Integrated Infectious Disease Screening Pilot Program Press Release
- Busan Metropolitan City: Outreach Infectious Disease Screening Trial News
- Government24 Foreigner Service Portal