The Korean Immigration Office has announced that nationals from high TB-burden countries are required to undergo a TB medical exam at any community health center (보건소) and provide a copy of the clearance certificate (결핵검사 확인서) along with other required documents if they wish to apply for visa change or extension of sojourn period.

If you had a TB check up at a hospital, bring your medical certificate to the community health center and request for the ‘Public Health Center Certification’ or 보건소 발급 확인서.

I applied for the certification at Dongdaemun-gu Community Health Center (동대문구보건소) located inside Dongdaemun District Office (동대문구청). If you enter the district office through the main door, turn left and you’ll see this signage.

Go to Receiving Counter 3 or 4 and tell the officer your agenda. Don’t forget to greet politely first. You can say, “안녕하세요. 외국인 결핵검사 확인서를 발급받으려고 왔습니다.” Then the officer will ask for your ARC or passport.  Pay 1,500 won and get your official receipt.

Proceed to Room 201 (Radiography Office) at the 2nd floor.

Go to the dressing room and wear the provided gown (pink for ladies). Remember to remove your inner wear and necklace. Tie your hair up and get ready for a chest X-ray.

The dressing room is connected to the X-ray room. As soon as you enter, the technician will ask your name and check his records. He stays at the other room looking through the glass wall and prompting you through a speaker. You will be asked to stand in front of the X-ray machine and embrace it; then it’s done!  Go back to the dressing room and change your clothes. You can claim your certificate after 3-4 working days (date shown on the receipt).

Here is a sample of the clearance certificate.

How to get there:

Get off at Yongdu Station (Green Line #2) Exit 3. Walk straight for 3 minutes and you’ll find Dongdaemun District Office on your left. Follow the signs leading to  the community health center (보건소).