Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy in Korea — The Complete Guide for International Patients

Who it suits / what to tell us in advance

In Korea, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are usually done under sedation, and the exam and the doctor's explanation can be finished in a single day — so many people from Mongolia, Russia, Central Asia and China come to have it done around their travel plans.

• People in their 40s or older who have never had a gastroscopy or colonoscopy, or whose last one was long ago
• People with ongoing digestive symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, frequent diarrhea or constipation
• People with a family history of stomach or colon cancer, or who have been treated for H. pylori
• People who face long waits for an endoscopy at home, or who have put it off because of discomfort

Why do so many people have endoscopy in Korea?

Stomach cancer is relatively common in Korea, so gastroscopy has long been part of the national screening program — which means a medical environment with a great deal of endoscopy experience.

• Plenty of experience: Many people have regular endoscopy checkups, so screening centers and gastroenterology teams tend to be very experienced.
• Sedated endoscopy is the norm: You receive a sedative and the exam is over while you sleep, so there is little worry about discomfort.
• Stomach and colon the same day: Gastroscopy and colonoscopy can be done back to back under one sedation.
• Treatment during the exam: Small polyps are often removed right then, so in many cases you do not need to come back.
• Quick explanation: The doctor usually goes over the findings with you the same day, looking at the photos together.

Sedated vs. unsedated endoscopy

Neither is simply better — you choose based on your health and schedule. Many people at Korean screening centers choose sedated endoscopy.

Preparation — gastroscopy and colonoscopy

For gastroscopy, fasting is all the preparation you need, but for colonoscopy, how well the bowel is cleared determines the result. If the bowel is not cleared well, small polyps can be missed or a repeat exam may be needed.

Gastroscopy prep

• Fast for 8 hours or more: Usually this means a light, early dinner the night before and no food, gum or cigarettes after 9 p.m.
• Water: Whether you may have small sips of water, and until what time, follows the facility's instructions.
• On the morning of the exam, come without eating anything.

Colonoscopy prep

1. 1
   Diet changes from 2–3 days beforeAvoid high-fiber foods such as fruit with seeds (watermelon, Korean melon, kiwi, grapes), seaweed like gim and miyeok, mixed grains and brown rice, nuts, and kimchi or seasoned vegetables. White porridge, white rice, tofu, eggs and bananas are generally fine.
2. 2
   The day beforeKeep lunch and dinner light, such as white porridge, and from the evening drink the bowel prep solution in the divided amounts you were instructed. Drink plenty of water along with it.
3. 3
   Early on the dayDrink the rest of the bowel prep solution. When your stool comes out clear like yellow water, you are well prepared.
4. 4
   If you feel the prep is not working well enough, tell your manager right away. We will consult the facility and guide you on what to do next.

If you take medication — check in advance

Do not stop any medication on your own; the rule is to follow the guidance of both the prescribing doctor and the exam facility.

What the day looks like and how long it takes

1. 1
   Check-in (usually morning)Your identity is checked with your passport and you change into an exam gown. Your manager accompanies you and interprets.
2. 2
   Questionnaire and consentYour medical history, medications, last meal and bowel prep status are checked, and you sign the sedation consent form.
3. 3
   IV line and sedationAn IV is placed in your arm and the sedative is given.
4. 4
   The examGastroscopy takes about 5–10 minutes and colonoscopy about 15–30 minutes, a little longer if a polyp is removed.
5. 5
   Recovery roomYou rest for about 30 minutes to 1 hour until you wake up. After a colonoscopy you may feel bloated from gas in your abdomen.
6. 6
   Results explanationThe doctor explains the findings while showing the endoscopy photos. Your manager interprets.

From check-in to going home, plan on 2–3 hours for gastroscopy alone and about 3–4 hours if you have both stomach and colon exams. If combined with a comprehensive checkup, it takes 4–6 hours.

If a polyp is found — removal and biopsy

Small polyps found during a colonoscopy are mostly removed on the spot. If an abnormal area is seen in the stomach, a small piece of tissue is taken for testing.

• Removed right away: Small polyps are often removed during the exam with a snare or forceps.
• Separate appointment: If a polyp is large or needs a more precise procedure because of its shape, a separate date or an inpatient procedure may be recommended.
• While taking anticoagulants: Removal may be postponed to another time because of bleeding risk, so it is important to tell us about your medication in advance.

• Exam day
  The doctor explains the number, size and removal status of any polyps.
• About 3–7 days
  This is the usual time for biopsy results. It may take longer depending on the facility and type of test.
• After the results
  If you are back home, your manager receives the results, passes on the key points, and helps you plan when to have your next exam.

Recovery and eating after the exam

• First meal: After you recover, try water first, then start with soft food such as white porridge.
• Gas and bloating: Air may remain in the abdomen after a colonoscopy; walking or passing gas usually helps.
• Throat discomfort: Your throat may feel scratchy for about a day after gastroscopy.
• After polyp removal: Following the doctor's instructions, avoid spicy or irritating food, alcohol, saunas and strenuous exercise for a few days.
• The next day: If no special treatment was done, most people can return to normal activities and sightseeing.

Sample travel plan (1–3 days)

• Day 1
  Arrive and check in to your accommodation. If you are having a colonoscopy, have a light dinner, drink the bowel prep solution and rest at your accommodation. Start the diet changes at home before you fly.
• Day 2
  Morning endoscopy and results explanation. Rest at your accommodation after sedation, with a mild dinner.
• Day 3
  If no special treatment was done, fly home or sightsee in the Gangnam area of Seoul. If a large polyp was removed, discuss your flight with the doctor.

For gastroscopy only, you could have the exam the morning after you arrive and fly home that evening, but considering fatigue after sedation we recommend at least 1 night. Our partner screening center is in the Gangnam area of Seoul (Seocho), so booking accommodation nearby reduces the travel burden during bowel prep.

Getting your report and sharing it with your doctor at home

• Exam day: You hear the doctor's explanation along with the endoscopy photos. Check whether you can get printed photos or files.
• Official report: Usually received by email or similar within 1–3 weeks, and many facilities offer English reports.
• Biopsy results: Your manager receives them as soon as they are ready and passes them on.
• To your doctor at home: It is more accurate to show the original report, endoscopy photos and biopsy report together rather than a summary.

Questions to ask at your consultation

1. At my age and with my family history, should I have both gastroscopy and colonoscopy?
2. Is sedated endoscopy OK given my health?
3. Until when should I take my medication, and from when should I stop?
4. If a polyp is seen, is it removed on the spot, and in what cases is a separate appointment made?
5. When and how will I receive the biopsy results?
6. Can I get the report and endoscopy photos in English?
7. If something abnormal is found, what care will I be connected to, and how quickly?

How to choose a facility

• Who performs the endoscopy: Check that it is done directly by a specialist with a lot of endoscopy experience, such as a gastroenterologist.
• Sedation safety: See whether oxygen saturation and pulse are monitored during the exam and whether a recovery room with observation is in place.
• Bowel prep guidance: Check that the prep solution and diet are explained clearly, including explanations for international patients.
• Disinfection and hygiene: You can ask whether they follow standards for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscopes.
• Follow-up: See whether there is a system to refer you for a precise procedure or specialist care if a large polyp or abnormal finding is found.