Treatment

Quick facts

Korean name: 위·대장 내시경
Procedure time: Gastroscopy 5 to 10 minutes; colonoscopy 15 to 30 minutes; plus 30 to 60 minutes recovery
Anesthesia: IV sedation (optional but common)
Sessions: 1
Downtime: Rest the rest of the day after sedation
Results: Visual findings on the day; biopsy results in about 3 to 7 days
Lasts: Normal gastroscopy is usually repeated every 1 to 2 years in Korea; normal colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years
Typical price: ₩70,000–₩400,000 (sedated gastroscopy about KRW 70,000 to 120,000; both tests same day about KRW 250,000 to 400,000 (uninsured costs higher))

What is Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy?

Korea has some of the world's highest stomach cancer screening rates, and internal medicine clinics in Gangnam perform sedated gastroscopy and colonoscopy daily. Many clinics can book within a few days.

Visitors often combine both tests in one morning with a single sedation.

How it works

For gastroscopy, a thin flexible scope passes through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, taking about 5 to 10 minutes. For colonoscopy, a scope passes through the rectum to examine the full colon, taking 15 to 30 minutes. Biopsies and polyp removal are done during the test. Sedation is usually with midazolam or propofol.

Who it suits

Adults over 40 for stomach cancer screening
Adults over 45 to 50 for colon cancer screening
People with reflux, indigestion, bleeding or bowel habit changes
Those with a family history of gastric or colorectal cancer

Who should skip it or wait

Severe heart or lung disease without anesthetic review
Suspected bowel perforation or severe acute colitis
Pregnancy, unless clearly needed

Side effects and risks

Sore throat or bloating
Bleeding after polyp removal
Perforation (rare)
Reaction to sedation, including low oxygen

Aftercare

No driving, cycling or alcohol on the day of sedation
Eat soft, light food first
Watch for black stools, heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain
Collect biopsy results before you leave Korea

Planning around your trip

Do not fly for 24 hours if polyps were removed, and ask the clinic for a pathology report in English.

Internal Medicine clinics near Apgujeong

Sinsa Uri Best Internal Medicine Clinic (신사우리베스트내과의원)
Internal Medicine, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station
Cheongdam Best Internal Medicine Clinic (청담베스트내과의원)
Internal Medicine, 2 min walk from Gangnam-gu Office Station
Kim Seongyun Internal Medicine Clinic (김성윤내과의원)
Internal Medicine, 2 min walk from Apgujeong Station

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy questions

Can I do gastroscopy and colonoscopy on the same day?

Yes. Most clinics do gastroscopy first and colonoscopy right after, under a single sedation.

How bad is the bowel prep?

You drink 2 to 4 liters of solution in split doses the evening before and early morning. Lower-volume tablet or small-bottle options exist; ask which the clinic uses.

Why does sedation cost extra?

Sedation is a non-covered item in Korea priced by each clinic. HIRA data show a wide range, with a national median of about KRW 50,000 for gastroscopy sedation.

If they find a polyp, will they remove it right away?

Usually yes, during the same colonoscopy. Large or flat polyps may need a separate procedure at a hospital.

Can someone pick me up afterward?

Clinics prefer that you leave with a companion after sedation. If alone, rest at the clinic longer and take a taxi, not the subway.

How soon will I know if the biopsy is benign?

Pathology usually takes 3 to 7 days. Many clinics can email results or discuss them by phone.

Questions before you visit?

Screening · 위·대장 내시경

Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy in Gangnam