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That back-to-school checkup notice tucked between school supply lists — did you skim it once and stuff it in a drawer?
It actually holds useful health information for kids in 4th grade, 1st year of middle school (중1), and 1st year of high school (고1). Here’s exactly when it happens and what to expect.
The Korea student health checkup is a free annual exam required under Korea’s School Health Act for 1st and 4th grade elementary students, 1st-year middle schoolers, and 1st-year high schoolers. This guide covers the schedule, what’s tested at each grade, when dental checkups happen, and how to read your results.
When Do Grades 4, 7, and 10 Get Their Korea Student Health Checkup?
Schools run the checkup at a clinic they’ve designated, usually sometime between March and June once the new school year starts.
A Korea student health checkup is a government-supported physical exam that Korean schools provide free of charge to students in specific grades each year.
Among the covered grades, 4th grade, 7th grade (중1), and 10th grade (고1) get noticeably more screening items than 1st grade, which is why parents pay closer attention these years.
Your child’s school sends a notice home early in the semester listing the designated clinic and dates. You’ll need to sign and return a consent form before your child is scheduled for the visit. Schools typically let families choose between two or more approved clinics.
Who: 1st and 4th grade elementary, 1st-year middle school, 1st-year high school
When: Usually March–June, set by each school
Source: Ministry of Education School Health Information Center (2026)
What Does the Korea Student Health Checkup Actually Test?
Every grade gets the same core exam: height, weight, vision, hearing, urine test, blood pressure, and a health questionnaire. Older grades add color-vision testing, chest X-rays, or blood work.
The core exam is the baseline set of tests every enrolled student receives, regardless of grade.
| Grade | Core Tests | Added Tests |
|---|---|---|
| 1st grade (elem.) | Height, weight, vision, hearing, urine, blood pressure, questionnaire | Blood type test |
| 4th grade (elem.) | Core exam | Color-vision test; blood work (glucose, cholesterol, etc.) if flagged for obesity |
| 7th grade / 중1 | Core exam | Color vision, chest X-ray, hepatitis B antigen, blood work if flagged for obesity |
| 10th grade / 고1 | Core exam | Color vision, chest X-ray, hemoglobin test (girls), blood work if flagged for obesity |
✅ For girls, schedule the urine test about a week after menstruation ends
✅ Kids flagged for obesity screening should fast for 8+ hours beforehand
✅ Bring glasses or hearing aids your child normally uses
✅ Fill out the health questionnaire at home before the visit
When Should Kids Get Their Student Dental Checkup?
The dental checkup is separate from the health checkup — your child visits one of the dental clinics the school has designated.
A student dental checkup is an exam that checks for cavities, gum disease, and general oral hygiene under Korea’s School Health Act.
Currently, all elementary grades plus 7th grade (중1) and 10th grade (고1) are covered. Bring the dental checkup form your school sends home and pick one of the two or more designated clinics listed. The exam covers a visual check, plaque assessment, and oral hygiene evaluation, and may lead to fluoride treatment or sealants if needed.
Source: Korea Dental News (2026) reports that elementary dental checkups, once limited to alternating grades, are being expanded to cover every elementary grade.
How Do You Check Results, and What If Something Comes Up?
Results arrive by mail within 30 days of the checkup. You can also look them up on the website or app of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), the public agency that runs Korea’s national health insurance program.
If the results flag something like reduced vision, spinal curvature, or abnormal blood values, it’s worth following up with a pediatrician, ophthalmologist, or orthopedist.
Not sure where to go or how the system works? Our Hospital Guide for Korea walks through the basics.
Starting March 2027, the NHIS is set to take over running the student health checkup, letting families pick their own clinic and timing instead of a school-assigned one. Watch for updates from your child’s school.
Source: Hankook Ilbo (June 30, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. Is the student health checkup mandatory?
A. It’s run under the School Health Act, and schools generally expect every eligible student to take part. If your child can’t attend, let the homeroom teacher know ahead of time.
2. Q. How much does it cost?
A. The standard tests are publicly funded, so there’s no charge. If the clinic offers extra tests beyond the required items, those may cost extra.
3. Q. Can the dental checkup and the health checkup happen on the same day?
A. Usually not — they’re run by different clinics on different schedules. Check the dates on the notice your school sends home.
4. Q. Does an abnormal result affect my child’s school record?
A. No. Results are used only for your child’s personal health management and have no bearing on academic records.
References
Ministry of Education, School Health Information Center, “Student Health Examination Overview” (학생건강검사 개요), 2026. Link
National Health Insurance Service, “Student Health Checkup Guide” (학생건강검진 안내), 2026. Link
Hankook Ilbo, “Student Health Checkups to Allow Free Clinic Choice Starting Next Year” (학생 건강검진, 내년부터 원하는 병원에서 받는다), June 30, 2026. Link
Korea Dental News, “Elementary Dental Checkups to Expand to All Grades Next Year” (내년부터 초등생 구강검진 전학년 실시), 2026. Link
American Academy of Pediatrics, “Periodicity Schedule.” Link
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have health concerns.
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