Has anyone run into this problem? (ARC & blood work time limits)

I lived in South Korea last year with no issues getting my medical check, ARC card and medical insurance. This year I'm going through the process again because I went home for a while and have returned on a new Visa.

Now on my second year, My first week I went to the hospital to get my blood work done. One week later I recieved the "all's good" and went to the immigration office in Busan. They said that it will take one month to get the ARC card. Got the ARC card today, Now the Education office says they need my ARC card and blood work that is NO MORE than one month old. So 1 week waiting for results + 4 weeks waiting for my ARC card = 5 weeks. Officially my bloodwork is to old to submit to the education office. 

My boss says I need to get my blood work done again in accordance with the NEW rules that were recently put in place. He called them and argued with them about how stupid this rule is and they said they can't do anything about it. I'm not paying the rediculous 90,000 again.

Anybody had this problem? Did you get a second test or just submit the first one anyway?

Guidance please!

Re: Has anyone run into this problem? (ARC & blood work time ...

Unfortunately, you will have to get another medical test done.  The policy is being mandated by the Ministry of Education; it has nothing to do with your visa.  Also, the policy isn't that "new".  It was implemented late last year with a grace period.  It was fully enacted in January 2012.  The MoE was pretty lenient and gave further extensions if needed.  You school/academy should have known about this policy.

Re: Has anyone run into this problem? (ARC & blood work time ...

You're paying way too much.
There is a hospital in Juyre that is 50,000 (부산보훈병원)
Subway Jurye (passed seomyeon on green line) exit 4. You can walk up or take the shuttle (free).
-when you come up to the hospital there are 2 buildings...its the smaller one on the right. 2nd or 3rd floor.
 

There is another hospital near Centum City in Jaesongdong that's 60,000 (효성시티병원)
buses 100, 144, 115, 200, 31, 1002, 1007.

If you live in Haeundae maybe the extra 10,000 is better than going t Jurye.

Copy and paste those hospital names in maps.naver.com and you'll have a match.

백병원 in Jangsan is supposedly the "best" hospital in Busan. Its exam is 100,000won.
But these "health" exams are just screens for aids/hepititus and drugs. Any hospital will do. When you go, make sure you have 3 photos and ask for double copies.

 

Re: Has anyone run into this problem? (ARC & blood work time ...

Also, (just so nobody takes me for a complete amature) they didn't charge me anything upfront. It was actually one week later that I had to pay that rediculous amount when I picked up the results. They normally require money up front.

 

I REALLY appreciate everyones feedback and quality advice. I hope the blood check is the only time we have to see the inside of these awesomely efficient and cheap (well except in my case) hospitals!!!

 

Peace,

B-man

Re: Has anyone run into this problem? (ARC & blood work time ...

Unfortunately, no. The extensions were for those in the country, but weren't subjected to CBC/diploma checks when they first came to Korea. In other words, those on F2/4/6 visas.

 

You might want to talk to your school/academy and see if they will foot the bill. Again, they should have known about this change in policy as all schools/academies were informed about it. Then again, it might not be worth the trouble and just eat the cost of a new medical check.

Re: Has anyone run into this problem? (ARC & blood work time ...

No advice about the legal stuff but why are you paying 90,000w for medical (unless you doubled it cos you paid twice)? I can't believe you have been charged that for one visit and if it is just once then go to a different hospital and pay between 50-60,000w like everyone else