Can foreigners donate blood in Korea? What are the eligibility rules and where can we go?
I have donated blood regularly in France and want to keep doing it in Korea. Are foreigners eligible to donate at the Korean Red Cross, are there restrictions based on visa type or length of stay, and are there donation centers with English-speaking staff?
Also, how do past medications or travel history from abroad affect eligibility?
1 Answer
Yes, foreigners can donate blood at the Korean Red Cross. Generally you need an Alien Registration Card, at least a year of residence in Korea, and to be between 16 and 69, and the basic weight and blood pressure conditions are the same as for Koreans. The main hurdle is the screening questionnaire, which you must understand and answer accurately for safety, so some Korean ability or interpretation help is needed, though donation centers in foreigner-heavy areas like Itaewon or Gangnam often have English-capable staff. One thing to check carefully is your time in Europe. Because of vCJD (mad cow) rules, living in the UK for a certain period since 1980, or in Europe for a total of five years or more, can disqualify you, so your time in France may matter. Recent medications and travel to malaria-risk areas can also defer you for a set period. You can find and book centers through the RedConnect app or the Korean Red Cross blood service website.