π Colonoscopy Center · Apgujeong Hana Clinic
Colonoscopy Preparation Guide — everything you need to know, in English.
Complete English-language colonoscopy preparation guide for patients at Apgujeong Hana Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul. Diet instructions, bowel prep steps, medication guidance and day-of-procedure checklist — all in English.
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Full English Guide
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Diet Instructions
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Medication Advice
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Day-of Checklist
Why Preparation Matters
Good preparation is half the colonoscopy.
The quality of your colonoscopy depends heavily on how well your colon is cleaned beforehand. A poorly prepared bowel — with residual stool obscuring the colon lining — means polyps can be missed, the procedure takes longer, and in some cases the colonoscopy has to be repeated. Good bowel preparation is not difficult, but it does require following the instructions carefully.
At Apgujeong Hana Clinic, all preparation instructions are provided in English — before your appointment, with our team available via WhatsApp to answer any questions you have along the way. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about any step. A well-prepared colon gives Dr. Yang the clearest possible view and gives you the most complete and accurate result.
This guide covers everything you need — from dietary changes starting 3 days before your procedure, to the bowel cleansing solution schedule, medication management, what to bring on the day, and what to expect when you arrive at the clinic.
Better Preparation = Better Results
Studies show that excellent bowel preparation improves adenoma detection rate by up to 50% compared to poor preparation. Good prep means nothing is missed.
Avoid Needing a Repeat
Inadequate bowel preparation is the most common reason a colonoscopy needs to be repeated. Follow instructions carefully and you will only need to go through preparation once.
WhatsApp Support Throughout
Not sure if what you are experiencing is normal? WhatsApp our team any time during your preparation — we respond promptly in English.
Full English Instructions Provided
Detailed written English prep instructions are sent to you when you book — including dietary guidelines, bowel prep solution schedule and medication advice.
Day-by-Day Guide
Your colonoscopy preparation step by step.
Follow this timeline carefully. This is a general guide — your specific written instructions from Apgujeong Hana Clinic take precedence and may differ slightly based on your procedure time and prescribed bowel prep solution.
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3 Days Before
Start Low-Residue Diet
Begin reducing high-fibre foods that leave residue in the colon. A clean colon is much easier to achieve with 3 days of dietary modification than trying to clear everything in one day.
Avoid: red meat, fibrous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, spinach), beans, nuts, seeds, corn
Avoid: whole grains, high-fibre bread, brown rice, seaweed and multigrain products
Avoid: fruit with seeds or skin (kiwi, strawberries, tomatoes)
OK to eat: white rice, white bread, white pasta, eggs, tofu, fish, chicken (no skin)
OK to eat: clear soup, broth, yogurt, cooked vegetables without skin or seeds
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Day Before — Daytime
Clear Liquid Diet Only
The day before your colonoscopy, switch to clear liquids only. No solid food at all from this morning. Clear liquids keep you hydrated and do not leave residue in the colon.
OK: water, clear broth or soup (no solids), clear apple juice, sports drinks (not red/purple)
OK: black coffee or plain tea without milk (no sugar — a small amount of honey is acceptable)
OK: clear popsicles or jelly (not red, purple or orange coloured)
NOT OK: any milk, cream, orange juice, smoothies, soup with solids, alcohol
NOT OK: red, purple or orange coloured drinks — they can look like blood during colonoscopy
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Day Before — Evening (typically 6–8 PM)
First Dose of Bowel Prep Solution
Take the first dose of your prescribed bowel cleansing solution as directed. The most commonly prescribed solutions in Korea are Colyte, Picolax or similar agents. Follow the specific mixing and timing instructions on your prescription exactly.
Mix the solution as directed — usually dissolved in water to make 1–2 litres
Drink slowly over 1–2 hours as instructed — do not rush
Bowel movements typically start within 1–2 hours of starting the solution
Continue drinking clear fluids between doses to stay hydrated
Chilling the solution in the refrigerator makes it easier to drink
If nausea occurs, pause for 30 minutes and resume more slowly
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Morning of Procedure (4–6 hours before appointment)
Second Dose of Bowel Prep Solution
For morning colonoscopy appointments, a second dose of bowel prep solution is typically taken early in the morning — usually 4–6 hours before your procedure time. This split-dose approach produces significantly better bowel cleansing results than a single dose the night before.
Take the second dose at the time specified in your instructions (typically 5–6 AM for a morning procedure)
Finish the solution at least 2 hours before your arrival time at the clinic
No food or additional fluids after completing the second dose
Essential medications can be taken with a small sip of water only
When stool runs clear or light yellow with no solid material — preparation is complete
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Day of Procedure
Arriving at Apgujeong Hana Clinic
Arrive at Apgujeong Hana Clinic at your scheduled appointment time. Bring someone to accompany you home — you cannot drive after IV sedation. Our team will greet you in English.
Arrive at 328 Apgujeong-ro, KFC Building 3F, Gangnam-gu — parking behind the building
Bring your ID, insurance card (if applicable) and a list of current medications
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Remove nail polish from at least one finger (for oxygen monitoring during sedation)
Bring someone to accompany you home — no driving for 24 hours after sedation
Leave valuables at home — you will be asked to remove jewellery before the procedure
Low-Residue Diet Guide
What to eat and avoid in the 3 days before colonoscopy.
A low-residue diet reduces the amount of undigested material in your colon, making bowel cleansing significantly more effective and your colonoscopy result more accurate. These guidelines are particularly important in the context of Korean cuisine.
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OK to Eat — Low Residue
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White rice — plain or with mild seasoning
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White bread, white toast, plain crackers
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Eggs — boiled, scrambled or soft-fried
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Tofu — silken or firm, plain preparation
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Fish — grilled or steamed, no skin
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Chicken or pork — boiled or steamed, no skin
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Clear soups and broths — doenjang without vegetables is OK
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Cooked carrots, zucchini, potato without skin
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Plain yogurt or cheese (small amounts)
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Water, clear juices, weak tea, black coffee
β Avoid — High Residue
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Red meat — beef, pork (bulgogi, galbi, samgyeopsal)
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Seaweed — miyeok, gim, dasima (very high fibre)
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Kimchi — fermented vegetables with high residue
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Brown rice, mixed grains (japgokbap, multigrain rice)
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Beans and legumes — kongnamul, dubu kimchi
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Leafy vegetables — spinach, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce
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Nuts and seeds — sesame seeds commonly used in Korean food
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Corn, mushrooms, potato skin
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Fruit with seeds or skin — kiwi, strawberries, grapes
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Alcohol — avoid for at least 3 days before colonoscopy
Medication Guidance
What to do with your medications before colonoscopy.
Many medications affect either the safety of colonoscopy or the quality of bowel preparation. Always inform our team of all medications you take when booking. The guidance below is general — your specialist will provide personalised advice based on your specific medications and medical history.
| Medication Type | Examples | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Thinners — Anticoagulants | Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa | STOP — discuss with specialist — typically stopped 3–5 days before |
| Antiplatelet Agents | Aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Brilinta | DISCUSS — depends on indication — may need to stop 5–7 days before |
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac | STOP 5 days before — increases bleeding risk during polypectomy |
| Diabetes Medications — Oral | Metformin, Jardiance, Januvia, Glipizide | SKIP on prep day and procedure day — not eating makes hypoglycemia risk |
| Insulin | Lantus, Toujeo, NovoRapid, Humalog | DISCUSS with specialist — dose adjustment required when fasting |
| Blood Pressure Medication | Amlodipine, Losartan, Ramipril, Bisoprolol | CONTINUE as usual — take with small sip of water on procedure morning |
| Thyroid Medication | Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Eltroxin) | CONTINUE — take after blood draw if morning tests, otherwise as normal |
| Iron Supplements | Ferrous sulfate, Ferrograd, iron tablets | STOP 7 days before — iron turns stool black and significantly impairs colonoscopy visibility |
| Constipation Medications / Laxatives | Lactulose, Dulcolax, Movicol | STOP — inform our team — your bowel prep solution replaces these |
Practical Tips
Tips to make bowel preparation easier and more effective.
Bowel preparation is the least enjoyable part of colonoscopy — but there are practical steps that make it significantly more comfortable. These tips are based on what our patients have found most helpful.
Chill the Solution
Refrigerate your bowel prep solution for 2–3 hours before drinking. Cold solution is significantly easier to drink than room temperature — the taste is less noticeable when cold.
Use a Straw and Lemon
Drinking through a straw reduces taste impact. Sucking on a lemon slice or chewing sugarless gum between glasses helps neutralise the taste of the solution.
Drink Slowly and Steadily
Do not rush. Drink one glass (250ml) every 15 minutes rather than large amounts quickly. Rushing causes nausea. Slow, steady drinking is more comfortable and equally effective.
Stay Close to a Bathroom
Bowel movements begin within 1–2 hours of starting the solution and can be frequent and urgent. Plan to stay home near a bathroom during and after taking the prep solution.
Protect Your Skin
Frequent wiping during preparation can cause skin irritation. Use a gentle wet wipe rather than dry tissue, and apply a protective barrier cream (like Vaseline) around the anal area.
Stay Hydrated
Drink additional clear fluids — water, sports drinks, clear broth — between doses of the prep solution. Staying well hydrated makes the preparation more comfortable and reduces headaches.
FAQ
Your questions answered.
More questions about colonoscopy preparation? WhatsApp our English-friendly team at Apgujeong Hana Clinic — anytime during your prep.
Your bowel preparation is adequate when your stool runs clear or light yellow with no solid particles. If you still see dark stool, brown cloudy liquid or solid material after completing the full prep solution, contact our team via WhatsApp immediately. In some cases, additional preparation may be needed. Do not assume inadequate prep is acceptable — it is the most common reason for a repeat colonoscopy.
Nausea is very common during bowel preparation. If you feel nauseous, stop drinking for 30 minutes and allow your stomach to settle. Then resume at a slower pace — drink smaller amounts less frequently. Walking around gently can also help. If you vomit and cannot continue, contact our team via WhatsApp immediately for guidance. Do not assume you have taken enough prep if you could not complete the full amount.
Yes — black coffee or plain tea without milk are permitted on the clear liquid day before your colonoscopy. A small amount of sugar or honey is acceptable. However, coffee or tea with milk, cream or non-dairy milk alternatives are not permitted as these are not clear liquids. Avoid all caffeinated beverages after 6 PM to allow adequate sleep before your procedure day.
Contact our team via WhatsApp as soon as possible and describe exactly what you ate and when. In most cases, if you ate something minor earlier in the preparation period and are following all other instructions correctly, your colonoscopy can proceed. However, eating solid food on the clear liquid day or on the morning of the procedure may require rescheduling. We will advise based on your specific situation.
Yes — blood pressure medications should be taken as usual on the morning of your colonoscopy, with a very small sip of water (no more than 30ml). Blood pressure medications should not be skipped. Please inform our team of all medications you take when booking, and list them clearly on the day of your procedure. Diabetes medications and blood thinners require specific guidance — do not take these without confirmation from our specialist.
WhatsApp (+82 10-2950-7551) is the fastest way. You can also call 02) 3443-7550 or book via Naver Booking. Same-week appointments are usually available. We are at 328 Apgujeong-ro, KFC Building 3F, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00, Sat 09:00–13:00. Full English preparation instructions are sent to you when you confirm your booking.
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Book your colonoscopy at Apgujeong Hana Clinic.
Full English preparation instructions provided when you book. Board-certified gastroenterologist. IV sedation. WhatsApp support throughout your preparation.
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English Prep Instructions
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WhatsApp During Prep
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IV Sedation Available
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Same-Day Results