South Korea – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in South Korea, and how do I recognise one?

In Korean, pharmacies are referred to as yakguk (약국) and licensed pharmacists as yaksa (약사). You will encounter these terms regularly once you begin engaging with the local healthcare system, so learning them early is a practical investment. To locate pharmacies nearby, simply enter 약국 into map applications such as Naver Map or Kakao Map, which also display operating hours for each listing.

The green cross on a white background is the universal indicator of a pharmacy in South Korea — the same symbol recognised in many parts of the world. The Korean character “약,” meaning “medicine,” is also prominently displayed on signage outside pharmacy premises, often in oversized lettering above the entrance or on illuminated boards, making them among the most easily identifiable health facilities along any Korean street.

South Korean pharmacies come in a number of forms: community pharmacies (약국) positioned near clinics, subway exits, and residential areas; pharmacies clustered around large hospitals or university medical centres; 365-day or late-night outlets; oriental pharmacies (한약국) that focus on herbal preparations; and, since 2025, some large-format warehouse-style establishments selling bulk-packaged over-the-counter products. For most expats, day-to-day interactions will take place at community pharmacies or those adjacent to hospitals.

South Korean pharmacies operate within a deliberately separated dispensing system. Following a landmark reform in 2000, the roles of prescribing and dispensing were legally divided for outpatient care. As a result, you will never receive a prescribed medicine directly from a clinic or hospital — you must carry your prescription to a pharmacy yourself.

What are pharmacy opening hours in South Korea?

Standard pharmacy hours run from 9 am to 6 or 7 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 1 or 2 pm on Saturdays, with the majority closed on Sundays and public holidays. Hours differ considerably from one outlet to the next; pharmacies in quieter residential areas may close earlier than those near hospitals or major transport hubs.

In large cities such as Seoul and Busan, a small number of night pharmacies (야간약국) operate until 11 pm or even around the clock, typically located near hospitals or in busy commercial districts. These are not uniformly distributed, so it is sensible to identify your nearest one before an urgent need arises. You can locate night pharmacies using Naver Map or Kakao Map, or through the official Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) website, by searching “24시간 약국” (24-hour pharmacy) or “야간 약국” (night pharmacy).

The Korean Pharmaceutical Association also operates dedicated web resources listing “holiday guard pharmacies” and “late-night pharmacies,” with accurate opening hours to help you quickly find nearby options. If you live in a smaller city or rural region, after-hours access may be severely limited, making advance planning especially worthwhile.

For genuinely urgent medical situations outside pharmacy hours, South Korea’s emergency number is 119. In an emergency, call 119 or go directly to the nearest emergency room (응급실, eung-geup-sil) for immediate care.

Which medicines can I buy over the counter in South Korea, and which require a prescription?

Medications for everyday complaints such as headaches, colds, and allergic skin reactions can be purchased without a prescription in South Korea. Pharmacy shelves stock a broad selection of non-prescription items including common analgesics such as ibuprofen, cold and allergy remedies, digestive treatments, vitamins, herbal supplements, and traditional preparations. That said, the over-the-counter landscape is more tightly regulated than in many other countries, and products you are accustomed to buying freely at home may here require pharmacist involvement or even a prescription.

For non-prescription medicines, pharmacies are the primary point of sale. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association notes that, aside from a limited list of exceptions, over-the-counter medicines — including many painkillers and cold remedies — are intended to be sold “mostly only” in pharmacies. The South Korean government has reclassified 48 items as safe for general retail, including 18 digestive aids, 11 intestinal preparations, five ointments, two pain-relief patches, and 12 drink products — with painkillers such as Tylenol and Aspirin, cold remedies such as Pancold, and medicated patches among those included.

Some basic medicines are also stocked at Korean convenience stores (pyeoneuijeom). A glass cabinet near the counter typically holds remedies for flu-like symptoms, painkillers, and digestive aids — inexpensive options that are useful at night or on weekends when most pharmacies are shut.

While painkillers and cold medicines are generally available without a prescription, stronger treatments such as antibiotics or medications for ongoing chronic conditions almost always require a doctor’s prescription. Inside pharmacies, virtually all medicines are kept behind the counter, meaning that even for over-the-counter items you will need to speak directly with the pharmacist rather than browsing shelves as you might in a supermarket-style pharmacy elsewhere.

Regarding online orders: purchasing some medicines online within South Korea is permitted, and domestic online pharmacies do offer home delivery, but it is essential to verify that any such pharmacy is legitimate and that the medication concerned is both safe and legal. Ordering prescription medicines from international online pharmacies for delivery to South Korea is generally not allowed and carries significant legal risk.

Will my prescription from another country be accepted in South Korea?

Many prescription medicines are stocked by South Korean pharmacies, but brand names may differ from those you know, and local pharmacies will generally require a prescription issued by a South Korean-licensed doctor. South Korea has no bilateral cross-border dispensing agreements, so a prescription from your home country alone is normally insufficient for a Korean pharmacy to fill it.

Bringing your prescription documentation from your home doctor — together with the original packaging wherever possible — to a Korean doctor or pharmacist will make it significantly easier for them to assist you. A Korean doctor can then issue a local prescription for an equivalent medicine after reviewing your records. For common chronic conditions, this process is usually straightforward.

The vast majority of prescription medications available in other countries are also available in South Korea, though not necessarily under the same name, and you may need to choose between imported and domestically produced brands. Your pharmacist can advise on locally available equivalents. If you are uncertain whether a particular medicine is obtainable, consult the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) website before departing.

How do I get a prescription in South Korea?

Following a clinic or hospital consultation in South Korea, you will typically receive a printed or digital prescription (처방전) that you then take to a pharmacy (약국) of your choosing. Prescriptions are not tied to any particular pharmacy — you are free to use any outlet, although pharmacies near the issuing clinic are often convenient as their staff may be familiar with local prescribing practices.

South Korea does not operate a formal GP registration system comparable to those found in some publicly funded healthcare models. There are no general practitioners in the traditional sense — even for a straightforward condition such as a cold, you must attend a hospital or clinic to see a doctor. For a GP-like consultation, seek out a naegwa (내과, Internal Medicine Department). Walk-in visits to clinics and hospitals are accepted for most conditions without a prior referral.

The step-by-step process for obtaining a prescription as a newly arrived expat is as follows:

1. Find a clinic or hospital: Seek out clinics experienced in treating foreign patients or with English-speaking doctors on staff. Major cities maintain international clinics with multilingual teams. Apps such as Kakao Health and CloudHospital can help you search for and book appointments.
2. Attend a consultation: Explain your symptoms, medical background, and any medication you need during the appointment. Carry existing prescriptions or health records from your home country to support the consultation.
3. Pay the consultation fee: Consultation fees typically range from KRW 30,000 to KRW 80,000 (as of 2024); additional diagnostic tests or treatments will incur further charges. NHIS enrolment reduces your co-payment portion.
4. Receive your prescription: The doctor will provide a prescription (처방전) for any required medicine. This may be in printed form or transmitted electronically to a pharmacy of your preference.
5. Visit a pharmacy: Present your prescription — whether paper or electronic — at any nearby pharmacy (약국), and the pharmacist will prepare your medication according to the doctor’s instructions.
6. Present your insurance card: Hand over your health insurance details when collecting your prescription. If you are covered by South Korean health insurance, you will usually pay only a co-payment on the covered medication cost.

Prescription validity in South Korea is typically short — prescriptions are valid for a limited number of days from the date of issue, so visiting a pharmacy promptly is advisable. For patients with chronic conditions who need repeat prescriptions, doctors can issue prescriptions covering longer courses, though this remains at their discretion. Always confirm the validity period on your prescription with the issuing clinic.

How much do prescriptions cost in South Korea, and is there a subsidised medicines scheme?

South Korea’s social health insurance functions on a cost-sharing basis: the NHIS meets a defined proportion of covered services, and you settle the remainder directly with the provider at the point of care. This co-insurance arrangement means the amount you pay varies according to the actual price of the medicine, unlike flat-fee prescription charge systems found in some European countries.

For NHIS-covered prescription medicines dispensed at community pharmacies, the patient’s share is typically 30% of the NHIS benefit expense for covered drugs (as of 2025). Non-covered brands, over-the-counter items, and supplementary services are generally paid in full by the patient. The NHIS extends coverage to all residents — including foreign nationals residing in South Korea for more than six months — and meets approximately 70% of medical expenses for covered services.

For uninsured patients, expect to pay around KRW 20,000 for a one-week course of medication depending on the drugs prescribed (as of 2024). Costs vary considerably according to the type of medication, dosage, and whether the drug appears on the NHIS reimbursement list. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) maintains an official catalogue of covered medicines; readers are encouraged to verify current charges and reimbursement lists directly on that site, as figures are updated on a regular basis.

Employer-based contribution rates were set at 7.09% of salary in 2024 (split between employer and employee), with rates reviewed annually by the NHIS. South Korea does not operate a fixed prescription prepayment scheme, but the NHIS does impose an annual catastrophic cost ceiling (본인부담상한제) that caps total patient co-payments within a given year for enrolled members — consult the NHIS website for the current annual threshold, which is adjusted periodically.

If you have no South Korean health insurance, you will bear the full cost of all medications. For short-term visitors or newly arrived expats not yet enrolled, out-of-pocket prescription costs are generally still lower than in many high-cost healthcare systems, but they can accumulate quickly for complex or long-term conditions.

Are brand-name and generic medicines both available in South Korea?

Both branded and generic medicines are eligible for NHIS subsidy, and South Korea has a sizeable domestic pharmaceutical sector that produces generic versions of many internationally recognised drugs. Regulatory oversight of both originator and generic products rests with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

Korean law prohibits pharmacies from independently altering a prescription without the prescribing doctor’s agreement. Pharmacies may, however, offer a generic substitute where permitted and discuss the options with patients concerned about costs. In practice, South Korean doctors frequently prescribe by brand name, but a pharmacist may suggest a generic alternative — particularly when the branded version is absent from the NHIS reimbursement list or attracts a higher patient co-payment.

Generic medicines are typically less expensive than their branded counterparts, and opting for a generic where one is available can noticeably reduce your out-of-pocket expenditure. If your doctor has specified a particular brand for a clinical reason, the pharmacist is not permitted to substitute it without the prescriber’s consent. It is worth raising the question of generic suitability with your doctor at the time of consultation.

What should expats know about bringing medications into South Korea from abroad?

Certain prescription drugs are classified as controlled substances and are governed by regulations set by the Korean Food and Drug Administration and the Korean Customs Service. The rules surrounding importing or carrying medications into South Korea are subject to revision at any time, so it is strongly advisable to confirm procedures with the relevant Korean authorities before bringing any medicines into the country.

For medications that contain neither narcotics nor amphetamines, travellers may bring up to six bottles — or the equivalent of a three-month personal supply — into South Korea, provided the medicines are solely for personal use. You must carry the original prescriptions, a letter from your doctor specifying your medical condition, and a declaration from the doctor regarding the medicines being transported. Keeping all medication in its original labelled packaging will help avoid complications at customs.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) stipulates that any medication containing narcotics — including CBD oil — is strictly prohibited from being imported into South Korea, even when accompanied by a valid foreign prescription. Marijuana, CBD oil, and products derived from hemp are heavily restricted and must not be brought into South Korea, including during airport transit. Possession of these products — even with a foreign prescription — can result in arrest or deportation.

Some prescription drugs are entirely illegal in South Korea, while others require advance approval from the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (K-MFDS). Travellers carrying amphetamines, narcotics, or opioids must hold the appropriate authorisation. For prescription medications that contain controlled substances, a written application to the MFDS must be submitted prior to travel. The MFDS can be contacted for current information at +82-43-719-2813 or by email at [email protected].

The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport holds ultimate authority over which medications are permitted entry. Regulations can and do change, so always verify the current rules with the MFDS or the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate before travelling. Do not rely on unofficial online forums for definitive guidance on controlled substances at customs.

How do private health insurance and public healthcare affect prescription costs in South Korea?

The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) delivers universal coverage to all residents, including foreign nationals who have lived in South Korea for more than six months. Since March 2021, NHIS enrolment has been compulsory for most long-term foreign residents who are studying or living in the country beyond that threshold. Unlike the NHS in the United Kingdom — which is funded through general taxation and provides free prescriptions in Wales and Scotland — the NHIS operates on a contribution-plus-co-payment basis, requiring monthly premium payments as well as a share of each healthcare cost at the point of use.

NHIS coverage extends to inpatient treatment, outpatient appointments, prescription medicines, and maternity care, though co-payments apply across these areas — typically 20–30% of costs. Private plans can bridge these gaps, particularly for elective or complementary treatments. Outpatient visits attract a 30–60% co-pay depending on facility type and location; hospital admissions carry a 20% co-pay; emergency care is covered with a reduced patient share; and basic dental procedures are included, though cosmetic work falls outside the scheme.

Many expatriates supplement their NHIS cover with a private plan to address non-covered services such as upgraded hospital rooms, certain dental and vision treatments, optional diagnostics, and to reduce exposure to remaining patient co-payments. Private plans may also include international evacuation cover, mental health support, and direct billing at expat-oriented clinics. This supplementary model broadly resembles the “top-up” insurance approach used alongside Australia’s Medicare or Germany’s statutory insurance system, where public coverage handles core costs and private cover addresses remaining gaps.

Foreign residents who are self-employed or who have resided in South Korea for at least six months under an eligible visa status qualify for NHIS enrolment. Current eligibility guidance is published on the NHIS website. Employees on work visas are generally enrolled automatically by their employer from the commencement of employment. If you are newly arrived and enrolment has not yet begun, contact your employer’s HR department or visit your nearest NHIS office to clarify your status and coverage start date. The NHIS multilingual helpline is available at 1577-1000 (press 7 for foreign language services).

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I need medication urgently and pharmacies are closed?

In major cities such as Seoul and Busan, late-night pharmacies (야간약국) that operate until 11 pm or even round the clock can be found near hospitals and busy commercial areas. Use Naver Map, Kakao Map, or the HIRA website to locate the nearest one by searching “야간 약국” or “24시간 약국.” For genuine medical emergencies, dial 119 — South Korea’s combined ambulance and fire emergency number. Remedies for flu symptoms, painkillers, and digestive complaints are also sold at convenience stores (pyeoneuijeom) when pharmacies are not open.

How do I find a pharmacy or clinic with staff who speak a language other than Korean?

In districts commonly visited by foreigners, look for pharmacies displaying a notice indicating that language assistance is available. Large hospitals in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities often have English-speaking coordinators based at their international clinics. Translation apps such as Papago or Google Translate are commonly used in pharmacy settings, and many pharmacies also rely on printed instruction labels, basic English terms, or diagrams to ensure patients understand their medication correctly.

Can I manage a chronic condition during the gap between arriving in South Korea and establishing local healthcare?

For medications that contain neither narcotics nor amphetamines, you are permitted to bring up to a three-month personal supply into South Korea. This window allows time to register with a local clinic, obtain a Korean prescription for an equivalent medicine, and enrol in the NHIS if you are eligible. Bring complete documentation — original packaging, a letter from your doctor, and translated health records where possible — to help any Korean doctor continue your treatment without unnecessary delay.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted at a South Korean pharmacy?

Local pharmacies will generally require a prescription issued by a South Korean-licensed doctor. No bilateral agreements exist to allow foreign prescriptions to be dispensed directly. The practical solution is to attend a local clinic, present your existing prescription and original packaging, and obtain a Korean prescription for the equivalent or closest available medicine. Most prescription drugs available in other countries can also be found in South Korea, though possibly under different brand names.

Are ADHD medications and antidepressants available in South Korea?

Some prescription drugs are illegal in South Korea, and others require advance approval from the K-MFDS. Amphetamine-based ADHD medications such as Adderall or Vyvanse are classified as narcotics in South Korea and may not be brought into the country or prescribed locally in the same formulation. Antidepressants that are not narcotic-class are generally obtainable but require a local prescription. If you depend on any controlled psychiatric medication, contact the MFDS at [email protected] well ahead of your travel to clarify your options and arrange any necessary permits.

How does NHIS enrolment work for newly arrived expats?

Once you have obtained your Alien Registration Card (ARC) from the immigration office within 90 days of arrival, an NHIS bill will be sent to your registered address approximately six months after you arrive, typically around the 10th of that month. Pay your first premium by the 25th of the month and your NHIS card will be mailed to you — carry it to clinics and pharmacies to benefit from the subsidised co-payment rate. Employees on work visas are usually enrolled automatically by their employer from the start of employment.

Is it possible to order medicines online from abroad and have them delivered to South Korea?

Importing prescription medicines from international online pharmacies into South Korea is generally prohibited and carries significant legal risk, even for some supplements. Purchasing medicines online within South Korea is possible, and a number of domestic online pharmacies offer home delivery, but you must confirm that any such pharmacy is legitimate and that the medication is both safe and lawful in Korea. Prescription items still require a valid Korean prescription. Always verify current regulations with the MFDS before attempting to import any medicines from abroad.

What is the HIRA, and how can it help me find healthcare services?

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) is a South Korean government agency responsible for reviewing and evaluating the appropriateness of medical treatments and insurance claims. For expats, its most practically useful feature is a public-facing service locator that allows you to find 24-hour pharmacies and night pharmacies by entering the relevant Korean search terms. HIRA’s database also enables you to check whether specific medicines qualify for NHIS reimbursement, helping you anticipate costs before a clinic visit. Visit hira.or.kr for further details.