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Is Abortion Legal in Korea?

Quick answer: Yes, in the sense that abortion has not been a crime in Korea since January 1, 2021, after a 2019 Constitutional Court ruling. As of September 2026, however, replacement legislation has not passed, and the abortion pill is not yet available (planned for around 2027, up to 9 weeks). Early consultation with a licensed OB-GYN is recommended.

The short version

  • 2019: the Constitutional Court ruled the criminal ban unconstitutional.
  • January 1, 2021: the criminal provisions stopped applying.
  • September 2026: no replacement law has passed; several bills are pending.
  • Abortion pill: not yet available; the government plans to introduce it for pregnancies up to 9 weeks around March 2027.

What this means for you

Because the law is not fully settled, the stage of pregnancy matters. Book a consultation early so an ultrasound can confirm how many weeks pregnant you are. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female OB-GYN, provides confidential consultations in English and care within the law. See pregnancy termination consultation and the full guide Abortion in Korea.

Book a confidential consultation in English

Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3

Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking

Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays

Frequently asked questions

Can I be punished for having an abortion in Korea?

The Criminal Act provisions that punished women for abortion lost effect on January 1, 2021. Because no new law has passed, some legal uncertainty remains, especially for late-stage pregnancies.

Where can I get help in English?

Eunice Women's Clinic at Seongsu Station Exit 3 offers confidential consultations in English with a female OB-GYN. Book by KakaoTalk, Naver Booking or +82-2-467-3100.

Should I buy abortion pills online?

No. They are not approved in Korea, their quality is unknown, and using them without medical supervision can be dangerous. See a doctor instead.

Related pages

This page provides general information and is not legal or medical advice. Laws and approvals in Korea are changing; information is current as of September 2026. Decisions are made with the doctor after an individual consultation. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever or fainting, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room.