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Abortion in Korea: The Law and Your Options (2026 Guide)

Quick answer: Abortion is not a crime in Korea since January 1, 2021, after the Constitutional Court ruled the criminal ban unconstitutional in 2019. However, as of September 2026 replacement legislation has not been passed, so rules on timing and procedure are still unsettled. The abortion pill is not yet available; the government plans to introduce it for pregnancies up to 9 weeks around 2027.

What did the Constitutional Court decide?

On April 11, 2019, Korea's Constitutional Court ruled that the Criminal Act provisions punishing women who have an abortion, and doctors who perform one with consent, did not conform to the Constitution. The Court gave the National Assembly until December 31, 2020 to write new rules. No new law was passed in time, so the criminal provisions lost their effect on January 1, 2021.

What is the situation now (2026)?

  • No criminal ban: having an abortion is no longer punished under the old Criminal Act provisions.
  • No replacement law yet: as of September 2026, several bills are in the National Assembly, with different proposals on gestational limits, counseling, a doctor's right to refuse, and insurance coverage. None has passed.
  • Older rules still on the books: the Mother and Child Health Act still lists limited situations and a time limit for "artificial termination of pregnancy." Because the wider law was never updated, there is legal uncertainty, and courts have still punished some cases involving late-stage pregnancy.

In practice, many OB-GYN clinics provide early pregnancy termination after a consultation. Because the rules are unsettled, it is best to seek care early and from a licensed medical institution.

Is the abortion pill available in Korea?

Not yet. An application to approve Mifegymiso (mifepristone and misoprostol) has been under review since December 2024. In September 2026 the government announced plans to introduce abortion medication for pregnancies up to 9 weeks, targeting around the end of March 2027. For the first two years, doctors at larger hospitals would prescribe and dispense it. Pills bought online or abroad are not approved in Korea, their quality is unknown, and using them without medical supervision can be dangerous.

Is it different for foreigners?

The same rules apply to foreign residents and visitors. You can see a doctor with your passport or ARC. Consultations are available in English at clinics such as Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station.

Is it covered by health insurance?

Pregnancy termination is generally not covered by NHIS, except in limited medical situations defined in law. Tests such as ultrasound may be charged separately. Ask the clinic for the total cost before any procedure. See gynecologist costs in Korea.

What should I do first?

  1. Take a pregnancy test, or have one at a clinic (see pregnancy test).
  2. Book a consultation early. An ultrasound confirms how many weeks pregnant you are, which decides your options.
  3. Ask about all options, costs, aftercare and contraception afterwards.
  4. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever or fainting at any time, call 119.

Where can I get support?

You can talk to a doctor in English at Eunice Women's Clinic. For general health information, the KDCA hotline is 1339. The Seoul Dasan Call Center (120) and the Korea Travel Hotline (1330) offer help in English.

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

Is abortion legal in Korea in 2026?

Abortion is no longer a crime under the old Criminal Act provisions, which lost effect on January 1, 2021. Replacement legislation has not passed as of September 2026, so some rules remain unsettled.

Is there a time limit for abortion in Korea?

No new time limit has been set by law since 2021. The older Mother and Child Health Act still mentions limits, and proposed bills differ. Seek care early and ask a doctor what is possible at your stage.

When will the abortion pill be available in Korea?

The government plans to introduce it for pregnancies up to 9 weeks around the end of March 2027, first at larger hospitals. As of September 2026 it is not available.

Can foreigners get an abortion in Korea?

Yes. The same rules apply to foreign residents and visitors. Clinics such as Eunice Women's Clinic in Seongsu offer consultations in English.

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.