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Birth Control in Korea: A Practical Guide for Foreign Women

What birth control options are available in Korea?

Most common methods are available in Korea, although brand names may differ from those in your home country. The main options are:

•  Combined oral contraceptive pills(estrogen and progestin)
• Hormonal IUDs such as Mirena and Kyleena
• Copper IUDs(availability varies by clinic)
• Contraceptive implant(availability varies by clinic)
• Condoms, sold at pharmacies and convenience stores
• Emergency contraception(prescription required)

Availability of specific products can change, so ask a clinic or pharmacy about current options.

Can I buy the pill without a prescription in Korea?

Yes, for some pills. In Korea, many combined pills are classified as general (over-the-counter) medicines, so you can buy them at a pharmacy (약국, yak-guk) without seeing a doctor. Other pills, often newer types, require a prescription. The classification of each product can change, so check with the pharmacist.

To buy the pill, you can say 피임약 주세요(pi-im-yak ju-se-yo), which means "Birth control pills, please." Show a photo of your current pill package. The pharmacist can help find a product with the same or a similar hormone type.

Should I see a doctor even if I can buy pills over the counter?

It is a good idea, especially when you start or switch pills. Combined pills are not suitable for everyone. A doctor can check your blood pressure, smoking status, migraine history, and risk of blood clots. A consultation is also helpful if you have side effects such as spotting, mood changes, or headaches. See birth control pills for what the clinic offers.

How do I switch from my home-country pill?

1. Find the active ingredients and doses on your current package. The brand name alone may not exist in Korea.
2. Bring the package or a photo to a doctor or pharmacist.
3. Ask for a pill with the same ingredients, or the closest option.
4. Follow the start instructions carefully. When switching brands, a gap in pills can reduce protection.

What about IUDs in Korea?

Hormonal IUDs are widely used in Korea. They are placed at a gynecology clinic and can last several years depending on the product. At Eunice Women's Clinic, posted prices are Mirena 350,000 KRW and Kyleena 330,000 KRW (list last checked 2026-01-01; prices may change; confirm with the clinic). Read our IUD guide for more.

How does emergency contraception work in Korea?

Emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") requires a prescription in Korea. You must see a doctor first and then buy it at a pharmacy. It is more effective the sooner it is taken. See our morning-after pill guide.

Is birth control covered by insurance?

Generally, no. Contraception for preventing pregnancy is usually non-covered by NHIS. At Eunice Women's Clinic, the consultation fee for non-insured visits such as pre-emptive contraception or emergency contraception is 20,000 KRW (prices may change). If a hormonal method is prescribed to treat a medical condition, coverage can be different, so ask the clinic.

What if I miss a pill?

Instructions for missed pills depend on the type of pill and how many pills were missed. In general, take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue the pack. If you missed more than one pill, or had unprotected sex after missing pills, you may need backup contraception or emergency contraception. Read the leaflet inside the package, ask a pharmacist, or contact a doctor. The Korean leaflet may not have an English version, so keeping the English leaflet from your home-country pill can be useful.

Comparison of common methods

   

Method	Need a doctor in Korea?	How often
Combined pill (many types)	Often no (pharmacy)	Daily
Some newer pills	Yes (prescription)	Daily
Hormonal IUD	Yes (insertion)	Several years
Condoms	No	Each time
Emergency contraception	Yes (prescription)	After unprotected sex

Where can I get contraception advice in English?

Eunice Women's Clinic runs a contraception clinic with consultations in English by Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female, board-certified OB-GYN. The clinic is a 1-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3 and opens until 20:00 on Tuesday and Thursday. Book via Naver Booking, KakaoTalk, or phone. See contraception consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Is the birth control pill over the counter in Korea?

Many combined birth control pills are sold over the counter at Korean pharmacies, so you can buy them without a prescription. Some newer types require a prescription. Product classifications can change, so ask the pharmacist and bring your current pill package to compare ingredients.

Can I get my home-country pill brand in Korea?

Sometimes the same brand exists, but often it does not. What matters is the active ingredients and doses. Bring the package or a photo to a pharmacist or doctor. They can suggest a Korean product with the same or a similar formula.

Can I get the contraceptive injection in Korea?

Availability of injectable contraception in Korea is limited and may change. Ask a clinic directly before your visit. If it is not available, a doctor can explain other long-acting options, such as a hormonal IUD, that may suit you.

Is birth control covered by Korean national health insurance?

Contraception for preventing pregnancy is generally not covered. You pay the clinic's non-covered fee for the consultation and device. When a hormonal method is used to treat a medical condition, such as heavy periods, coverage rules may differ. Ask before your appointment.

Related pages

•  Birth Control Pills
• Contraception Consultation
• IUD in Korea
• Morning-After Pill in Korea
• Pharmacy Guide for Women

This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.