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How to Get the Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception) in Korea

Do I need a prescription for the morning-after pill in Korea?

Yes. As of 2026, emergency contraception in Korea is a prescription-only medicine. You cannot buy it directly at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. This is different from many countries, so foreign visitors are often surprised. Plan ahead and act quickly.

In Korean, the morning-after pill is called 사후피임약(sa-hu-pi-im-yak).

How soon should I take it?

Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pill used internationally:

•  Levonorgestrel pills, generally recommended within 72 hours (3 days).
• Ulipristal acetate pills, generally used within 120 hours (5 days).

Which product is available and suitable for you is decided by the doctor. Both are more effective the earlier they are taken. A copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception in some cases; ask the doctor whether this is an option.

Step by step: getting emergency contraception in Seoul

1.  Find an open clinic. Any OB-GYN clinic (산부인과) can help. Other clinics, such as internal medicine or family medicine, may also prescribe it.
2. Tell reception why you came. You can say 사후피임약 처방 받고 싶어요 (sa-hu-pi-im-yak cheo-bang bat-go si-peo-yo), meaning "I would like a prescription for the morning-after pill."
3. See the doctor. You will be asked when the unprotected sex happened, the date of your last period, and your medical history.
4. Take the prescription to a pharmacy. Pharmacies are usually in or next to the clinic building.
5. Take the pill as instructed, often right away.

What if it is evening, a weekend, or a holiday?

Many clinics close on Sundays and public holidays. Options include:

• Clinics with evening hours. Eunice Women's Clinic is open until 20:00 on Tuesday and Thursday and 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturday.
• Hospital emergency rooms, which can prescribe emergency contraception. ER fees are higher than clinic fees.
• Holiday pharmacies (휴일지킴이약국) for filling the prescription. Search Naver Map or KakaoMap for open pharmacies.

For more on after-hours options, read after-hours and emergency care in Seoul.

How much does it cost?

Emergency contraception is not covered by national insurance. At Eunice Women's Clinic, the consultation fee for emergency contraception is 20,000 KRW (list last checked 2026-01-01; prices may change; confirm with the clinic). The medicine is paid separately at the pharmacy, and the price depends on the product.

What side effects can happen?

Common, usually short-lived effects include nausea, headache, tiredness, breast tenderness, and spotting. Your next period may come earlier or later than usual. If you vomit within a few hours of taking the pill, contact the doctor or pharmacist, because you may need another dose.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than about 7 days late, if it is unusually light, or if you have symptoms of pregnancy. Home urine tests (임신테스트기) are sold at pharmacies. See pregnancy test if you would like a clinic test.

What about regular contraception?

Emergency contraception is less effective than regular methods and is not meant for routine use. It is also a good time to think about ongoing contraception, such as the pill or an IUD. Dr. Eun Mi-na can discuss options in English. See emergency contraception and our birth control guide.

Is my visit confidential?

Medical information in Korea is protected by law. Clinics do not share your visit details with employers, schools, or family members without your consent. If you are an adult, you can visit alone. When you use NHIS, the visit is recorded in the insurance system, which is standard for all covered care. If you have privacy concerns, ask the clinic how the visit will be billed.

Key facts at a glance

   

Question	Answer in Korea
Prescription needed?	Yes
Covered by NHIS?	No
Where to buy	Pharmacy, with prescription
When to take it	As soon as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy the morning-after pill at a Korean pharmacy without a prescription?

No. As of 2026, emergency contraception in Korea requires a doctor's prescription. You need to see a doctor first, then buy the medicine at a pharmacy. This rule has been debated for years, so check current information if you read otherwise.

Do I need to see a gynecologist, or can any doctor prescribe it?

An OB-GYN clinic is the most common choice, but doctors at other clinics and hospital emergency rooms can also prescribe emergency contraception. If the nearest OB-GYN is closed, call other open clinics to ask before you go.

Does the morning-after pill cause an abortion?

No. Emergency contraceptive pills mainly work by delaying or preventing ovulation. They do not end an established pregnancy. They are not effective if you are already pregnant, which is why timing matters.

Can I get emergency contraception at Eunice Women's Clinic on the same day?

Booking is recommended. Call +82-2-467-3100 or message the KakaoTalk channel to check same-day availability. The clinic is open until 20:00 on Tuesday and Thursday and until 14:00 on Saturday, and closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Will emergency contraception affect my future fertility?

No. There is no evidence that using emergency contraceptive pills affects future fertility. Your cycle may be irregular for one cycle after use. If your period is very late or you have concerns, take a pregnancy test and talk to a doctor.

Related pages

•  Emergency Contraception
• Birth Control in Korea
• After-Hours & Emergency Care
• Pregnancy Test
• Same-day gynecologist

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.