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A Korean Pharmacy Guide for Women's Health
Quick answer: Korean pharmacies (약국) sell many women's health products without a prescription, including many combined birth control pills, pregnancy tests, period pain relievers, and some vaginal care products. Emergency contraception, antibiotics, and most prescription antifungal tablets need a doctor. For symptoms that return or do not improve, see a gynecologist such as Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station.
How do pharmacies work in Korea?
Korea separates prescribing and dispensing. Doctors write prescriptions, and pharmacies fill them. Clinics usually do not sell medicine directly, with some exceptions such as injections and products used in the clinic. Pharmacies (약국, yak-guk) are easy to find: look for signs with the character 약. Most clinic buildings have a pharmacy on the ground floor or next door.
Pharmacists in Korea can give advice on general (over-the-counter) medicines. English ability varies, so bring a photo of the product you use at home, or use a translation app.
What women's health products can I buy without a prescription?
| Product | Korean | Prescription needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Many combined birth control pills | 피임약 (pi-im-yak) | Often no |
| Home pregnancy test | 임신테스트기 (im-sin-te-seu-teu-gi) | No |
| Ovulation test | 배란테스트기 (bae-ran-te-seu-teu-gi) | No |
| Pain relievers for period pain (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen) | 진통제 (jin-tong-je) | No, for common doses |
| Some vaginal antifungal products | 질정 (jil-jeong) | Depends on product |
| Feminine wash and probiotics | 여성청결제, 유산균 | No |
| Folic acid and iron supplements | 엽산, 철분제 | No |
| Condoms | 콘돔 | No |
Medicine classifications can change, so ask the pharmacist about a specific product.
What needs a prescription?
- Emergency contraception (사후피임약): prescription required. See our morning-after pill guide.
- Antibiotics: for urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, and STDs.
- Most oral antifungal tablets: for yeast infections.
- Some newer birth control pills and hormone therapy.
- Stronger pain relief and many other medicines.
How do I buy birth control pills at a pharmacy?
Show your current pill package or a photo of the ingredient list. Ask for the same active ingredients. Say 피임약 주세요 (pi-im-yak ju-se-yo). If you are starting the pill for the first time or have health conditions such as migraine with aura, high blood pressure, or a history of blood clots, see a doctor first. Read birth control in Korea.
Can I treat a yeast infection with pharmacy products?
If you have had a yeast infection diagnosed before and your symptoms are the same, a pharmacist may suggest an over-the-counter product where available. But itching and discharge have many causes, including bacterial vaginosis and STDs, which need different treatment. See a doctor if it is your first episode, if symptoms return often, or if you are pregnant. Read yeast infection treatment in Korea.
What about urinary tract infections?
Pharmacies may sell products that relieve urinary discomfort, but a bacterial UTI usually needs antibiotics from a doctor. Do not delay if you have fever, back pain, or blood in the urine. See UTI treatment in Korea.
Where can I find a pharmacy at night or on holidays?
- Holiday pharmacies (휴일지킴이약국): designated pharmacies open on Sundays and holidays. Search in Naver Map or KakaoMap.
- Late-night pharmacies: some pharmacies in busy areas open late. Hours change, so check the map app.
- Convenience stores: sell a limited range of general medicines (안전상비의약품), such as some pain relievers and cold medicines, 24 hours a day. They do not sell birth control pills or prescription drugs.
What should I ask the pharmacist?
Useful questions include how many times a day to take the medicine, whether to take it before or after meals, what side effects to watch for, and whether it is safe with your other medicines or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Korean prescriptions often say to take medicine 30 minutes after meals (식후 30분, sik-hu sam-sip-bun). Pharmacies usually print a short medicine information sheet, mostly in Korean, which you can translate with a camera app.
How do I pay at the pharmacy?
Pharmacies accept cards and cash. With a prescription, NHIS members pay a reduced price for covered medicines. Show your residence card if the pharmacy asks. Keep the pharmacy receipt (약제비 영수증) if you plan to claim from insurance.
Tips for foreigners
- Bring a list of your regular medicines with generic names, not only brand names.
- Ask the pharmacist to write the dosing schedule on the package.
- Check the expiry date and storage instructions.
- If you bring medicine from abroad, check Korean import rules.
Eunice Women's Clinic, a 1-minute walk from Seongsu Station Exit 3, can give prescriptions after a consultation in English. Vaginal care products such as Lactofil Duo 60 (vaginal probiotic, 65,000 KRW) and Crinosan wash (30,000 KRW) are also on the clinic's list (prices may change). See gynecology consultation.
Book an appointment 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 buy birth control pills at a Korean pharmacy without a prescription?
Many combined birth control pills are sold over the counter at Korean pharmacies. Some newer types require a prescription. Bring your current package so the pharmacist can match the ingredients. If you are starting the pill for the first time, a doctor's check is a good idea.
Are pregnancy tests sold at convenience stores in Korea?
Home pregnancy tests are sold at pharmacies, and some convenience stores also carry them. Pharmacies usually have a wider choice. For the most reliable result, test from around the first day of a missed period, and see a doctor to confirm.
What pain reliever can I buy for period cramps in Korea?
Pharmacies sell common pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen without a prescription. Ask the pharmacist for 생리통 약 (saeng-ni-tong yak). If period pain is severe or getting worse, see a gynecologist to check for conditions such as endometriosis.
How do I find an open pharmacy on Sunday in Seoul?
Search for 휴일지킴이약국 (holiday pharmacy) or 약국 in Naver Map or KakaoMap and check today's opening hours. Opening schedules change often. For simple needs, convenience stores sell a small range of general medicines 24 hours a day.
Related pages
- Birth Control in Korea
- Morning-After Pill in Korea
- Yeast Infection in Korea
- UTI Treatment in Korea
- Gynecology Consultation
- Period Pain
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.