If you’re living in or visiting South Korea, knowing how pharmacies (약국 / yak-guk) work is essential.
Whether you're dealing with a headache, cold symptoms, or a chronic condition, the process for getting medication in Korea is likely different from your home country.
Pharmacies in Korea are well-organized and pharmacists are trained professionals, but the system might feel unfamiliar, especially due to language barriers and different rules for medications.
This guide will walk you through everything foreigners need to know: how to find a pharmacy, what kind of medicines are available over-the-counter (OTC) vs. by prescription, what documents you need, what hours pharmacies are open, and how to communicate with pharmacists. We’ll also cover what to do in an emergency, and how to bring your own medication into Korea legally.
For full regulations, refer to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) official site.
Table of Contents :
- What Is a Pharmacy Called in Korea?
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications in Korea
- Prescription Medications
- Pharmacy Hours in Korea
- What to Expect Inside a Korean Pharmacy
- Language Barrier: How to Communicate
- Emergency Medications & After-Hours Needs
- Can You Bring Medicine into Korea?
- Traditional Korean Medicine (한약)
What Is a Pharmacy Called in Korea?
The Korean word for pharmacy is 약국 (yak-guk). You’ll see this word written in green or red letters on store signs throughout cities and towns. Pharmacies are usually small, standalone shops, but you can also find them inside or near clinics and hospitals.
Unlike some countries where medications are self-serve, most Korean pharmacies keep their medications behind the counter. That means you need to speak with a pharmacist (or show them a note or translation app) to get what you need, even for OTC drugs.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications in Korea
Many medications that are available without a prescription in Korea may still require interaction with a pharmacist.
Common conditions like colds, fevers, headaches, indigestion, and mild skin issues can be treated with OTC drugs found at any yak-guk.
Examples of OTC medications:
Tylenol (타이레놀) – Acetaminophen for pain and fever
Panpyrin (판피린) – A popular Korean cold medicine with multiple active ingredients
Digestive enzymes like Bearse (베아제) or gas relief pills
Allergy meds like Zyrtec (지르텍) and Claritin (클라리틴)
Topical ointments such as Madecassol (마데카솔) for minor wounds
Smecta (스멕타) – for diarrhea or stomach upset
Tip: Korean pharmacists at the yak-guk will often ask for your symptoms and recommend something. You don’t need a prescription for these meds, but you may need to describe what you’re feeling.
For full details on drug classifications, visit the MFDS drug regulation list.
Prescription Medications
For stronger or controlled medications (like antibiotics, sleep aids, or medications for chronic illnesses), you will need a prescription from a Korean doctor. This involves a short visit to a clinic or hospital.
Steps to get prescription meds:
Visit a doctor at a hospital or clinic.
Describe your symptoms. If you have NHIS (Korean National Health Insurance), bring your ARC.
Receive a printed prescription (usually in Korean).
Take the prescription to any pharmacy (약국 / yak-guk) to receive your medication.
Some medications that are prescription-only in your home country may be OTC in Korea—and vice versa. Always ask the pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure.
To learn how prescription approval works, see the MFDS drug approval guide (PDF).
Pharmacy Hours in Korea
Most pharmacies (yak-guk) in Korea operate during the daytime and early evening.
Typical hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
Closed Sundays and holidays: especially in small towns
24-hour pharmacies: found in major cities like Seoul and Busan; search “24시 약국” (yak-guk) on Naver or Kakao Maps
In emergencies, head to a large hospital’s pharmacy counter or emergency room, where basic medications may be provided.
What to Expect Inside a Korean Pharmacy
Korean pharmacies (yak-guk) are usually compact but well-stocked. Expect to find:
A counter where you speak to the pharmacist
Shelves of health products like vitamins, heat packs, bandages
Sometimes personal hygiene items and skincare products
You won’t find open access to pills or tablets like in Western drugstores. If you need something specific, it’s best to write it down or use a translator app.
Prices: Most OTC meds are affordable. A box of cold medicine might cost ₩5,000–₩10,000. Prescriptions may be partially covered by NHIS.
Language Barrier: How to Communicate
Most pharmacists at the yak-guk speak basic English, especially in cities. Still, it’s a good idea to learn or write down key phrases:
“Do you have cold medicine?” = 감기약 있어요? (gam-gi-yak i-sseo-yo?)
“I have a headache.” = 두통이 있어요. (du-tong-i i-sseo-yo)
“Please give me painkillers.” = 진통제 주세요. (jin-tong-je ju-se-yo)
“Is this prescription medicine?” = 이 약은 처방이 필요해요? (i yak-eun cheo-bang-i pi-ryo-hae-yo?)
Translation apps like Papago or Google Translate can help. You can also show images or names of the medications you’re used to—pharmacists often recognize brand names.
Emergency Medications & After-Hours Needs
If you feel sick at night or on a holiday:
Search for “24시 약국” (24-hour yak-guk) in map apps
Visit the emergency room (응급실) of a nearby general hospital
Some convenience stores sell very basic medicine (e.g., Tylenol) without consultation, but options are limited
In an emergency, you can also call 119 for medical help. English-speaking dispatchers are available.
Can You Bring Medicine into Korea?
Yes, but there are strict rules.
Up to 3-month supply of personal prescription medication is allowed
No narcotics or psychotropic drugs without permission
Carry documentation: prescription, doctor’s note, medication packaging
💡 If you're unsure whether your medication is allowed, contact the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before traveling. Some common medications like Adderall or strong sleeping pills are considered controlled substances in Korea.
To understand the legal framework, refer to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (English).
Traditional Korean Medicine (한약)
You might also encounter pharmacies or clinics offering Hanbang (한방) or traditional Korean medicine. These are often herbal remedies tailored by a doctor of Korean medicine. While not part of Western pharmacy systems, they are legitimate and regulated in Korea.
Hanbang clinics often prepare custom herbal teas or powders
Used for digestive problems, fatigue, skin issues, and stress
May not be covered by NHIS unless specifically prescribed
These remedies can be effective, but always inform your doctor if you’re taking both herbal and pharmaceutical medicines to avoid interactions.
Korean pharmacies (yak-guk) may feel different at first, but they are safe, professional, and accessible. With a bit of preparation—knowing key phrases, carrying documents, and understanding how prescriptions work—you’ll be able to handle most health needs confidently.
From treating a sore throat to managing a chronic condition, Korea’s yak-guk system is well-equipped to support both locals and foreigners. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask a pharmacist—they’re trained to guide you, and many are used to helping non-Korean speakers.
