1. Are Abortion Pills Legal in Korea?

As of 2025, abortion is legal in Korea, but there is no clear regulatory framework for medical abortion pills. The government has not yet approved specific brands for broad distribution through pharmacies. However, some private women’s clinics and OB/GYN specialists in Korea do offer abortion pills to eligible patients during early pregnancy, usually up to 9 or 10 weeks.

In short: abortion pills are legally allowed, but not easily available over the counter. Access depends on individual clinics.

2. How Abortion Pills Work

Medical abortion typically involves two medications taken in sequence:

1. Mifepristone – Blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain pregnancy.
2. Misoprostol – Causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

The process usually follows this schedule:

• Day 1: Take mifepristone at the clinic or at home.
• Day 2–3: Take misoprostol orally or vaginally, as instructed.
• Next 24–48 hours: Cramping, bleeding, and tissue expulsion occur.
• Follow-up: A clinic visit or ultrasound confirms that the abortion is complete.

3. Availability of Brands in Korea

Because Korea has not officially approved a national list of abortion pill brands, most pills used in clinics are imported or prescribed discreetly.

Brands commonly used worldwide include:

• Mifegyne (mifepristone)
• Cytotec (misoprostol)
• Combipack kits like MTP Kit (used in some parts of Asia)

In Korea, you cannot walk into a pharmacy and buy these without a prescription. They must be administered through a licensed medical provider.

4. Who Can Use Medical Abortion?

Most clinics in Korea offer abortion pills for pregnancies:

• Up to 9–10 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period
• In patients without ectopic pregnancy, clotting disorders, or allergies to the medications

A pelvic exam or ultrasound is usually required before medication is prescribed.

5. Cost of Abortion Pills in Korea

Abortion pills are not covered by Korean National Health Insurance, so the cost is out-of-pocket.

Expect to pay:

• 300,000–600,000 KRW for the entire procedure (including consultation, ultrasound, medication, and follow-up)
• Prices may vary depending on clinic location and services offered

6. Where to Access Pills Safely

Not all clinics in Korea offer the abortion pill. Here’s how to find one that does:

• Search for women’s clinics in Seoul or Busan with English-speaking services
• Contact the clinic directly to ask if they offer medical abortion or medication abortion
• Ask about gestational age limits and follow-up requirements
• Confirm cost and payment method in advance

Major areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae tend to have more foreigner-friendly clinics.

7. What to Expect During the Process

Medical abortion involves:

• Heavy cramping and bleeding for several hours
• Emotional and physical fatigue
• A follow-up visit to ensure completion and rule out complications

Most people recover physically within a few days, but aftercare is important. Some clinics offer additional counseling or STI testing at follow-up.



Final Thoughts

While abortion pills are not sold in pharmacies in Korea, they are available through select clinics that provide medical abortion. For foreigners, the key is finding a clinic with English-speaking staff and confirming that they offer pill-based options for early pregnancy.

Always consult a licensed medical provider before taking any abortion medications. Self-sourcing pills online or without medical supervision can be dangerous.

If you need help finding a safe, confidential, and supportive clinic in Seoul or another major city in Korea, assistance is available.

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