Birth Control Options in Korea

1. Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

  • Availability: Over-the-counter (no prescription needed)
  • Popular brands: Mercilon, Myvlar, Diane-35, Minivlar, Yaz, Yasmin
  • Cost: ₩5,000–₩20,000 per month
  • Where to buy: Any pharmacy nationwide
  • Notes: Pharmacists may ask basic health questions; some newer-generation pills may be more expensive.


2. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (Morning-After Pills)

  • Availability: Prescription required
  • Common brands: Postinor, NorLevo
  • How to get: Visit a women’s clinic or hospital for a brief consultation and prescription
  • Cost: ₩15,000–₩40,000 for the pill, plus ₩30,000–₩100,000 for the doctor’s visit
  • Timing: Best taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex


3. IUD (Intrauterine Device)

  • Types: Copper IUD (non-hormonal), Hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena)
  • Availability: Requires gynecologist insertion
  • Cost: ₩250,000–₩500,000 including procedure
  • Duration: Lasts 3–10 years depending on type
  • Notes: Removal or replacement also incurs extra fees


4. Condoms

  • Availability: Widely available
  • Where to buy: Pharmacies, convenience stores, supermarkets, online
  • Cost: ₩3,000–₩10,000 per pack
  • Brands: Korean (Unidus, Okamoto), international (Durex, Trojan)


5. Birth Control Implant (e.g., Nexplanon)

  • Availability: Limited to select women’s clinics and hospitals
  • Cost: ₩300,000–₩500,000
  • Duration: Up to 3 years
  • Notes: Requires insertion/removal by a trained physician


6. Birth Control Injection

  • Availability: Less common, offered at select OB/GYN clinics
  • Cost: ₩30,000–₩80,000 per injection
  • Frequency: Every 3 months
  • Brand: Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone)


7. Sterilization (Permanent)

  • For Women (Tubal Ligation): Offered in large hospitals; rare and usually not recommended for unmarried or childless women
  • For Men (Vasectomy): More accessible but still uncommon
  • Cost: ₩800,000–₩2,000,000 (not covered by insurance)



🔍 Things to Know

  • Most contraceptives are not covered by national health insurance.
  • English-speaking OB/GYN clinics in areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae can assist foreigners.
  • Abortion is decriminalized, but contraceptive access and education remain limited in public settings.
  • Sexual health education is improving but still conservative, especially outside metropolitan areas.


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