How to Purchase Morning-After Pills in Korea (2025 Guide)
1. Prescription is Required
In South Korea, morning-after pills are not sold over the counter. You must first visit a doctor to get a prescription. This applies to both types of emergency contraception: levonorgestrel-based pills and ulipristal acetate.
2. Visit a Women’s Clinic or Hospital
You can get a prescription by visiting:
- A gynecology clinic
- A hospital emergency room, especially on weekends or late hours
The consultation is usually brief and focuses on confirming the time since unprotected intercourse and ruling out contraindications.
3. Buy the Pill at a Pharmacy
Once you have a prescription, take it to any pharmacy to buy the emergency contraceptive. Common brands in Korea include:
- Postinor
- NorLevo
Pharmacists may ask for the prescription and confirm timing before dispensing.
4. When to Take It
- Levonorgestrel-based pills should be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
- Ulipristal acetate, if prescribed, is effective up to 120 hours but is less commonly available.
Taking the pill as soon as possible increases effectiveness.
5. Cost
- The pills typically cost around ₩12,000–₩40,000 depending on the brand.
- Doctor consultation or emergency room visits may add ₩50,000–₩100,000 in out-of-pocket costs.
- Morning-after pills are not covered by insurance in Korea
6. For Foreigners
Many private women’s clinics in areas like Gangnam or Itaewon offer
English-speaking services. Walk-ins may be accepted, but calling ahead is recommended. Mentioning that you’re a foreigner may help the clinic guide you through the process more smoothly.
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