Prescriptions & Pharmacies in Korea

After seeing a doctor in Korea, you may receive a prescription if medication is needed. In many cases, prescription medicines are obtained from a pharmacy rather than directly from the clinic or hospital.

AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION

If your doctor prescribes medication:

Receive Prescription

→ Visit a Pharmacy

→ Give Prescription to Pharmacist

→ Receive Medication

→ Follow Dosage Instructions

Prescriptions generally have a validity period, so follow the instructions provided by the medical institution.

FINDING A PHARMACY

The Korean word for pharmacy is:

Pharmacy — 약국

Pharmacies are common near hospitals, clinics and commercial areas.

Hospital or clinic staff can often direct you to a nearby pharmacy.

AT THE PHARMACY

Give your prescription to the pharmacist.

Depending on the medication, the pharmacist may explain:

• How much to take
• How often to take it
• When to take it
• How many days to take it
• Important precautions

If you do not understand the instructions, ask for clarification before leaving.

PRESCRIPTION VS. NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Some medicines require a doctor's prescription.

Other medicines may be available directly from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Availability depends on the medication and Korean regulations.

BRING YOUR MEDICATION INFORMATION

If you already take medication from another country, it is useful to know:

• Medication name
• Active ingredient
• Dosage
• How often you take it
• Reason for taking it

A foreign brand name may not be familiar in Korea, so information about the active ingredient can be particularly useful.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE

Foreign-language assistance varies between pharmacies.

For important medication instructions, make sure you understand:

Dose · Frequency · Timing · Duration · Precautions

Do not guess how medication should be taken.