Prescriptions in Korea

In Korea, many medicines require a prescription from a licensed medical professional. After receiving medical care, patients may be given a prescription that can be taken to a pharmacy for dispensing.

International visitors should understand that medicines available without a prescription in another country may be regulated differently in Korea.

HOW THE PROCESS WORKS

For many outpatient visits, the basic process is:

Visit Clinic or Hospital → Medical Consultation → Receive Prescription → Visit Pharmacy → Receive Medicine

The pharmacy is often separate from the clinic or hospital.

RECEIVING A PRESCRIPTION

When prescription medicine is medically appropriate, the healthcare professional determines:

• Medicine
• Dosage
• Frequency
• Duration
• Other treatment instructions

Follow the prescribed directions and ask for clarification if you do not understand how to take the medicine.

FINDING A PHARMACY

Pharmacies are commonly marked with the Korean word 약국 (Yakguk).

Hospitals and clinics often have pharmacies nearby, but patients are generally not limited to one particular nearby pharmacy.

Operating hours vary by pharmacy.

FOREIGN PRESCRIPTIONS

A prescription issued in another country should not be assumed to be directly dispensable at a Korean pharmacy.

If you need continued prescription medication while in Korea, you may need evaluation by an appropriate Korean medical professional.

Requirements can depend on the medicine involved.

MEDICINE NAMES

Brand names can differ between countries.

If you regularly take medication, bring information showing:

• Generic / active ingredient name
• Strength
• Dosage
• Frequency
• Reason for taking the medicine
• Original prescription or medical information when available

The active ingredient name can be particularly useful when communicating with Korean healthcare professionals.

CONTROLLED OR RESTRICTED MEDICINES

Some medicines are subject to additional Korean regulations.

Travelers bringing medication into Korea should check applicable Korean requirements before traveling, particularly for narcotic or psychotropic medicines and other controlled substances.

Do not assume that a medicine legally prescribed overseas can automatically be brought into Korea without restrictions.

AT THE PHARMACY

When receiving medicine, confirm:

Which Medicine? → How Much? → How Often? → Before or After Meals? → How Many Days?

If you have medication allergies or take other medicines, tell the pharmacist.