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When living or traveling in Korea, getting access to medicine can be confusing for foreigners. But here’s the good news: many common medications are available without a doctor’s prescription. This guide explains exactly what you can buy, where to get it, and how to stay safe — without needing to visit a hospital or clinic.
1. Where Can You Buy Non-Prescription Medicine in Korea?
You can find over-the-counter (OTC) medicine in three main places:
- Pharmacies (약국 / Yak-guk)
→ This is your best option. Pharmacists often speak basic English and can suggest medicine based on symptoms. - Convenience Stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
→ Offer limited options like Tylenol, cold pills, and hangover drinks. Available 24/7. - Online Stores
→ Some Korean websites sell OTC medicine, but most require Korean mobile verification. Not practical for short-term visitors.
2. What Medicines Are Available Without a Prescription?
Here are the categories of medicine you can buy without a doctor’s note:
Pain Relievers
- Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
- Ibuprofen (Brufen, Advil)
- Aspirin – for minor pain and heart health
Cold and Flu Medications
- Panpyrin: Korea’s most popular cold relief syrup
- Whal Myung Su: Herbal liquid used for nausea and upset stomach
- Allergy & Rhinitis Sprays – Available for nasal congestion
Digestive & Stomach Aids
- Antacids (Seupasikon, Gaviscon)
- Gas relief tablets
- Probiotics and enzyme aids – widely available in pharmacies
Skin & Topical Treatments
- Hydrocortisone creams – for rashes and itching
- Antifungal creams – like Clotrimazole
- Acne creams – including Clindamycin gel
Hangover Remedies (a unique Korean specialty!)
- Morning Care, Condition, Heotgaecha – sold at convenience stores, popular among locals
Feminine Products
- Birth control pills – no prescription required in most pharmacies
- Yeast infection creams – widely available
3. What Still Requires a Prescription?
Even in Korea, some medicines are tightly controlled:
- Antibiotics – Always require a doctor’s visit.
- Strong painkillers (e.g., Codeine, Tramadol) – Prescription only.
- Anti-anxiety or sleeping pills – Must see a specialist.
- Injectables or hormonal treatments – Not OTC.
4. Useful Pharmacy Phrases (Korean + English)
If you’re not fluent in Korean, use these simple phrases:
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Do you have Tylenol? | 타이레놀 있어요? |
| I have a sore throat. | 목이 아파요. |
| I feel sick to my stomach. | 속이 안 좋아요. |
| Can I get this without a prescription? | 처방전 없이 살 수 있어요? |
Tip: Write symptoms using Papago or Google Translate and show your phone to the pharmacist.
5. Buying Medicine Safely in Korea
Follow these safety tips:
- Go to licensed pharmacies (look for a green cross and the word “약”).
- Check the expiration date on all packaging.
- Ask the pharmacist for instructions — even for OTC meds.
- Don’t bring foreign medicine into Korea without checking import rules.
6. For Long-Term Expats or Residents
If you’re staying long-term:
- Find a trusted local pharmacy near your home.
- Visit a clinic (진료소) early if you have chronic symptoms.
- Consider enrolling in Korea’s National Health Insurance, which reduces healthcare costs significantly.
Quick Summary
| Category | Examples You Can Buy Without Prescription |
|---|---|
| Painkillers | Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin |
| Cold Relief | Panpyrin, Whal Myung Su |
| Digestive Aids | Antacids, Gas tablets, Probiotics |
| Skin Treatments | Acne gels, Antifungal cream |
| Hangover Relief | Condition, Heotgaecha |
| Women’s Health | Birth control, OTC creams |
Coming Up Next:
👉 Want to know what supplements in Korea foreigners really buy and reorder?
Check out our next guide:
Top 5 Korean Supplements That Foreigners Actually Buy (And Reorder)