Pharmacy Guide — Korea

Look for the green cross: 약국 (yak-guk) = pharmacy. They are everywhere — most blocks in Seoul have one.

Convenience store vs pharmacy

Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) sell a small government-approved list of basic medicines (안전상비의약품): headache/fever pills, digestive aids, cold medicine sachets, bandages. Fine for mild issues at 2am.

Pharmacies carry the full range. For anything beyond basics — stronger painkillers, allergy meds, eye drops, stomach medicine — go to a pharmacy. Pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter options without a prescription; describe symptoms simply or use Papago's camera on the shelf.

What you can buy without a prescription

• Painkillers / fever reducers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Cold and flu medicine
• Digestive aids, antacids, motion sickness pills
• Antihistamines (allergy)
• Eye drops, nasal spray
• Bandages, disinfectant, muscle patches (very popular in Korea)

Prescription required: antibiotics, strong steroids, sleeping pills, and most chronic-condition meds. Bring these from home with a copy of your prescription.

Finding an English-speaking pharmacy

• Itaewon / Hannam-dong and Myeongdong pharmacies routinely serve foreigners and often speak basic English.
• Large chain-style pharmacies (e.g., Onnuri) in tourist areas are a safe bet.
• Hospital-adjacent pharmacies (look for the big 병원 signs) are used to foreign patients.

Tip: show the pharmacist a photo of the medicine box from your home country — they can usually match the active ingredient.

Prices

Over-the-counter medicine in Korea is cheap by Western standards: cold-medicine sachet boxes or digestive aids typically run ₩2,500–5,000; painkillers ~₩3,000 at neighborhood pharmacies. Prices vary shop to shop — larger pharmacies in busy districts often post prices, so compare before buying. No insurance needed for OTC purchases; pay at the counter.

If you're seriously ill

Don't self-diagnose beyond 2–3 days. Clinics (의원) accept walk-ins, consultation is fast and inexpensive, and many have English support in central Seoul. See the emergency cheat sheet for hospital ERs.

General information only, not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor about your situation.