Traveling is fun, but getting sick in a foreign country is scary. What if you get a headache late at night? Or have an upset stomach after trying spicy Korean food?
Don’t panic. Korea has one of the best medical systems in the world. In this Korean Pharmacy Guide, I will explain how to find medicine easily and what to buy at convenience stores.
Step 1: Look for the Sign “YAK” (약) 🏥
In Korea, a pharmacy is called “Yak-guk” (약국). Just look for the big red or blue sign that says “약” (Medicine) on the street.
- Opening Hours: Usually 9:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays).
- Prescription: You do NOT need a prescription for basic meds like cold medicine, painkillers, or digestion pills. Just talk to the pharmacist.
- Language: Most pharmacists understand basic English words like “Headache,” “Stomachache,” or “Fever.”
Step 2: Convenience Store Medicine (24/7) 🏪
It is 2 AM and the pharmacies are closed. What should you do? Go to the nearest Convenience Store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven).
According to the Korean Pharmacy Guide rules, convenience stores sell safe, basic medicines 24 hours a day. Look for a small medical shelf near the cashier.
Must-Know Medicine List (Convenience Store)
- Tylenol (타이레놀): For headache, fever, and pain.
- Panpyrin (판피린): A simple drink for cold symptoms (runny nose, coughing).
- Bearse (베아제): A pill for indigestion (stomach upset).
- Salonpas (파스): Pain relief patches for sore muscles after walking all day.
Step 3: Editor’s Secret Pick for Indigestion 🥤
If you ate too much Korean BBQ or spicy Tteokbokki, your stomach might hurt. In this situation, Koreans don’t just take pills. We drink a “Magic Potion.”
🏆 Editor’s Pick: “Whal-Myeong-Su” (까스활명수)
This is the most famous digestive drink in Korea (since 1897!). It is a small bottle with a fan logo.
It tastes like carbonated herbal medicine. It might taste strange at first, but it works instantly for bloating or indigestion. You can buy it at any convenience store (GS25, CU) without a prescription. Trust me and try it!
Step 4: Finding “Open Pharmacies” at Night 🌙
Most pharmacies close around 6 PM or 7 PM. But what if you need medicine late at night or on a Sunday?
You can find open pharmacies in real-time using Naver Map. Follow these steps:
- 1. Search: Open Naver Map and type “Pharmacy” (or “약국”).
- 2. Check Status: Look at the list. You will see a label saying “Open” or “Operating” (영업중) in green text.
- 3. Double Check: The map will show you the nearest open pharmacy. If the status is grey (“Closed”), find another one.
(⬇️ Please refer to the screenshot below. I searched for “Pharmacy” and found the open ones.)
Useful Korean Phrases for Pharmacy 🗣️
If you visit a local pharmacy, show these phrases to the pharmacist. This is the most practical part of the Korean Pharmacy Guide.
| English | Korean (Pronunciation) |
|---|---|
| I have a headache. | Meori-ga apayo. (머리가 아파요) |
| I have a stomachache. | Bae-ga apayo. (배가 아파요) |
| I caught a cold. | Gam-gi geol-lyeo-sseoyo. (감기 걸렸어요) |
| Please give me Tylenol. | Tylenol ju-se-yo. (타이레놀 주세요) |
Emergency Numbers to Remember 🚨
If the pharmacy is closed and you are very sick, do not wait. Korea has excellent emergency services that support English.
- 119: Ambulance & Fire (Free, Interpreter available).
- 1339: Korea Disease Control Agency (Medical Hotline). They can connect you to a doctor who speaks English.
You can find more medical information on the Official VisitKorea Website.
FAQ: Common Questions About Korean Pharmacies ❓
Here are quick answers to questions tourists often ask in the Korean Pharmacy Guide.
Q: Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription?
A: No. In Korea, you must see a doctor to get antibiotics (Hangsaengje). Pharmacies only sell basic cold or pain medicine over the counter.
Q: How much does medicine cost?
A: It is very affordable. Basic pills like Tylenol or cold medicine usually cost between 3,000 KRW to 6,000 KRW ($2 ~ $4.5).
Q: Do pharmacists speak English?
A: Many pharmacists in tourist areas (Myeongdong, Hongdae) speak basic English. If not, use the translation app or the photos in this guide.
Conclusion: Stay Healthy!
Korea is a very safe place to travel, even if you get sick. Pharmacies are everywhere, and convenience stores have your back 24/7.
Bookmark this Korean Pharmacy Guide just in case. But I hope you don’t need to use it
.I hope this Korean Pharmacy Guide helps you stay healthy and enjoy your trip without worry.Keep this Korean Pharmacy Guide saved on your phone, so you can travel safely without worrying about emergencies.