How do I get prescription medication in Korea?

Getting prescription medication in Korea requires a doctor's visit at a clinic (의원) or hospital, then taking the prescription (처방전) to any pharmacy (약국) within 3 days. Doctor visits cost about 5,000 to 15,000 won with NHIS coverage (or 30,000 to 60,000 won without), and most prescriptions are filled within 5 minutes for a few thousand won. Antibiotics, blood pressure medications, anxiety meds, and most regular drugs all require prescription.

For bringing prescriptions from home, you can carry up to a 3-month supply of personal medication into Korea with the original prescription and the bottle/box, declared at customs if asked. For controlled substances (narcotic painkillers, ADHD meds, sleep aids), you need a Personal Importation Approval Certificate from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (mfds.go.kr) before flying, otherwise they'll be confiscated. Common Western brands like Adderall, Concerta, and certain SSRIs have Korean equivalents but require new prescriptions from a Korean doctor. Bring a translated medical history letter so doctors can match you to local equivalents.

For ongoing prescriptions, find a foreigner-friendly clinic. International clinics at Severance (Yonsei), Samsung Medical Center, Asan, and SNUH all have English-speaking doctors who can write Korean prescriptions and explain dosing in English. KMC International Clinic in Itaewon is walk-in friendly. The 1339 Medical Helpline (24/7, English) can connect you to clinics near you. Refills require a new visit each time (no auto-refills like in the US), but some chronic conditions allow 3-month prescriptions to reduce trips. Most pharmacies near hospitals stock everything; otherwise call ahead to check stock for unusual medications.