If you’ve ever needed to visit a hospital or buy medicine like cold tablets or painkillers in Korea, you’ve probably searched for “Pharmacy in Korea.”

While Korea’s healthcare system is known for its efficiency, its pharmacy structure is slightly different from that of Western countries.
Knowing how the Korean pharmacy system works — including its operating hours, 24-hour pharmacy options, and where to find English-speaking pharmacists — will make your medical experience in Korea much easier.

In this guide, we’ll explain step by step how to use pharmacies in Korea, how to get medicine, where to find English-speaking pharmacies, and how to apply your foreigner health insurance benefits.

Pharmacy in Korea: Types and How to Use Them

The Basic Structure of Pharmacies in Korea

Most pharmacies in Korea are conveniently located near hospitals or clinics, and they mainly dispense prescription drugs after you receive a doctor’s prescription.

You can recognize them by the green cross sign (+) and the word “Pharmacy” written outside. In large cities, many pharmacies also display English signage.

Pharmacists will explain how to take your medicine, whether it should be taken with food, and how to store it safely. Most can communicate basic English, and if not, you can easily use a translation app to describe your symptoms or request.

While you may find a few medicines at convenience stores, not all are authorized to sell them. Only those labeled as “Pharmacy Designated Stores” can sell a limited list of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like painkillers or digestive aids. Always check the store label before purchasing.

💡 Remember: Prescription medicines are available only at licensed pharmacies.

Prescription drugs – Require a doctor’s prescription after a hospital visitOver-the-counter (OTC) drugs – Common medicines like cold medicine, painkillers, or antacids that can be purchased without a prescription

Pharmacy in Korea vs Western Pharmacies: Key Differences

Korea’s pharmacy system differs from that of the U.S., Canada, or Europe in several ways. Here are some of the main differences to keep in mind.

1. Where You Can Buy Medicine
In Korea, only about 13 types of OTC medicines (such as Tylenol and digestive tablets) are sold in designated convenience stores. Most other drugs must still be purchased at a pharmacy.

In contrast, in Western countries like the U.S. or the U.K., you can easily find OTC medicine at supermarkets or large drugstore chains such as CVS or Boots.

2. How Medicine Is Packaged
In Western pharmacies, prescription medicine is often provided in bottles. In Korea, however, medicine is usually medicine is usually dispensed in small plastic pouches, often labeled by day and time — for example, “morning, lunch, evening.”

This makes it easier to manage your dosage and prevents confusion, especially if you’re taking multiple medications.

Pharmacy in Korea: Finding English-Speaking and 24-Hour Pharmacies

How to Find English-Speaking Pharmacies in Korea

If you prefer to visit a pharmacy where you can communicate in English, the following websites can help you locate one easily:

HiKorea – Official site with healthcare and pharmacy info for foreignersSeoul Global Center – Provides multilingual support and lists English-speaking pharmaciesVisit Korea – Lists foreigner-friendly hospitals and pharmacies

You can also search “English Pharmacy” or “Pharmacy for Foreigners” on Google Maps or Naver Map to find English-speaking pharmacies in major cities like Seoul, Busan, or Jeju.

Do Pharmacies in Korea Operate at Night?

Most pharmacies in Korea close after clinics finish their business hours in the evening.

However, to ensure access to medication during emergencies, the government designates certain pharmacies as Public Night Pharmacies that operate from 10 PM to 1 AM, including weekdays, weekends, and public holidays.

You can check the location of these pharmacies on:

Smart Seoul Map – Search for “Public Night Pharmacy ”Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA)’s Drug Safety Information (DUR) websiteLocal city websites such as Seoul or Yeongdeungpo District Office pages

💡 Tip: Operating hours may vary depending on government support, so it’s best to call before visiting.

While 24-hour pharmacies are rare in Korea, some exist — for example, Jeil Grand Pharmacy near Sinnonhyeon Station in Seoul operates around the clock. Still, hours may change, so always confirm before visiting.

Pharmacy in Korea: Using National Health Insurance (NHIS) as a Foreigner

Can Foreigners Use Health Insurance at Pharmacies in Korea?

Yes. Foreigners who legally stay in Korea for six months or more are automatically enrolled in the National Health Insurance (NHIS) system.

This applies regardless of visa type — whether you are studying, working, or residing long-term. Once registered, you’ll receive 50–80% coverage on medical and pharmacy fees. You can check eligibility and application details on the NHIS English website.

Simply show your Alien Registration Card (ARC) when visiting a hospital or pharmacy to receive coverage benefits.

Pharmacy in Korea: When Medicine Isn’t Enough — Visit a Hospital

For minor symptoms such as colds, indigestion, or muscle pain, OTC medicine from a pharmacy may be sufficient.

But if you experience persistent fever, worsening symptoms, or severe pain, you should visit a hospital right away.

You can find English-speaking hospitals through:

HiKorea – Foreigner medical guideSeoul Global Center – Medical consultation in EnglishVisit Korea – Medical tourism hospital listings

Whether you live in Korea or are just visiting long-term, knowing how to use both pharmacies and hospitals in Korea will help you feel safe and comfortable during your stay.