How do pharmacies work, and can I find my usual medicine?

Prescription medicine comes from a doctor's prescription that you take to a pharmacy (약국); common over-the-counter medicines are sold there without one. Your usual brand may have a different name in Korea or may not be sold, so ask the pharmacist. What to do 1. After a clinic visit, take your prescription to a pharmacy. With health insurance you pay part of the cost; HIRA lists the current rates. 2. For minor symptoms, ask a pharmacist. Registered convenience stores and marts also sell a few household medicines, such as fever reducers and digestives, without a prescription. 3. To find a pharmacy open now or on a holiday, use the Korean Pharmaceutical Association's holiday pharmacy finder, or call 119. 4. For your usual medicine, bring the package or prescription showing the ingredient name and dose. A pharmacist or doctor can tell you what's available here; don't switch medicines on your own. 5. If your medicine is prescription-only in Korea, you'll need to see a doctor here. Good to know • MFDS's drug database 의약품안전나라 (Korean) lets you look up medicines in Korea. Official sources • Korean Pharmaceutical Association – Holiday pharmacy finder (Korean): https://www.pharm114.or.kr • HIRA – Copayment rates (Korean): https://www.hira.or.kr/dummy.do?pgmid=HIRAA030056020110 • MFDS – Drug database 의약품안전나라 (Korean): https://nedrug.mfds.go.kr/index This is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 119. Checked by the Verihood team on October 3, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you act.