In South Korea, emergency contraceptive pills (morning-after pills) require a doctor’s prescription and are not available over the counter. To get one, visit a clinic, obtain a prescription, and purchase it at a pharmacy. Common brands include NorLevo and EllaOne. If you need quick access, international clinics in Seoul may offer faster consultations.
I still remember the night my friend Mina called me in a panic.
“I’m freaking out,” she whispered over the phone. “I need the morning-after pill, but I have no idea how to get it in Korea. Do I need a prescription?”
Mina had been living in Seoul for a year, but navigating the healthcare system—especially for women’s health—was still confusing. I took a deep breath and told her what I knew.
Are Emergency Contraceptive Pills Available Over the Counter in South Korea?
Unfortunately, in South Korea, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are NOT available over the counter. Unlike in many Western countries where you can simply walk into a pharmacy and buy them, here, you must see a doctor and get a prescription.
Mina sighed in frustration. “So I have to book an appointment first?”
“Yes,” I said. “And since it’s time-sensitive, you need to find a clinic that won’t make it difficult.”
This is where things get tricky. Some doctors are reluctant to prescribe emergency contraception due to personal beliefs or social stigma. That’s why it’s important to find a women’s clinic that is professional, understanding, and respects your right to healthcare.
Where to Get Emergency Contraceptives in South Korea
I told Mina about Second Spring Women, a highly trusted women’s health clinic in Seoul. They provide discreet and professional care, making it much easier for women to access what they need without judgment. Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong is well-known for her expertise and compassionate approach to women’s health.
Mina booked an appointment the next morning, and within a few hours, she had her prescription in hand. She sent me a relieved text later:
“Thank you! They were so professional, and I got the pill without any hassle.”
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in need of emergency contraception in South Korea, don’t wait—book an appointment as soon as possible. And if you want a clinic that prioritizes women’s health without judgment, I highly recommend Second Spring Women and Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong.
Your health matters, and you deserve access to the care you need—without shame, without delay.
I still remember the panic I felt that morning. My friend, a fellow expat in Seoul, called me in distress—she needed the morning-after pill. Back home, it was easy to get over the counter, but was it the same in South Korea?
After rushing to a pharmacy, we quickly realized the harsh truth: emergency contraceptive pills require a doctor’s prescription in South Korea. No over-the-counter access. With time ticking, we searched for a reliable women’s clinic. That’s when we found Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong at Second Spring Women.
Dr. Jeong was understanding and professional, providing quick guidance without judgment. If you ever find yourself in need of emergency contraception or any women’s health services in South Korea, I highly recommend Second Spring Women’s Clinic. 
I remember the first time my friend panicked after an accident with birth control. She rushed to a pharmacy in Seoul, hoping to get a morning-after pill. But unlike in some countries, emergency contraceptive pills in South Korea require a prescription.
This means a trip to the doctor, which can be stressful when time is crucial. Luckily, we found Dr. Seon-Hwa Jeong at Second Spring Women. She was understanding and professional, making the process much easier.
If you’re in a similar situation, don’t wait—reach out to a trusted clinic like Second Spring Women for help!