Korean Pharmacy Survival Guide

💊 Don't Panic When Sick!

Korean Pharmacy Survival Guide

💡 In Korea, hospitals and pharmacies operate separately.

From how to use prescriptions to reading dosage instructions and recommended medicines!

Make sure to remember this guide just in case you get sick.

🏥 1. Understanding the Korean Pharmacy System

Korea has a system of Separation of Prescribing and Dispensing.

"Diagnosis from a Doctor, Medicine from a Pharmacist"

사진 : 나노바나나 (AI Generated)
Image: AI Generated

💊 Steps to Get Medicine

  1. Hospital Visit
    • Get a diagnosis from a doctor.
  2. Receive Prescription
    • After paying for the consultation,
      receive a paper 'Prescription'.
  3. Visit a Pharmacy
    • Go to a pharmacy near the hospital.
      (Usually located on the 1st floor!)
  4. Receive Medicine
    • Hand the prescription to the pharmacist and get your medicine made.

⚠️ Wait!

Prescriptions have an 'Expiration Date'!

KDCA National Health Information Portal
Image: KDCA National Health Information Portal

Prescriptions must be submitted to a pharmacy usually within 3 to 7 days (14 days for university hospitals) from the date of issuance.

Go to a pharmacy immediately after leaving the hospital! 🏃🏽

🕖 Pharmacy Operating Hours

  • Weekdays : Usually 9 AM ~ 6 PM (Similar to hospital closing hours).
  • Weekends/Holidays : Most are closed, or open only until Saturday afternoon.

😫 Sick Late at Night or on Holidays?

Don't worry!

If you can't find an open pharmacy, use these 2 methods.

  1. [휴일지킴이약국] : Click to search for pharmacies currently open near you.
  2. 24h Convenience Store Meds : You can buy basic medicines for mild symptoms like colds or indigestion at convenience stores.

🆚 2. OTC vs. Prescription Drugs (What's the difference?)

You cannot buy antibiotics or strong painkillers without a doctor's prescription.

CategoryOTC (Over-the-Counter)ETC (Prescription Drugs)
Where to buyPharmacy (No prescription needed)Pharmacy (Prescription required)
TypesMild cold meds, digestion, painkillers, ointments, patchesAntibiotics, blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, hormones
How to buySay the drug name or symptomsHand over the prescription

🚨 Wait!

Is the pain too severe?

Pharmacies are for "mild symptoms." If you have a high fever or unbearable pain, do not wait—go to a hospital immediately.

For details on how to use hospitals,
check out the [🏥 Hospital Survival Guide]!

🗣️ 3. Lost for Words at the Pharmacy?

It's okay if you don't know the name of the medicine 🙂

Describing your 'Symptoms' is the most accurate way.

📜 4. Decoding the Medicine Envelope

Korean medicine envelopes have very detailed dosage instructions.

Just check these 3 things!

Image: Government Innovation Website
Image: Government Innovation Website

  1. Frequency
    • How many times a day
      (e.g., 3 times daily).
  2. Timing
    • When to take it (e.g., Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner).
      • After meal (식후 30분) : Take 30 mins after eating. (Most common!)
      • Before meal (식전) : Take 30 mins before eating.
      • Between meals (식간) : Take 2 hours after a meal (on an empty stomach).
  3. Dosage
    • Number of pills per serving

🚨 Medicine Safety Rules

  • When to Stop
    You can stop OTC meds when symptoms disappear,
    but finish Antibiotics (prescription meds) completely.
  • Side Effects
    If you get hives or have trouble breathing after taking meds,
    stop immediately and go to a hospital.
  • No Sharing
    Do not share prescribed medicines with friends.

💊 5. Must-Have Meds for Students!

Say these names or show pictures at the pharmacy.
(Selected famous products 👍🏽)

💡 Note! It doesn't have to be this exact brand!

Just tell them your 'Symptoms',
and the pharmacist will find you a medicine with the 'same ingredients'. Don't worry ☘️

🤒 Cold & Body Aches

"When you have chills or a fever"

판피린(Panpyrin) (사진 : 동아제약) / 판콜(Pancold) (사진 : 동화약품)
Panpyrin (Image: Dong-A Pharm) / Pancold (Image: Dongwha Pharm)

  • Panpyrin / Pancold: Drinkable cold medicine.
  • Theraflu: Tea-style cold medicine.

🤯 Painkiller

"For bad headaches or period cramps"

타이레놀(Tylenol) (사진 : 한국존슨앤드존슨) / 이지엔6(E-Z-N 6) (사진 : 대웅제약)
Tylenol (Image: Johnson & Johnson Korea) / E-Z-N 6 (Image: Daewoong Pharmaceutical)

  • Tylenol : Basic pain reliever/fever reducer.
  • 이지엔6 (E-Z-N 6) / 탁센 (Tak-sen) : Effective for period cramps or toothaches.

🤢 Indigestion

"When you feel bloated or have indigestion"

까스활명수(Gas Whal Myung Su) (사진 : 동화약품) / 훼스탈(Festal) (사진 : 한독)
Gas Whal Myung Su (Image: Dongwha Pharm) / Festal (Image: Handok)

  • 까스활명수 (Gas Whal Myung Su) :
    Drinkable digestive medicine.
  • 베아제 (Bearse) / 훼스탈 (Festal) :
    Pill type digestive medicine.

🩹 Wounds & Scars

"For light cuts or scratches"

후시딘(Fucidin) (사진 : 동화약품) / 메디폼(Medifoam) (사진 : 메디폼 공식몰)
Fucidin (Image: Dongwha Pharm) / Medifoam (Image: Medifoam Official Store)

  • Fucidin:
    Prevents infection (Antibiotic ointment).
  • Madecassol:
    Skin regeneration ointment.
  • Medifoam:
    Hydrocolloid patch (Bandage).

🦟 Bug Bites

"For itchy mosquito bites"

버물리 에스 (Bumooly-s) (사진: 현대약품)
Bumooly-s (Image: Hyundai Pharm)

  • Bumulry / Summercool:
    Liquid/Gel type for itch relief.

✅ Final Checklist

Check these in advance for emergencies!

  • Locate the nearest pharmacy and 24-hour convenience store.
  • Buy Tylenol (painkillers) and band-aids to keep at home.
  • Memo your Allergies in Korean.

Did today's 'Pharmacy Survival Guide' help? 💊

Most importantly, stay healthy!

We hope you enjoy a healthy
and strong study abroad life.

HireVisa is cheering for you! 💪