Medications in South Korea
How prescription medications are regulated, dispensed and bought in South Korea. The medicines regulator is MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety), and prices are quoted in KRW.
- Regulator
- MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
- Currency
- KRW
Prescription rules
In South Korea, prescription medicines (전문의약품) are dispensed only against a doctor's prescription, while general medicines (일반의약품) are sold OTC at pharmacies. The 2000 medical reform separated dispensing from prescribing — doctors prescribe, pharmacists dispense.
Pharmacy practice
Korean pharmacies (약국) are licensed by the MFDS and present in every neighbourhood, often clustered near clinics. Pharmacists verify each prescription and provide medication counselling at dispensing, with the National Health Insurance Service covering most prescription costs.
Buying online
Online prescription dispensing is heavily restricted in South Korea — telemedicine and remote prescribing were expanded only temporarily during COVID-19 and remain limited. Direct online sale of prescription medication is not permitted; consumers can browse OTC products on chain-pharmacy websites.
Medications
-
AcyclovirAcyclovir200mg · 400mg · 800mg -
AddyiFlibanserin100mg -
AllegraFexofenadine30mg · 60mg · 120mg · 180mg -
AmbienZolpidem5mg · 10mg · 6.25mg CR · 12.5mg CR -
AmoxilAmoxicillin250mg · 500mg · 875mg -
AndroGelTestosterone1% · 1.62% -
AtivanLorazepam0.5mg · 1mg · 2mg -
AugmentinAmoxicillin/Clavulanate500/125mg · 875/125mg · 1000/62.5mg -
AvodartDutasteride0.5mg -
AygestinNorethindrone Acetate5mg -
Brand CialisTadalafil20mg -
Brand PremarinConjugated Estrogens0.3mg · 0.625mg · 1.25mg
Categories
- Allergy and Antihistamines
- Anti-anxiety Medications
- Anti-Depressants
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal Medications
- Antiviral Medications
- Cardiovascular Medications
- Diabetes Treatment
- Diuretics
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Eye Care and Ophthalmic Treatments
- Gastrointestinal Medications
- Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss
- Hormones and Birth Control
- Neurological Medications
- Pain Relief Medications
- Respiratory Medications
- Sleep Aids and Hypnotics
- Women's Sexual Health
Active ingredients
See all →The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.