How pharmacies work in Korea
Pharmacies (약국, yak-guk) are marked with a green cross or the character 약 (medicine). Pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on symptoms and recommend over-the-counter medicine directly.
Typical hours are roughly 9am to 6–7pm on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Many pharmacies close on Sundays and public holidays, which is exactly when people tend to need them.
Finding one open at night or on a holiday
- Look for a 24-hour pharmacy near large hospitals; these often stay open late or around the clock.
- On holidays, some areas designate a holiday-duty pharmacy (휴일지킴이약국) that stays open.
- Pharmacies near emergency rooms and busy nightlife districts are more likely to be open late.
- When all else fails, a hospital emergency room can dispense urgent medication.
Bballi Bballi maps pharmacies across Korea with their opening hours, so you can see which are open right now rather than walking to a closed door.
Medicine you can buy at a convenience store
This is the key backup at 3am. Korean convenience stores are allowed to sell a small set of "safety" over-the-counter medicines (안전상비의약품) around the clock, without a pharmacist.
- Fever and pain relief (acetaminophen/ibuprofen types)
- Cold medicine
- Digestive medicine (for indigestion)
- Pain-relief patches
Not every store stocks these, and the range is deliberately limited for safety. For anything beyond basic relief, see a pharmacist or doctor.
Prescriptions and seeing a doctor
Prescription medicine requires a doctor’s prescription, which you then fill at a pharmacy. Clinics (의원) are widespread and walk-ins are normal for minor issues. Bring your passport, and expect to pay more than residents do if you are not covered by Korean national health insurance. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.