Edutainer: Yeon-hwa
📌 Heads up before you read
If you’ve learned about the emergency medicines available at convenience stores, today we’re diving into pharmacies, where professional medicines are sold. There’s a lot of important information coming your way, so keep your eyes wide open and stay focused! 😊
🔎 Table of Contents
Part 1: Korean-Style Cold Self-Care Tips
Part 2: How to Buy Cold Medicine Like a Pro
Part 3: Visiting the Doctor
💊🏥 Finding a Pharmacy: Remember the Korean Sign 약국[yak-kkuk]
Finding a pharmacy in Korea isn’t hard. Most pharmacy signs will have the word 약국[yak-kkuk] (Pharmacy) or simply 약[yak] (Medicine) written in large letters. While some pharmacies also display 'Pharmacy' in English, many only use Korean, so it’s a good idea to remember the words 약국 and 약.
Pharmacies in Korea are often located near medical centers, making them easy to find. You can also find them in large supermarkets or shopping malls. However, keep in mind that pharmacies inside malls or supermarkets tend to be smaller in size.
Why are pharmacies often located near medical centers in Korea?
It’s all because of Korea’s prescription system. In Korea, medicines are divided into prescription-only and over-the-counter types. Prescription medicines can only be purchased at a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription.
Let's say you go to the doctor for a cold. The doctor will tell you, “Take this medicine.” but they won’t hand it to you directly. Instead, they’ll give you a prescription, which you take to a pharmacy. The pharmacist will then prepare and provide the medicines based on the prescription.
This system clearly separates the roles of hospitals and pharmacies, ensuring a focus on expertise. Hospitals handle accurate diagnoses and prescriptions, while pharmacies focus on the preparation and management of medicines.
(Of course, there are exceptions, like late at night or during emergencies. In these cases, you can sometimes receive medicines after being treated at the emergency room.)
Because of this system, pharmacies are often located near medical centers, making it easy for patients to fill their prescriptions right after a doctor's visit. Once you get used to it, you’ll find the system pretty organized and convenient. So, if you’re looking for a pharmacy, check the areas near hospitals—they’re your best bet!
💊🏥 How Do You Buy Medicine?
I’ll cover how to purchase prescription medicine in Part 3, but for now, let’s talk about how to buy over-the-counter medicine in Korea without a prescription.
Steps to buy medicine
① Enter the pharmacy.
② Find the pharmacist.
③ Explain your symptoms or ask for the medicine you need.
④ The pharmacist will recommend a suitable medicine.
⑤ Pay for the medicine.
⑥ Done!
Consultation with the pharmacist is a must
In Korean pharmacies, it's important to consult with a pharmacist when buying medicine. Just explain your basic symptoms, and the pharmacist will recommend the right medication.
And if you have allergies to specific medications, it’s very important to tell the pharmacist. Failing to mention an allergy could lead to serious issues, so be cautious.
What if you don’t speak Korean?
If explaining your symptoms in Korean feels too difficult, using a translation app or translator is a great option. It will helps you communicate with the pharmacist and get the medicine you need. Stay tuned for another post where I’ll share practical ways to describe your symptoms in Korean! 😊
💊🏥 How Do You Pay for Medicine?
In Korean pharmacies, you can pay with both cash and card, making it convenient no matter which payment method you prefer.
Refund policy for medicine
Reunds for medicines in Korea can be a little tricky.
Here’s what you need to know:
① Over-the-Counter Medicines
For non-prescription medicine, you’ll need the receipt from your purchase and the unopened medicine in its original condition. Bring these back to the pharmacy where you bought it.
② Prescription Medicines
According to Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, prescription medicines are strictly regulated for safety and hygiene. As a result, refunds or returns are generally not allowed.
Always keep your receipt
It's important to keep your receipt when you buy medicine in Korea. If you don’t receive one, just ask the pharmacist by saying, "영수증 주세요[yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo] (Please give me a receipt)." Having the receipt can help resolve any problems later.
💊🏥 Checking Pharmacy Hours
Pharmacy operating hours in Korea vary by location, but here’s a general guide:
① Weekday Hours
Most pharmacies are open from 9 AM or 10 AM to 6 PM or 7 PM.
② Weekend Hours
Many pharmacies are closed on weekends.
(Pro Tip) Pharmacies near hospitals often match their hours to hospital schedules, so look for one near a hospital if you need medicine on the weekend.
③ Late-Night or Weekend Hours
Local pharmacies take turns staying open late at night or on weekends. Always check ahead to confirm which pharmacy is open.
How to find an open pharmacy
I recommend using the 휴일지킴이약국[hyu-il-ji-ki-mi-yak-kkuk] (Holiday Keeper Pharmacy) service, provided by the Korean Pharmaceutical Association. This service gives real-time updates on open pharmacies.
Since the service is currently only available in Korean, you can use a browser’s translation feature or Google Translate for convenience. For easier navigation, you can also watch the video guides I’ve prepared for you below.
Let’s review the key points for buying over-the-counter medicine at a pharmacy in Korea!
1️⃣ Finding a Pharmacy
Look for signs with 약국 or 약 on them.
2️⃣ Consult with a Pharmacist
Explain your symptoms to the pharmacist and buy the medicine you need.
3️⃣ Check for Weekend or Late-Night Pharmacies
Use the Holiday Keeper Pharmacy service to locate pharmacies open on weekends or late at night.
With these tips, buying medicine in Korea should be no problem! 😊
Next time, I’ll cover how to visit a doctor and get a prescription when you’re feeling sick. See you then! 😊
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