Is Plan B OTC in Korea?
Short Answer: No — Not Over the Counter
Plan B (emergency contraception) is
NOT available over the counter in Korea.
Unlike the U.S., Canada, or many EU countries, Korea requires:
✔ A doctor’s prescription
before you can get any morning-after pill.
This applies to all types of emergency contraception in Korea.
How It Works in Korea
1. You must visit a doctor first
You can go to:
- An OB-GYN clinic
- A women’s health clinic
- A general hospital
- A hospital emergency room (ER) if needed
2. The doctor gives you a prescription
The consultation is usually quick and discreet.
3. You take the prescription to a pharmacy
Pharmacies do not sell Plan B or other EC pills without the doctor’s note.
Why Isn’t It OTC?
Korea has stricter regulations around contraception.
Several attempts were made to make emergency contraception OTC, but as of now:
- It is still prescription-only
- There is no over-the-counter version of Plan B
What If You Need It on a Weekend or Sunday?
You can still get it by going to:
- A women’s clinic open on weekends
- Any large hospital ER (open 24/7)
Doctors in the ER are allowed to write prescriptions for emergency contraception.
Do You Need Korean Language Skills?
No — simply say:
“Emergency contraception, please.”
or
“Morning-after pill consultation.”
Many clinics and hospitals in big cities understand English.
Final Answer
❌ Plan B is NOT OTC in Korea
✔ You must get a prescription from a doctor
✔ Pharmacies will not sell it directly
