Find a pharmacy and confirm its hours
E-GEN's pharmacy finder lists pharmacies and their opening information. E-GEN is Korea's emergency medical information portal, run by the National Emergency Medical Center.
Search for your location and the day or time you need. Phone the pharmacy before travelling, because posted hours can change. If you need help with the Korean interface, ask your accommodation or a Korean speaker to help read the listing.
Look for a public late-night pharmacy
A public late-night pharmacy, called 공공심야약국, participates in a programme providing pharmacy services outside ordinary hours. Use the current listing to check the actual days and closing time; do not assume every participating pharmacy follows one nationwide schedule.
A pharmacy listed as open late may still be a considerable distance away. Confirm that it is open and can advise on what you need before arranging transport.
Use convenience-store medicines carefully
Registered convenience stores may sell a limited range of designated medicines. The Ministry of Health and Welfare explains this system. Participation and stock vary, so a 24-hour shop is not a guarantee that a particular medicine is available.
These products can include some pain, fever, cold and indigestion medicines. Check the active ingredients, dosage, age restrictions and warnings. A cold remedy may contain an ingredient also present in a painkiller, so do not combine products without checking for duplication.
A cashier cannot replace a pharmacist's assessment. If you take other medicines, have a medical condition, are pregnant or are buying for a child, seek appropriate professional advice before choosing a product.
Seek medical care when symptoms need assessment
A pharmacy is useful for suitable minor symptoms, but it is not the right destination for every illness. For a medical emergency, call 119. Do not wait until morning for severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding or another serious emergency.
“Pharmacy, clinic, or ER?” explains how to choose the appropriate service. If you are unsure how urgent the situation is, seek medical advice rather than relying on whether a shop happens to be open.
