Start with the ingredient and strength
A Korean pharmacy is called 약국. If you want a medicine you already use, show the pharmacist its active ingredient, strength and packaging or a clear photograph. A familiar brand may have a different formulation in Korea or several products under the same name.
Describe the symptoms and tell the pharmacist about allergies, medical conditions, pregnancy and other medicines when relevant. Ask whether the proposed product is suitable and whether a prescription is required.
Use product names as examples, not automatic substitutes
Acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, is used in some pain and fever medicines, including Tylenol products. Ibuprofen is a different medicine with different precautions. Neither should be ranked as universally the mildest, strongest or best option.
Combination cold or headache products may contain several active ingredients. Check the complete label before taking them with another medicine; otherwise, you may unknowingly take the same ingredient twice.
For allergy medicines, ask about the exact ingredient, strength and approved product. Prescription status should not be inferred from the brand name alone. Do not switch to another antihistamine solely because a guide lists it as an alternative.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's medicine database lists approved products. A pharmacist can help interpret the local product information.
Understand what convenience stores sell
Registered convenience stores may sell designated medicines for some common minor symptoms. The permitted selection is limited, and individual branches may not stock every product. It is not a complete pharmacy service.
If you need a particular medicine or advice, find an open pharmacy. “Finding a pharmacy open at night” explains how to use the official pharmacy finder. Do not assume that symptoms must wait until morning simply because a nearby convenience store lacks a product.
Ask clear questions at the counter
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Do you have a medicine with this ingredient? | 이 성분이 들어 있는 약이 있나요? |
| I have a headache. | 머리가 아파요. |
| I have a medicine allergy. | 약물 알레르기가 있어요. |
| My stomach hurts. | 배가 아파요. |
| Can I buy this without a prescription? | 이거 처방전 없이 살 수 있어요? |
| How should I take it? | 어떻게 복용해야 하나요? |
Ask the pharmacist to write down the dose, timing and any important warnings if you are unsure. Do not leave with instructions you cannot understand.
Know when to seek medical care
Persistent or worsening symptoms may need a clinician's assessment. For severe symptoms or an emergency, call 119. “Pharmacy, clinic, or ER?” explains the different care options.
If you are bringing medicine from home, check the Korean import rules separately. Some controlled ingredients require advance approval even when you have a prescription; see “Bringing medication into Korea”.
