Using a pharmacy and your prescription
In Korea the hospital gives the prescription and the pharmacy gives the medicine. Hospitals do not dispense.
Steps
- Receive the prescription at the hospital. Paper or electronic.
- Go to a nearby pharmacy. There is usually one close to the hospital.
- Hand over the prescription and your ID.
- Collect the medicine and listen to the instructions. Confirm how many times a day and before or after meals.
- Pay. With insurance you pay only your share.
What to ask the pharmacist
- How many times a day, and when
- Before or after meals
- How many days' supply
- Can it make me drowsy (driving, machinery)
- Can I drink alcohol with it
- Can I take it with my other medicine
What you need
- The prescription
- Alien Registration Card
- Payment (card or cash)
- A list of your other medication
Where to go
- A pharmacy near the hospital
- Late-night and holiday pharmacies www.e-gen.or.kr
- 1339 KDCA
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
Does a prescription expire? Yes. You must take it to a pharmacy within a set period. Don't delay.
Can I use a pharmacy in another region? Yes. Any pharmacy in the country can dispense it.
The pharmacy is closed at night. There are late-night and public late-night pharmacies. Find them at e-gen.or.kr. Convenience stores also sell some basic medicines.
I lost my medicine. Getting it again on the same prescription is difficult. Ask the hospital.
Take care
Do not throw away the medicine packet. It shows the name and how to take it. Bringing it to another hospital prevents duplicate prescriptions.
Related
how-to-see-doctor · otc-medicine · medicine-safety
Source
Ministry of Food and Drug Safety www.mfds.go.kr / As of 2026-08