Daegu

1. Overview of Pharmacies in Daegu

Pharmacies in South Korea, including Daegu, are called 약국 (yakguk). They are widely available throughout the city, ranging from small neighborhood pharmacies to larger chains. Pharmacies are the primary place to purchase both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Pharmacists in South Korea are highly trained and can provide advice on minor health issues.

---

2. Locations of Pharmacies in Daegu

Pharmacies are conveniently located in:

• Residential areas: Small, independent pharmacies are common in neighborhoods.
• Near hospitals and clinics: Pharmacies are often clustered around medical facilities, especially in areas like Dongseong-ro, Suseong-gu, and near Kyungpook National University Hospital.
• Shopping districts: Larger chain pharmacies like Olive Young, Lalavla, and Boots (which also sell health and beauty products) can be found in popular shopping areas like Dongseong-ro.
• Train and subway stations: Some pharmacies are located near major transit hubs like Daegu Station or Dongdaegu Station.

To locate a pharmacy, you can use Naver Maps or Kakao Maps (both apps are widely used in Korea and available in English).

---

3. Operating Hours

• Regular Pharmacies: Most pharmacies operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Many are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• 24-Hour Pharmacies: While not as common, some pharmacies in Daegu operate 24/7. These are usually located near major hospitals or in busy areas like Dongseong-ro.
• Emergency Pharmacies: During holidays or late hours, you can find emergency pharmacies by checking the Korea Pharmaceutical Association website or asking at a hospital.

---

4. Costs of Common Medications

Medication costs in South Korea are generally affordable due to government regulation. Below are approximate prices for common medications:

• Paracetamol (Tylenol): 500–1,000 KRW per tablet.
• Ibuprofen: 500–1,000 KRW per tablet.
• Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine for allergies): 5,000–10,000 KRW for a small pack.
• Cough syrup: 5,000–10,000 KRW per bottle.
• Antacids: 3,000–5,000 KRW for a small pack.
• Cold medicine (combination packs): 5,000–10,000 KRW.

Prescription medications are subsidized by the national health insurance system, so costs are significantly lower if you are insured.

---

5. Procedures for Purchasing Medications

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

• Common medications like pain relievers, cold medicine, and antacids are available without a prescription.
• Simply explain your symptoms to the pharmacist (many speak basic English, but having symptoms written in Korean can help). For example:
  • "두통이 있어요" (Dutongi isseoyo) = I have a headache.
  • "감기에 걸렸어요" (Gamgi-e geollyeosseoyo) = I have a cold.

Prescription Medications

• To purchase prescription drugs, you must first visit a doctor or clinic to obtain a prescription. Prescriptions are required for antibiotics, stronger painkillers, and other controlled substances.
• After receiving the prescription, take it to a pharmacy (약국). The pharmacist will fill the prescription and explain how to take the medication.
• Note: Prescriptions are typically valid for a short period (e.g., a few days), so fill them promptly.

---

6. Cultural and Local Considerations

Language Barrier

• While many pharmacists in Daegu understand basic English, it’s helpful to know some Korean phrases or use a translation app like Papago.
• Writing down symptoms or showing a translated message can make communication smoother.

National Health Insurance

• If you are enrolled in South Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI), prescription medication costs are heavily subsidized. Be sure to present your health insurance card at the pharmacy.
• If you are not insured, you will need to pay the full price, which is still relatively affordable compared to many other countries.

Medication Packaging

• Medications are often dispensed in small, individually wrapped doses rather than large bottles. This is convenient for short-term use but may feel unfamiliar if you’re used to bulk packaging.

Pharmacist Advice

• Pharmacists in South Korea are highly knowledgeable and can provide advice on minor ailments. However, they cannot diagnose serious conditions—this requires a visit to a doctor.

Restricted Medications

• Some medications that are OTC in other countries (e.g., certain antihistamines or cold medicines) may require a prescription in South Korea. Conversely, some medications that require a prescription elsewhere may be available OTC in Korea.

Traditional Medicine

• In addition to Western-style pharmacies, you may encounter 한약방 (han-yak-bang), which are traditional Korean medicine shops. These specialize in herbal remedies and treatments based on traditional Korean medicine (TKM). They are not a substitute for Western-style pharmacies but can be an interesting cultural experience.

---

7. Emergency Situations

• If you need medication urgently and cannot find an open pharmacy, visit the emergency room (응급실, eung-geup-sil) of a hospital. They can provide immediate care and dispense necessary medications.
• Major hospitals in Daegu include:
  • Kyungpook National University Hospital (경북대학교병원)
  • Daegu Catholic University Medical Center (대구가톨릭대학교병원)
  • Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center (계명대학교 동산병원)

---

8. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

• Carry a basic first-aid kit: Include common medications from your home country, especially if you have specific preferences or needs.
• Keep your prescription records: If you’re on long-term medication, bring a copy of your prescription (translated into English or Korean) to show local doctors or pharmacists.
• Use translation apps: Apps like Papago or Google Translate can help bridge the language gap.
• Ask locals for help: Koreans are generally very helpful and may assist you in finding a pharmacy or explaining your needs.

---

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate the pharmacy system in Daegu, South Korea. If you have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask!