Global Major Cities Guide

Sections

1. Categories of Pharmacies in Daejeon

Pharmacies in South Korea, including Daejeon, are generally categorized into two main types:

Community Pharmacies (약국, Yakguk):
These are standalone pharmacies located near hospitals, clinics, or in residential and commercial areas. They provide prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and basic health products like vitamins, first-aid supplies, and personal care items.
Hospital Pharmacies (병원 약국, Byeongwon Yakguk):
These are pharmacies located within or near hospitals and are specifically designed to fill prescriptions issued by the hospital. They often have specialized medications that may not be available in community pharmacies.

2. Common Costs for Medications and Services

Prescription Medications:
The cost of prescription drugs in South Korea is relatively affordable due to the country’s National Health Insurance (NHI) system. If you are enrolled in the NHI, you will only pay a portion of the medication cost (usually 30-50%). For visitors without insurance, the full cost of medications will apply, but it is still generally lower than in many Western countries.
Example: A common antibiotic prescription might cost around 5,000-10,000 KRW ($4-8 USD) with insurance, or 15,000-30,000 KRW ($12-25 USD) without insurance.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
OTC drugs like pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen), cold medicine, and digestive aids are affordable. Prices typically range from 2,000-10,000 KRW ($1.50-8 USD) depending on the product and brand.
Pharmacist Consultation Fees:
Pharmacists in South Korea do not charge consultation fees for basic advice on medications or health concerns. However, they may recommend seeing a doctor for more serious issues.

3. Procedures for Purchasing Medications

Prescription Medications:

Visit a Doctor or Clinic:
To obtain prescription medications, you must first visit a doctor or clinic. Prescriptions are required for most medications, including antibiotics, birth control pills, and stronger painkillers.
Receive a Prescription Slip:
After your consultation, the doctor will provide a prescription slip (처방전, Cheobangjeon). This slip is valid for a limited time (usually 7 days), so you must fill it promptly.
Go to a Pharmacy:
Take the prescription slip to any pharmacy (look for the green cross sign with the word 약국). Hand the slip to the pharmacist, who will prepare your medication.
Pay for the Medication:
If you have NHI, present your insurance card to receive the discounted rate. Without insurance, you will pay the full price.

Over-the-Counter Medications:

For minor ailments like headaches, colds, or indigestion, you can directly ask the pharmacist for OTC medications. Simply describe your symptoms (in English or Korean), and the pharmacist will recommend a suitable product.
Example phrases:
- "두통약 주세요." (Dutong-yak juseyo) = "Please give me headache medicine."
- "감기약 있어요?" (Gamgi-yak isseoyo?) = "Do you have cold medicine?"

4. Pharmacy Operating Hours

Standard Hours:
Most community pharmacies in Daejeon operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Some may close earlier on Saturdays and are typically closed on Sundays and public holidays.
24-Hour Pharmacies:
While 24-hour pharmacies are not as common in South Korea as in some other countries, Daejeon does have a few late-night or 24-hour options. These are usually located near major hospitals or in busy districts like Dunsan-dong or near Daejeon Station.
To find a 24-hour pharmacy, search for "대전 24시간 약국" (Daejeon 24-sigan Yakguk) on Naver Maps or Kakao Maps.
Emergency Pharmacies:
During holidays or late hours, emergency pharmacies (당번 약국, Dangbeon Yakguk) operate on a rotating schedule. You can check the local government website or call 119 (the emergency hotline) for assistance in locating one.

5. Local Considerations for Visitors and Newcomers

Language Barrier:

While many pharmacists in Daejeon understand basic English, it’s helpful to know some Korean phrases or use a translation app. Writing down your symptoms or the name of the medication in Korean can also be useful.

Medication Names:

Brand names for medications in South Korea may differ from those in your home country. If you need a specific medication, bring the generic name (active ingredient) to help the pharmacist identify an equivalent product.

Cultural Norms:

Pharmacists in South Korea are highly respected professionals, and their advice is often trusted as much as a doctor’s. Be polite and patient when communicating with them.
It’s common for pharmacists to ask detailed questions about your symptoms before recommending medication, even for OTC drugs.

Restricted Medications:

Some medications that are OTC in other countries (e.g., strong painkillers, antihistamines) may require a prescription in South Korea. If you rely on specific medications, bring enough supply with you (along with a doctor’s note) or be prepared to visit a local doctor for a prescription.

Health Insurance:

If you are a long-term resident or have a work visa, ensure you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance system to benefit from reduced medication costs. Visitors can still access healthcare but will need to pay full price.

Pharmacy Apps and Resources:

Use apps like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to locate nearby pharmacies. Searching for "약국" (Yakguk) will show you all available options, including their operating hours and reviews.
The HiKorea website (for foreigners) and the Daejeon city government website often provide updated information on healthcare services, including pharmacies.

6. Emergency Situations

In case of a medical emergency, call 119 for an ambulance or assistance. The operators can connect you to English-speaking staff if needed.
For poison control or urgent medication-related issues, you can also contact the Korea Poison Control Center at 02-1577-0199.

By following this guide, you should have no trouble navigating the pharmacy system in Daejeon. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!