Feeling unwell in an unfamiliar country is enough work without having to decode a medicine shelf. At a Korean pharmacy, start with your symptoms and what you have already taken. You do not need to know a Korean brand name before asking for help.
The quick answer: Korean pharmacies sell medicines classified as 일반의약품 without a prescription. Prescription medicines, 전문의약품, follow a different route. Convenience stores have a much narrower, designated selection. The exact ingredient, strength and formulation matter more than a familiar logo. The government pharmacy guide explains these classifications.
This guide helps you prepare a pharmacy conversation; it cannot diagnose symptoms or choose a treatment for you. For a medical emergency, call 119 and ask for an ambulance. A pharmacy search or translation app should not delay help.
Updated and sources checked October 13, 2026. The cover is an AI-generated conceptual illustration of a fictional pharmacy conversation.
Find a pharmacy and prepare a short note
Look for 약국, meaning pharmacy. The government guide links to E-Gen, HIRA and the holiday-duty pharmacy directory. Look for 약국 찾기, “find a pharmacy,” or ask your accommodation to help you call. Confirm opening hours, stock and any language support before a non-urgent trip.
Show a short note: symptoms and when they began; what changed; medicines already taken, including amount and time; other medicines or supplements; allergies and health conditions. Add the patient's age, and pregnancy or breastfeeding information where relevant. Bring original packaging or ingredient details if you need a replacement.
증상은 어제부터 시작됐어요. means “The symptoms started yesterday.” Change the timing to match your situation. Keep translation-app sentences short and show the original alongside the translation. Describe what happened rather than supplying a diagnosis.
Headache or fever
머리가 아파요. means “I have a headache.” 열이 나요. means “I have a fever.” Tell the pharmacist when it started, how it feels, your measured temperature if available, and any other symptoms. Show any painkiller or cold medicine you have already used.
One exact OTC example is 타이레놀정500밀리그람(아세트아미노펜): a film-coated tablet containing acetaminophen 500 mg, classified by MFDS as 일반의약품. Ask whether that exact product suits you and whether another medicine already contains the ingredient. Its label includes important liver, alcohol and other precautions; availability is not a recommendation.
Get emergency help for a sudden, extremely painful headache or headache with new weakness, confusion, or fever and a stiff neck. Arrange assessment for a fever that is worsening or not improving, rather than repeatedly buying symptom relief.
Cough or sore throat
기침이 나요. means “I have a cough.” 목이 아파요. means “My throat hurts.” Explain whether the cough is dry or brings up phlegm, how long it has lasted, and whether swallowing is painful. Mention fever, breathing problems and any medicines already taken.
Ask which symptom a suggested product treats, what every active ingredient is, and whether it can cause drowsiness. Ask about a lozenge's ingredients too; medicated lozenges are not simply sweets. A combination “cold medicine” may duplicate something in another box.
Coughing up blood, chest pain or a rapidly worsening cough needs prompt medical assessment. Difficulty breathing or being unable to swallow needs emergency help. Seek advice early for a child; adult cough products are not a shortcut to pediatric treatment.
Blocked or runny nose
코가 막혀요. means “My nose is blocked.” 콧물이 나요. means “I have a runny nose.” Say which symptom is bothering you, how long it has lasted, and whether you also have fever, cough, sneezing or itchy eyes. Those details do not establish the cause on their own.
Ask whether a nasal product is appropriate, how long to use it, and whether it contains a decongestant. Decongestants need particular caution with other medicines, high blood pressure, glaucoma and several ongoing conditions. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also require advice before choosing.
Worsening symptoms, persistent fever, shortness of breath or chest pain are reasons to seek medical assessment. Do not keep changing products because a translated symptom sounds like a diagnosis.
Recognizing Korean cold medicines
Panpyrin T (판피린티정) treats cold symptoms such as runny nose, fever and aches. Its adult label specifies one tablet, three times daily, 30 minutes after meals. Pancold A (판콜에이내복액) also covers cough and phlegm; its adult label specifies 30 mL (one bottle), three times daily, 30 minutes after meals. Pancold S is different.
Do not take these two together. Both contain acetaminophen and may cause drowsiness. Do not combine them with other cold or cough medicines, pain relievers, oral antihistamines or sedatives, and do not drink alcohol while taking them. Do not drive or operate machinery. Do not use either product if you take an MAO inhibitor or stopped one within the past two weeks. If symptoms do not improve after 5–6 doses, stop taking it and consult a doctor or pharmacist.
These are adult label references, not personal medical advice or complete safety instructions. Before use, read the full MFDS labels for Panpyrin T and Pancold A, including contraindications. Ask a pharmacist before use if you take other medicines, have allergies or health conditions, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sneezing, itchy eyes or suspected allergies
재채기가 나고 눈이 가려워요. means “I am sneezing and my eyes are itchy.” Describe the timing, possible triggers and previous reactions. Say if a clinician has already diagnosed an allergy, but do not assume every runny nose is an allergy.
The existing checked example is 지르텍정(세티리진염산염), Zyrtec: a film-coated tablet containing cetirizine hydrochloride 10 mg, classified as 일반의약품. Other formulations or similar names need their own checks. Ask about drowsiness, other medicines, health conditions and whether a medical visit is more appropriate.
Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or difficulty swallowing can signal a serious reaction. Call 119; do not wait to see whether an OTC tablet helps.
Digestive complaints: describe the problem precisely
“Stomach medicine” covers very different problems. 속이 쓰려요. means “I have heartburn/a burning feeling in my stomach.” 설사를 하고 있어요. means “I have diarrhea.” 변비가 있어요. means “I am constipated.” Point to where it hurts and describe the sensation, timing, bowel changes and any vomiting.
For burning after meals, ask whether a proposed product matches the symptom and needs separation from other medicines. A verified example is 개비스콘더블액션현탁액, Gaviscon Double Action suspension, classified as 일반의약품. Its MFDS record lists, per 100 mL, sodium alginate 5.00 g (4.375 g on a dry basis), calcium carbonate 3.25 g and sodium bicarbonate 2.13 g. The record lists 10 mL sachets. These are formulation details, not a dose; discuss interactions and kidney or sodium-restriction concerns with the pharmacist.
For diarrhea, report frequency, duration and whether you can drink normally; ask about fluid replacement and whether assessment is needed. Dehydration, frequent vomiting, severe pain, or bloody or black, tarry stools require prompt medical advice. Diarrhea in babies and young children needs early medical advice.
For constipation, explain your usual bowel pattern and any recent medicine changes. Constipation with constant abdominal pain, vomiting, blood or inability to pass gas needs prompt medical assessment. Recurring indigestion, difficulty swallowing or unintended weight loss also needs assessment rather than a routine refill.
Minor itching or skin irritation
피부가 가려워요. means “My skin is itchy.” Tell the pharmacist where, when it began, and whether a rash or swelling appeared. Mention new products, medicines or exposures without assuming which one caused it.
Ask what a proposed cream contains, which symptoms it is meant for, and where and how long to apply it. Tell the pharmacist if the skin is broken. Different causes need different treatment; a cream that helped someone else may not suit you.
Severe, widespread, recurring itching or itching during pregnancy warrants medical assessment. Sudden mouth or throat swelling or breathing difficulty needs emergency help, as described in the allergy section.
Muscle aches or a minor injury
근육이 아파요. means “My muscles hurt.” 여기가 아파요. means “It hurts here.” Point to the area and explain any injury, swelling, or trouble walking or using it normally.
Ask whether an oral or skin-applied product is appropriate and whether it overlaps with medicines already taken. If offered a pain-relief patch, often called 파스, check its ingredients, application instructions and skin precautions. A patch is not automatically suitable because it is applied to the skin.
Increasing pain, major swelling or inability to bear weight needs prompt assessment after an injury. A deformed, numb or cold injured body part needs emergency assessment, rather than covering the symptoms with a patch.
Recognizing Korean digestion medicines and pain patches
Bearse (베아제정) treats indigestion and bloating after overeating: the adult label specifies one tablet, three times daily after meals. Doctor Bearse is different. Gas Whal Myung Su Q (까스활명수큐액) treats indigestion and fullness: the adult label specifies 75 mL (one bottle), three times daily after meals, at least four hours apart. Gas Whal is different.
Sinsin Pas Arex (신신파스아렉스) is a muscle/joint pain patch: apply to the affected area 1–2 times daily. External use only. Do not use near the eyes, on mucous membranes, eczema or broken skin, and do not add heat over the patch. Stop using it and consult a doctor or pharmacist if skin irritation occurs or symptoms do not improve after 5–6 days. Avoid prolonged use over large areas. Read the complete MFDS Arex label for its other restrictions and skin precautions.
These are adult label references for the exact products, not personal recommendations or a combination regimen. Follow the instructions for the exact product and strength. Read the full leaflet and ask a pharmacist before use about other medicines, allergies, pregnancy/breastfeeding and health conditions. The full MFDS labels for Bearse and Gas Whal Myung Su Q contain additional restrictions. The illustrated pack sizes do not establish convenience-store eligibility.
Questions to show the pharmacist
You can show these on your phone. Have your medicine list ready when asking about combinations.
- 이 약의 주성분과 함량은 무엇인가요?
What are this medicine's active ingredients and strengths? - 지금 먹는 약과 함께 복용해도 되나요?
Can I take this with the medicines I am taking? - 졸릴 수 있나요?
Can it make me drowsy? - 이 약은 어떻게 사용하나요?
How should I use this medicine? - 사용 방법과 주의사항을 적어 주세요.
Please write down how to use it and any precautions.
Ask the pharmacist to confirm the amount, frequency, duration, food or alcohol restrictions, and what to do if symptoms do not improve. If the label, translation and explanation seem to disagree, clarify before using the medicine. Keep the box, leaflet and written directions.
What convenience stores can sell
Registered sellers can supply designated 안전상비의약품, a limited subset of general medicines. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's current list has 13 products across pain/fever medicines, cold remedies, digestive medicines and patches. It specifies packs, including Tylenol 500 mg in eight tablets. It does not authorize every product in those categories.
Article 28 of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Enforcement Rule limits sales to one pack of each designated product per purchase and prohibits sales to children under 12, including elementary-school pupils covered by the rule. This retail restriction is separate from a product's treatment instructions. Stock varies; for product selection, interactions or unclear directions, go to a pharmacy.
Before taking a new medicine
Show the pharmacist all prescription and OTC medicines, vitamins and supplements, plus allergies, health conditions and pregnancy or breastfeeding information. A general-medicine classification does not establish personal suitability. The product examples above illustrate exact classifications, not recommendations or local stock.
Check for duplicate ingredients across brands. Acetaminophen is also called paracetamol and may appear in a cold remedy as well as a painkiller. The FDA warns against using more than one acetaminophen-containing product at a time. Tell the pharmacist what you already took and when, and follow the exact Korean product's directions. A new rash or skin reaction after acetaminophen is a reason to stop taking it and get medical help immediately.
For a child, provide age and weight and confirm the appropriate formulation and directions. Adult cough/cold products and multi-ingredient products need particular caution. For liquid acetaminophen, use its supplied measuring device, not a kitchen spoon or another medicine's device. Get professional advice if the amount is unclear.
Prescription needs and bringing medication to Korea
If the required product needs a prescription, or the pharmacist recommends assessment, arrange a medical visit. Our guide to seeing a doctor without speaking Korean helps with language support and preparation.
Plan ongoing medication before travel. A prescription from home does not establish that a Korean pharmacy can supply an identical replacement. Bring original packaging and supporting documentation, and check Korea Customs' passenger medicine guidance for applicable quantities and exceptions.
For medicines containing controlled narcotic or psychotropic substances, MFDS requires personal-treatment import approval regardless of nationality. Its notice links to the online process introduced December 27, 2024. Confirm the current requirements for your exact ingredients before departure; this is separate from ordinary pharmacy OTC classification.
Sources and further reading
Korean official records govern product classification and local supply rules. Overseas clinical sources support general safety and assessment guidance; their local pharmacy services and age instructions are not Korean dispensing rules.
- MFDS product records: Tylenol 500 mg, Zyrtec 10 mg tablets, and Gaviscon Double Action suspension.
- Korean purchase and access information: government pharmacy guide, MOHW designated products, Article 28 sales restrictions, E-Gen, HIRA, and duty-pharmacy search.
- NHS clinical guidance: headaches, adult fever, cough, sore throat, decongestants, cold symptoms, allergies, indigestion, itchy skin, and sprains and strains.
- NIDDK: diarrhea and constipation warning signs. FDA: acetaminophen safety and children's cough/cold products.
- Illustrated product label sources (checked October 14, 2026): MFDS full labels for Panpyrin T, Pancold A, Bearse, Gas Whal Myung Su Q, and Sinsin Pas Arex. Manufacturer information: Dong-A Panpyrin T, Dong Wha Pancold A, MFDS Bearse, Dong Wha Gas Whal Myung Su Q, and Sinsin Arex.
- Travel: MFDS controlled-medicine permit, Korea Customs passenger guidance, and South Korea emergency and health information.
Korea Unboxed related reading: How to see a doctor in Korea without speaking Korean.
