Morning-After Pills in Korea

What Is a Morning After Pill?

A morning after pill, also known as emergency contraception, is a medication taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to prevent pregnancy. It works primarily by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization.

Morning after pills are intended for emergency use only, not as a regular birth control method.


Types of Morning After Pills Available in Korea

Korea offers two main types of emergency contraceptive pills:

Levonorgestrel (Plan B Equivalent)

  • Most common type
  • Best taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex
  • Available under brand names like Postinor, Norlevo
  • Effectiveness decreases after 72 hours

Ulipristal Acetate (Ella Equivalent)

  • Prescription-only in Korea
  • Can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex
  • Maintains high effectiveness throughout the 5-day window


Can You Buy Morning After Pills Over the Counter in Korea?

No. In Korea, morning after pills are prescription-only medications. A visit to a gynecologist or general practitioner is required to obtain a prescription.


How to Get a Morning After Pill in Korea

  • Visit a gynecology clinic, women’s health center, or general hospital
  • Consult with the doctor and explain the situation
  • Receive a prescription and purchase the pill at a pharmacy

It’s important to act quickly, as effectiveness decreases with time.


Cost of Morning After Pills in Korea

The cost of a morning after pill in Korea ranges from:

  • 30,000 to 60,000 KRW (approximately 25 to 50 USD) for the pill itself
  • Additional 10,000 to 30,000 KRW for the doctor’s consultation fee


Side Effects of Morning After Pills

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
  • Fatigue

If vomiting occurs within 2 hours of taking the pill, another dose may be required.


Alternatives to Morning After Pills

  • Copper IUD insertion within 5 days of unprotected sex
  • Regular birth control methods for long-term contraception
  • Condoms or barrier methods to prevent pregnancy and STIs


Important Considerations

  • Morning after pills are not 100% effective and should not be used as a primary birth control method.
  • They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • If your period is more than a week late, take a pregnancy test and consult your doctor.



Morning after pills are a safe and effective option for emergency contraception in Korea when accessed through a doctor’s prescription. If you need one, visit a clinic as soon as possible to maximize effectiveness.