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Contraceptive Injection in Busan

If you rely on the 3-monthly birth control shot (often called "Depo") at home, plan ahead before moving to or visiting Busan. Contraceptive injections are not widely available in Korea, so you may need to switch methods. Here's what to know and what to ask.

What the injection is

The contraceptive injection contains medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a progestin given every 12–13 weeks. It stops ovulation and is highly effective when injections are on time.

Availability in Korea

The one DMPA contraceptive product previously approved for marketing in Korea was withdrawn when its manufacturer gave up the license in 2020. Since then, contraceptive injections have not been a routine option at Korean clinics. Some clinics may be able to advise on alternatives or on using medication you bring from abroad, so call and ask directly. Do not buy injectable hormones online.

Planning if you use the shot now

  • Before you travel: ask your home doctor whether to get your last injection just before leaving. It covers you for around 3 months.
  • Book a consultation in Busan before your next injection is due, so you can switch without a gap. See Birth Control Consultation .
  • If you're late for an injection (more than about 2 weeks past 13 weeks), use condoms and consider a pregnancy test before starting a new method.

Long-acting alternatives available in Busan

  • Contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT): progestin-only like the shot, with no estrogen, and lasts up to 3 years. See Birth Control Implant .
  • Hormonal IUD : progestin-only and lasts several years, often with lighter periods. See Hormonal IUD .
  • Copper IUD : hormone-free and long-lasting. See Copper IUD .
  • Pills : daily, widely available. See Birth Control Pills .

Cost and insurance

Contraceptive methods are generally self-pay in Korea. The consultation is billed at National Health Insurance (NHI) rates if you're enrolled. Ask clinics for an all-in quote for the alternative you choose.

Tips for foreigners

  • Bring your ARC or passport and a record of your last injection date.
  • Use 1330 for interpretation and see our international patients guide .

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

If your injection is overdue and you've had unprotected sex, see a clinic about emergency contraception within 5 days. Long-term DMPA use can reduce bone density, so discuss bone health with a doctor if you've used it for years.

OB/GYN clinics in Busan to discuss options

We have not confirmed any clinic offering contraceptive injections. These OB/GYNs can advise on switching to an alternative method.

Clinic Area Phone Listed features
Jamo Women's Hospital (Gwangan Jamo Hospital) Gwangan-dong (Gwangalli) 051-760-0600 Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, IUD
Roaen OB/GYN Clinic Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) 051-804-3000 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Centum Eroom Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-758-8275 Sat, Fertility
Eve & Adam Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-743-7585 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Ms For You Women's Clinic Jwa-dong (Jangsan) 051-636-7975 Sat, Evenings
Dongnae Bom OB/GYN Clinic Oncheon-dong 051-711-2060 Sat, Evenings
Seoul Samsung OB/GYN Clinic Yeonsan-dong 051-714-3500 Sat
Jini OB/GYN Clinic Jangjeon-dong (Pusan Natl Univ) 051-582-8275 Sat, Evenings
Mari Women's Clinic Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) 051-626-1009 Sat, STD tests
She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic Suyeong / Millak area Not listed Sat, STD tests
Rose Women's Clinic Nampo-dong 051-245-7911 Sat, Evenings

Contraceptive injection: FAQ

  • Can I get Depo-Provera in Busan?

    Contraceptive injections are not widely available in Korea since the previously marketed product was withdrawn in 2020. Call clinics to ask, and plan an alternative.

  • What's the closest alternative?

    The implant (Implanon NXT) and hormonal IUDs are also progestin-only and long-acting, and both are offered in Busan.

  • Can I bring injections from home?

    Rules on importing prescription medicines apply. Check with Korean customs and the clinic first, as not every clinic will administer medication you bring.

  • My injection is overdue. What now?

    Use condoms, take a pregnancy test if needed, and see a doctor to start a new method. If you had unprotected sex in the last 5 days, ask about emergency contraception.