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Morning After Pill in Busan
The "morning after pill" can be taken up to several days after sex, not just the next morning. In Korea it requires a doctor's prescription, so a quick OB/GYN visit is the first step. The earlier you go, the better it works.
Two kinds of pill
- Levonorgestrel is the most widely known type, labeled for up to 72 hours (3 days) after sex. Effectiveness falls the longer you wait.
- Ulipristal acetate is labeled for up to 120 hours (5 days) and stays more effective later in that window.
Both are single-dose tablets. Neither ends an established pregnancy. If more than 5 days have passed, or you want the most reliable option, ask about a copper IUD .
Getting it in Busan, step by step
- Find an open clinic. Weekday and Saturday mornings are easiest. Some clinics in the table below open evenings.
- See the doctor. Expect a few questions about timing, your last period and medications. No exam is normally needed.
- Fill the prescription at a nearby pharmacy and take the pill as soon as you can.
- Resume contraception as the doctor advises. Use condoms until your next period.
Side effects
Nausea, headache, breast tenderness, tiredness and a change in the timing of your next period are common and short-lived. If you vomit within about 3 hours of taking it, contact the clinic or pharmacy. Some medicines, such as certain epilepsy and HIV drugs or St John's wort, and higher body weight can reduce effectiveness, so tell the doctor.
Cost and insurance
The pill is not covered by National Health Insurance (NHI). Expect to pay a consultation fee (cheaper if you're NHI-enrolled) plus the pharmacy price, which differs by product. See our emergency contraception cost guide .
Tips for foreigners
- Bring your ARC or passport for registration.
- The Korean term is 응급피임약 ( eung-geup pi-im-yak ). Showing it on your phone works well.
- For interpretation call 1330. More in our international patients guide .
Related
- Emergency Contraception
- Plan B Pills
- Copper IUD
- Birth Control Pills
- Pregnancy Test
- Emergency Contraception Cost
Elsewhere in Korea
When to get help sooner
Do a pregnancy test if your period is more than 7 days late or unusually light. Go to an ER for severe lower abdominal pain, heavy bleeding or dizziness. If sex was not consensual, call 112 or 1366 for help and medical care.
OB/GYN clinics in Busan to call
Every clinic below can prescribe the morning after pill. Check opening hours by phone before you go.
| 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 |
Morning after pill: FAQ
Can I get the morning after pill without seeing a doctor in Korea?
No. A prescription is required, and pharmacies cannot sell it without one.
Is it too late if it's been 3 days?
Not necessarily. Ulipristal pills are labeled for up to 5 days, and a copper IUD also works within 5 days. Go to a clinic as soon as you can.
Does it affect future fertility?
No. It does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Will my next period be normal?
It may come a few days early or late. If it's over a week late, take a pregnancy test.