Korean Pharmacies and Drugstores: A Tourist’s Guide

Traveling in South Korea and need some medicine, skincare, or health goodies? You’re in luck – Korean pharmacies and health & beauty stores are everywhere, especially in big cities. This guide will help you navigate major pharmacy chains like Olive Young, Lalavla, and more, as well as find local 약국 (yak-guk, pharmacies) in popular tourist areas. We’ll also highlight what to buy – from K-beauty skincare to cold medicine – and share savvy shopping tips (tax refunds, language help, payment options) so you can shop with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Major Pharmacy Chains in Korea (Health & Beauty Stores)

Korea’s health & beauty (H&B) store chains are a one-stop shop for cosmetics, skincare, supplements, and even some OTC medicines. The biggest players are Olive Young, Lalavla, LOHBs, and (formerly) Boons:
• Olive Young – Korea’s No.1 H&B chain (1,300+ stores nationwide). It dominates the market with an unbeatable range of products, from K-beauty brands to vitamins. Olive Young pioneered the “curate your healthy beauty” drugstore concept and has huge flagship stores in Seoul. Tourists consider it a must-visit – “Olive Young is the must-visit place in Korea” for beauty shopping. Many locations are “Tax Free” shops catering to foreigners (more on tax refunds later).
• Lalavla – GS Retail’s H&B store, formerly Watsons Korea. Lalavla (pronounced la-la-va) focuses on skincare, especially for sensitive skin, stocking niche and clean beauty brands. There are fewer Lalavla stores than Olive Young, but you’ll find them in shopping districts like Myeongdong. (Fun fact: “Lalavla” is “Walawala” backwards – a playful rebrand after Watsons exited.)
• LOHBs – Lotte’s health & beauty chain (LOHBs = “Love, Health & Beauty”). LOHBs differentiates itself by offering many international brands and cosmetics not found elsewhere. You might spot LOHBs inside Lotte department stores or malls. They carry the usual K-beauty hits plus global brands – a great mix if you want Korean and Western products in one stop.
• Boons/Boots – Boons was a local drugstore chain by E-Mart, which later partnered with UK’s Boots. For a while, some Boots stores opened in Seoul (E-Mart even replaced Boons with Boots). However, Boots withdrew from Korea after a few years due to stiff competition. Today, you won’t really see Boons or Boots stores – Olive Young and others won out. If you read older travel blogs mentioning Boons or Boots in Seoul, note that those may have closed.

These chain stores are like Korea’s version of CVS or Watsons: bright lights, K-pop music, and aisles of beauty products, snacks, and a small pharmacy section. They do not fill prescriptions (no pharmacist on-site), but they sell OTC meds like pain relievers, allergy pills, digestive aids, etc. In fact, Olive Young and even some large supermarkets (Lotte Mart) have sections for OTC drugs – vitamins, painkillers, cold medicine – convenient if you can’t find a pharmacy. For anything stronger or prescription-only, you’ll need a traditional pharmacy.

Traditional Pharmacies (약국)

Alongside the H&B chains, Korea has countless independent pharmacies (약국, yak-guk) in every neighborhood. These are the places to go for prescription medications and a wider range of medicines. Look for the word “약국” (often in red or green) on signage – sometimes accompanied by a green cross emblem – to spot an official pharmacy. Pharmacies are easy to find “in most neighborhoods, shopping districts, and near hospitals”, so even in tourist areas you’re never far from one.

Each pharmacy is staffed by a licensed pharmacist who can dispense prescription meds (you must have a Korean prescription from a local doctor) and advise on minor ailments. Don’t hesitate to walk in for over-the-counter help – Korean pharmacists are used to assisting customers with headaches, colds, stomach issues, etc. If language is a barrier, they may use translation apps or you can show them the name of what you need. In areas frequented by tourists, many pharmacies put up signs like “English OK” or have staff who speak some English, Chinese or Japanese. For example, Ready Young Pharmacy in Hongdae advertises fluent Chinese/Japanese staff and an English-speaking pharmacist. Big franchise pharmacies like Onnuri Pharmacy (온누리약국, Korea’s largest pharmacy franchise with 2,500+ branches) often have “foreigner-friendly” branches – some even offer tax refunds and international shipping services to cater to visitors.

Tip: Pharmacy hours in Korea are typically business hours (~9am–6pm), with some open later into the evening. Many pharmacies close on Sundays or public holidays. However, in busy tourist districts you can find extended hours or even 24-hour pharmacies. Always check the hours posted. If you need medicine late at night and pharmacies are closed, basic OTC meds like Tylenol, ibuprofen, or cold tablets are available at convenience stores after hours – a good emergency option.

Where to Find Pharmacies in Tourist Hotspots

Seoul’s most popular tourist areas are well-served by both the big chain stores and traditional pharmacies. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in several key areas:

Myeongdong

Myeongdong is a shopper’s paradise, especially for cosmetics and K-beauty – so naturally it has some of the biggest health & beauty stores. The Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship on Myeongdong-gil is enormous – “humongous” as one review puts it – spanning multiple floors. You can’t miss it; it’s located near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) Exit 6/7, and practically every tourist ends up there. This Olive Young carries an extensive range of skincare, makeup, toiletries, snacks, and a small pharmacy shelf (you can grab Tylenol, bandaids, etc. off the shelf). It’s a Tax Refund eligible store and generally open late (around 10:00 – 22:30) , making it super convenient for evening shopping sprees. If you can’t find a beauty product here, it probably doesn’t exist!

Myeongdong also has Lalavla and LOHBs branches. Lalavla Myeongdong (located near the main street) is smaller but offers interesting indie brands – worth a browse if you’re hunting for sensitive-skin products that Olive Young might not stock. Lotte’s LOHBs has a presence inside the Lotte Young Plaza mall at Euljiro, adjacent to Myeongdong, featuring both Korean and international beauty brands.

For prescription meds or specialized pharmacy items in Myeongdong, you have multiple choices. Two well-known pharmacies stand out for tourists:
• Wellness Pharmacy (Myeongdong) – Located on the 1st floor of the Nine Tree Hotel (Myeongdong 10-gil), this pharmacy is popular with foreigners. It is open 10:00–23:00 daily , later than a typical pharmacy, which is great for travelers. They have “Tax Free” service for tourists and the staff are accustomed to international customers (English signage is present). You can buy everything from cold medicine to Korean health supplements here. It’s right in the heart of the shopping area, so very easy to find (look for the green “약국” sign and “Wellness Pharmacy” in English on the window).
• Myeongdong “Myeong” Pharmacy – Another centrally located pharmacy (Namdaemun-ro 7-gil, near Myeongdong Station Exit 8). This one also offers tax refunds and has evening hours (open till 21:30) . It’s known for being foreigner-friendly, with signs in multiple languages and a reputation that 90% of its customers are tourists at times. Don’t be surprised to find it crowded with visitors buying famous Korean ointments and creams. The pharmacists here are used to people showing screenshots from TikTok or Xiaohongshu of products they’ve seen online – so feel free to do the same if you’re looking for that viral acne cream or scar gel (they’ll likely recognize it!).

Additionally, just south of Myeongdong in the Namdaemun market area, there’s the renowned Namdaemun Pharmacy, which markets itself as “Korea’s No.1 Pharmacy for Tourists” – offering tax-free shopping, shipping abroad, and multilingual staff. It’s a short walk from Myeongdong and specializes in popular demand items at good prices. If you have time, it’s worth checking out for bulk buys (some tourists stock up on Korean red ginseng or medicated creams here to ship home).

Gangnam

Gangnam is a large district, but if we focus on the busy Gangnam Station area and Apgujeong/Cheongdam (where many tourists go for K-pop or upscale shopping), there are plenty of pharmacy options:

At Gangnam Station (Line 2), you’ll find the Olive Young Gangnam Main Branch, a massive flagship store right at the famous Gangnam Station intersection. It’s a newer four-story H&B paradise (Exit 10 of Gangnam Station) featuring everything from budget-friendly masks to high-end cosmetics. This branch is also a Tax Refund shop and keeps long hours (typically 10:00–22:30 like Myeongdong) . It even introduced multilingual personal shopping services for foreigners. In short, it’s the place to go in Gangnam for beauty shopping – you can test products, find English on many labels, and staff can assist if needed.

Other chain stores in Gangnam: You might come across Chicor (a beauty select shop by Shinsegae) at Gangnam’s Shinsegae Department Store or Sephora (although Sephora’s presence in Korea has been limited). But Olive Young is the dominant chain in Gangnam. There is also a LOHBs in the COEX Mall (Samseong area) and smaller Olive Young branches along Gangnam-daero and in Garosu-gil (Sinsa) for convenience.

For traditional pharmacies in Gangnam: Many are clustered around the subway station and side streets. One notable example is Apgujeong Onnuri Pharmacy (압구정 온누리약국) near Apgujeong Rodeo – known for serving foreign customers and even being a Tax Refund pharmacy . Its hours are standard (9:00–18:00) , since Apgujeong is a bit more residential/business. In the Gangnam Station area, look for pharmacies on Teheran-ro or around the exit 5–6 side; they often have English signs. There’s also a large pharmacy inside the Gangnam Severance Hospital building (useful if you visited a clinic there). And if you venture to COEX, keep an eye out for a pharmacy in the underground mall or the city airport terminal – useful for any last-minute travel needs like motion sickness pills or travel-size sanitizer.

Hongdae (Hongik University Area)

Hongdae, known for its youthful vibe, street performances, and nightlife, also has good shopping amenities for health and beauty. The main street around Hongik Univ. Station Exit 9 has an Olive Young that’s easy to spot (near “Hongdae Walking Street”). It’s smaller than the downtown flagships but still offers a wide selection of skincare and makeup popular with the student crowd.

Uniquely, Hongdae is home to Ready Young Pharmacy, a pharmacy that has gained a bit of fame on social media for being extremely tourist-friendly. It’s located right by Hongik Univ. Station Exit 8 (just a 4-minute walk from the station). This pharmacy boasts multilingual staff – Chinese and Japanese speaking staff on floor, plus an English-speaking pharmacist – and it’s open year-round, even carrying pet medicines for those traveling with furry friends. Ready Young Pharmacy is also known for carrying “pharmacy-exclusive” Korean skincare that you can’t find at Olive Young. For example, they promote a product called Dr. Reju-All PDRN Cream, a high-concentration skin repair cream formulated by doctors, only sold in pharmacies. Products like these (often called “derma cosmetics” or “cosmeceuticals”) are a big draw for tourists hunting for effective acne treatments, scar creams, and post-procedure skincare. Don’t be surprised if you see tour groups stopping by this pharmacy – it’s part of the new K-beauty trail! In general, Hongdae’s vibe means even the pharmacies are used to young international customers – many will have English signage or at least be patient as you explain symptoms with gestures.

Aside from that, Hongdae has a couple of smaller chain beauty stores (there’s a Lalavla on the way to Sangsu, if it’s still operating) and plenty of convenience stores for midnight snack + medicine runs. If you’re out late enjoying the nightlife, note that some convenience stores in Hongdae sell basics like pain relievers or digestive aids after hours.

Insa-dong & Jongno

Insa-dong is known for traditional crafts and tea houses, so you won’t see large flashy drugstores on the main Insadong-gil (chains are restricted to preserve the traditional atmosphere). However, just around the corner in Jongno and the adjacent streets, you have options.

One convenient spot is the Jongno Pharmacy (Onnuri Jongno) on Jong-ro Avenue near Jonggak Station. It’s part of the Onnuri franchise and is a Tax Refund pharmacy as well . It’s not directly on Insadong’s tourist street, but only a 5-10 minute walk. This pharmacy keeps moderate hours (~10:00–20:00)  and accepts credit cards . The staff can usually handle basic English queries, and they stock a lot of the “hot” items tourists seek (e.g. popular herbal supplements, skincare ointments).

In the Insadong area, if you need a pharmacy, also consider heading toward Jongno 2-ga or Jongno 3-ga, where many locals shop. Near Jongno 3-ga Station, you’ll find several small pharmacies in a row – they may not have English signs, but if you show what you need (or have a translation on your phone), they will help. Anguk Station (at the other end of Insadong) also has a couple of pharmacies by the station exits, which can be handy after visiting Gyeongbokgung or Bukchon.

For chain H&B stores, the closest Olive Young is near Jonggak Station (inside the Jongno Tower/Hana Building complex), about 5 minutes from Insadong. It’s a decent-sized branch where you can grab cosmetics or travel-size toiletries. Also, Myeongdong isn’t far, so many tourists just shop there and bring things back to their Insadong hotel.

Other Tourist Areas
• Itaewon: Plenty of pharmacies along the main Itaewon street (many cater to the foreign resident community, so English service is common). Also an Olive Young right outside Itaewon Station (Exit 1) for cosmetics and basic meds.
• Dongdaemun: Large shopping malls have Olive Young or LOHBs branches (e.g. in Doota Mall). Pharmacies are around Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station and by the hospitals in the area.
• Busan (e.g. Haeundae, Nampo): Major beach/tourist areas in Busan have Olive Young stores (Haeundae has one on the main beach road). Pharmacies are easy to find on the busy streets – look for 약국 signs on Gwangbok-dong in Nampo or around Seomyeon for example. Many will do tax refunds in Busan as well.

Now that you know where to go, let’s talk about what to buy once you’re there!

What to Buy: Recommended Products & Categories

One of the joys of visiting Korean pharmacies and H&B stores is discovering a huge variety of products – from famous K-beauty serums to effective cold medicines. Here are the top product categories and some recommendations in each:

Skincare and Cosmetics

Korean skincare and makeup are world-famous, and for good reason. Pharmacies and drugstore chains stock both luxury brands and affordable gems. Tourists often fill their suitcases with these K-beauty favorites:
• Facial Skincare: Look for hydrating toners and serums (for example, the viral Numbuzin No.3 Glowing Essence Toner or the affordable hyaluronic toners from Torriden Dive-In line). Snail mucin products (like COSRX Snail 96 Mucin Essence) and propolis ampoules are popular for achieving that dewy “chok-chok” skin. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (SPF50+ sunscreen) has been a runaway bestseller beloved by foreigners for its light texture. Don’t forget sheet masks – brands like Mediheal and Dr.Jart+ are cult favorites; you can often find multi-packs on sale. Mediheal’s Tea Tree or N.M.F. hydrating masks are great picks.
• Cosmeceuticals (Pharmacy-Grade Skincare): As noted, Korean pharmacies have emerged as beauty hot-spots for dermatologist-recommended products. These include acne treatments, scar creams, and “post-procedure” skin care. A famous item is Madecassol ointment (Centella asiatica cream) – a scar treatment cream used by locals for decades, now sought after by visitors for its skin-soothing properties. Acne spot creams like Baciron (benzoyl peroxide) or clerical sulfur ointments might be available; ask the pharmacist for an acne remedy and they’ll likely provide a small tube that works wonders. Many tourists also buy hydrocortisone or antihistamine creams for rashes (in Korea, mild steroid creams are OTC). These pharmacy-only skincare items often have English instructions or ingredient lists, and pharmacists can explain how to use them. If you have a particular product in mind (e.g. a viral “Korean scar cream”), show the name or a picture – chances are they have it or a local equivalent.
• Makeup: K-beauty makeup is fun and innovative. Some top picks: Cushion compacts (easy-to-use foundation in a compact – AmorePacific brands like Laneige Neo Cushion or affordable Missha Magic Cushion are great). Lip tints (try rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint, a hit for its vibrant colors, or Peripera’s Ink Velvet tint). Eyeliners and Mascaras – Clio’s Kill Lash Mascara and Kill Black eyeliner are Olive Young bestsellers for their smudge-proof performance. Eyeshadow palettes from Etude House, 3CE, or Dasique make lovely souvenirs (neutral tones are popular in Korea). Many makeup items have testers in-store, so you can swatch colors. And good news: most Korean cosmetic packaging now includes some English (shade names, product names) and they often have ingredients in English on the box for global customers.
• K-Beauty Tools & Misc: Consider picking up silicone facial brushes, makeup sponges, or sheet mask packs sold at these stores. Olive Young’s own brand makes affordable makeup brushes and puff sponges (e.g. Fillimilli brand). Also, pimple patches deserve special mention: The Olive Young Care Plus Scar Cover Spot Patch (essentially a hydrocolloid acne patch) is a top-seller and great for treating pimples overnight. Brands like Cosrx, Nexcare, and many others have these clear dots – they’re cheap and effective, so stock up if you’re prone to breakouts.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

Even on vacation, you might catch a cold or get a headache. Korean pharmacies carry a range of OTC medications for common ailments, though the brand names might differ from what you know. Here are the key categories and what to look for:
• Cold & Flu Remedies: For congestion, runny nose, or mild cold symptoms, ask for a cold medicine (“감기약, gamgi-yak”). A popular Korean cold medicine is Panpyrin (판피린) – a syrup or capsule that tackles fever and congestion. Contact 600 is a well-known capsule for colds (often called just “Contact”). If you prefer something like DayQuil/NyQuil, you might not find the exact, but Tylenol Cold tablets exist. Pharmacists often give a combination of pills in a little envelope for cold symptoms (don’t be alarmed, it’s common to get 2-3 types of tablets for one dose). For sore throat, you can get lozenges (look for brands like Dorigol or Fisherman’s Friend – also sold at convenience stores).
• Pain Relief & Fever: The go-to is Tylenol (타이레놀) for acetaminophen. It’s widely available in pharmacies and even convenience stores (in 1-2 tablet packets) for mild pain or fever. If you need ibuprofen, you can ask for Brufen (브루펜) which is a common ibuprofen brand, or just say “ibuprofen” – they usually have it behind the counter. Aspirin is less commonly used in Korea for pain, but pharmacies stock Bayer Aspirin for blood-thinning purposes or pain if you ask. Topical pain relief: look for patches like Salonpas or Hansaplast strips for muscle aches – they’re OTC and found in H&B stores too.
• Digestive Aids: Ate something that doesn’t agree with you? For indigestion or upset stomach, a famous remedy is Whal Myung Su (활명수) – a traditional herbal tonic drink that helps digestion  (you drink a small bottle). There are also chewable antacids; you can ask for 제산제 (je-sanje, antacid) and they might give you something like Tums or a Korean equivalent (some pharmacies carry Eno or Gaviscon). For diarrhea, ask for 지사제 (ji-sa-je) – loperamide (Imodium) is available OTC; common brand is Loperan. For constipation, you can get a mild laxative or fiber supplement – just mention it and they’ll have options (maybe a small box of Dulcolax or magnesium). Probiotics are also big in Korea; brands like Duolac or BioGaia are sold even in Olive Young, which can help keep your gut happy while traveling.
• Allergy & Sinus: If you have seasonal allergies or a sudden reaction, you can buy antihistamines OTC. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is available; just ask for “cetirizin” or Allerzin (some pharmacists might have import brands). Loratadine (Claritin) is also sold, and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) equivalents for night-time allergy or as a sleep aid. For nasal allergies, they may offer a nasal spray (some steroid nasal sprays are OTC in Korea, like Flonase equivalent). Eye drops for allergy (antihistamine eye drops) can be obtained – just point to your eye and say allergy, they’ll understand.
• Travel & Motion Sickness: Going on a bus tour or boat ride? Pharmacies sell motion sickness pills (ask for 멀미약, meolmi-yak). A common one is Dimenhydrinate (similar to Dramamine). They might also have motion sickness wrist bands or ear patches (scopolamine patches) – the patches are usually OTC but you may need to specifically request them. If you get one, they’re super effective for ferry rides (stick it behind your ear a few hours before travel).
• Other Handy Meds:
• Cough syrup: Expect to find herbal cough drinks like Herbion or stronger ones behind the counter (for anything codeine-based you’ll need a prescription in Korea). But mild cough syrup or cough drops are OTC.
• Sore muscles or injuries: Many tourists like to buy Anti-inflammatory gel (like Voltaren gel) or Tiger Balm (imported from Thailand but sold in some pharmacies for muscle pain or headaches). You can also find capsicum plasters that heat up to soothe back pain.
• Eye care: If you have dry eyes from flights, ask for 인공눈물 (artificial tears). They’ll give single-use eye drops (often preservative-free vials). If you wear contacts, solutions from brands like Bausch & Lomb are in Olive Young.
• Sleep aids: Melatonin is not common in Korea (and not OTC), but you can find mild relaxant drinks (like banana milk with magnesium, etc., at H&B stores). Pharmacies might offer you an antihistamine for drowsiness (doxylamine, same as Unisom) if you really can’t sleep.

Important: Always let the pharmacist know if you have any allergies or if you’re already taking other meds. They will pick an appropriate OTC for you. And use a translation app or the Latin name of the drug if the brand name isn’t recognized.

Health Supplements & Functional Foods

Koreans love their health supplements, and tourists do too – these make great gifts or personal wellness buys. You can find a vast array of vitamins and functional foods in pharmacies and H&B stores:
• Red Ginseng (홍삼): Arguably the most famous Korean health supplement. Red ginseng extract is believed to boost energy and immunity. Pharmacies and duty-free shops sell CheongKwanJang brand red ginseng products, which are top quality (though pricey). You can get pouches of ginseng extract (to be taken daily), ginseng capsules, or even candies. They often have English brochures because it’s popular with visitors from China, Japan, and the West. If you want a smaller/cheaper option, look for Hongsam Won tonic sticks or Ilhwa brand ginseng in Olive Young’s wellness section.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Common vitamins like Vitamin C, D, B-complex, and multivitamins are readily available. Korean brands such as Lemona (vitamin C powder sachets that dissolve on your tongue) are fun and famous – Lemona is a popular gift, coming in pretty canisters. Vitamin D3 drops or pills (for bone health) are sold, as are Calcium chews. Prices are similar to back home, though imported brands might cost more. Pro tip: Check Olive Young’s supplement aisle for global brands like Centrum, but also Korean favorites like Nutrafol hair vitamins or Chewable Probiotics which sometimes have cute packaging.
• Probiotics & Digestive Aids: Koreans take gut health seriously. You can buy probiotic capsules (with names like “락토500” etc.) or even delicious yogurt drinks (like Yakult or Viyott) in convenience stores. For something unique, try a Korean digestive herbal pill – one known brand is Hanyak Bao Pills (환약) which are little round balls of herbal medicine for stomach health – available at some traditional pharmacies.
• Hangover Cures: Korea is famous for its hangover drinks! If you plan to enjoy soju or makgeolli, pick up some Condition (컨디션) or Morning Care – small bottled tonics containing herbal extracts that supposedly help your liver process alcohol. These are sold in pharmacies and even convenience stores. There are also hangover relief pills you chew before drinking (brands like Dawn 808). They make for an amusing and potentially life-saving souvenir.
• Herbal & Traditional Remedies: You might notice pharmacies selling packets of dried herbal mixes or teas for health. Common ones include Ssanghwa-tang (a brown herbal tonic for fatigue), gastrointestinal herbal pills, and pear & balloon flower syrup for cough (excellent natural cough remedy). If you’re into traditional medicine, you can ask the pharmacist for recommendations – language might be a barrier, but some products have multilingual packaging.
• Misc Functional Foods: Collagen supplements (for skin health) are big in K-beauty circles – you’ll find collagen powder sticks or drinks (sometimes in the fridge at Olive Young). Biotin for hair, omega-3 fish oil, spirulina – all the usual supplements are there. One uniquely Korean category is “beauty drinks”: small bottled drinks containing things like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or placenta extract for skin – brands like Innerb or Oronamin C (Japanese) are on shelves. While their effectiveness varies, it’s fun to try these beauty tonics that promise a “glowing skin” from within.

First-Aid Essentials and Travel Items

When traveling, it’s wise to have some first-aid basics. Korean pharmacies and drugstores offer high-quality supplies, often at lower cost than abroad. Here are some items to consider:
• Bandages and Blister Care: You can never have too many band-aids (called 밴드 “baendeu” in Konglish). Korean bandages come in various sizes and cute designs. Notably, hydrocolloid bandages for blisters or cuts are excellent (look for 3M Nexcare or local brands like Medifoam). These “second skin” style patches help heal blisters fast – great if you’re walking a lot. Olive Young’s own brand makes heel blister pads that many travelers grab to survive long days of sightseeing.
• Antiseptics and Ointments: For cleaning wounds, you can get povidone-iodine swabs or a small bottle of Dettol/Betadine at pharmacies. Also consider an antibiotic ointment like Polysporin/Bacitracin – in Korea, a common one is Otocaine or Krusamin cream (you can ask for 상처 연고, wound ointment). These help prevent infection in cuts and scrapes. If you get mosquito bites, itch relief sticks or gels containing antihistamine are sold (ask for 모기약, mogi-yak, and they’ll likely hand you a little tube to dab on bites).
• Masks (KF94): It’s 2025 and while the pandemic has eased, Korea still widely uses face masks during cold/flu season or for air pollution. Pharmacies carry KF94 masks (Korean standard similar to N95) in various sizes and colors. They are great for high-protection needs (and many beauty YouTubers rave about KF94 for being more comfortable). You can also get cute patterned surgical masks. If you’re visiting during yellow dust season (spring) or just want to stay healthy in crowds, have a couple of these on hand.
• Hand Sanitizer & Hygiene: Small bottles of hand sanitizer gel, disinfectant wipes, and even travel toilet seat covers (yes, really) can be found in drugstores and Daiso shops. It’s good to carry sanitizer when using public transport; brands like Carex or Dettol hand gel are available. Pharmacies also sell disposable thermometers, earplugs, or eye masks if you need any for travel comfort.
• Motion Sickness Bands / Ear Plugs: If you get motion sick, aside from meds, Olive Young sells sea-band acupressure wristbands. For light sleepers, ear plugs (in foam or silicone) are cheaply available in the first-aid aisle. Also, heat packs (the kind you shake and they warm up) are sold in winter – useful if you’re out in the cold or have muscle aches.
• Baby/Child Care: Traveling with kids, or just need baby powder or wipes? Pharmacies have a section for baby creams (like Bepanthen diaper ointment), child-safe fever reducers (liquid Tylenol for kids – you’d ask the pharmacist for the appropriate one by age), and even cute band-aids with Pororo cartoons. Many Korean moms visit pharmacies for high-grade kids’ sunscreen or mosquito repellent stickers (little patches you put on a child’s clothing to repel bugs), which could be helpful for family travelers.
• Contraceptives: Just to note, if you need condoms, they are available at pharmacies, convenience stores, and Olive Young (usually near the cash register or personal care aisle). Brands like Durex and local brands are sold. Emergency contraception (“morning-after pill”) is prescription-only in Korea, so you’d need to see a doctor for that – plan accordingly.
• COVID-19 Tests: As of 2025, you can buy rapid antigen self-test kits at pharmacies if needed, usually over the counter. They cost around 5,000–8,000 KRW each. This could be handy for peace of mind if you feel unwell.

In summary, Korean pharmacies are well-stocked for any travel health needs. If you forget something, you can likely find it or an equivalent locally.

Notable Brands and Product Highlights for Tourists

To help you zero in on some must-buy items, here are a few brand and product highlights that tourists rave about:
• K-Beauty Skincare “Holy Grails”: Tourists often seek out the “cult favorite” products that have huge followings online. Some examples:
• COSRX – A beloved brand for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Their Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence and pimple patches are globally famous.
• Laneige – Especially the Lip Sleeping Mask (berry flavor) which has achieved cult status for curing chapped lips overnight. Also, Laneige Cream Skin Refiner (a moisturizing toner) is a hit.
• Sulwhasoo – For luxury shoppers, Sulwhasoo’s ginseng-infused skincare (like the First Care Activating Serum) is a top pick. While pricey, you can often find travel exclusive sets at duty free or discount at Olive Young during sales.
• Beauty of Joseon – This indie brand’s Relief Sun sunscreen and Glow Serum (propolis + niacinamide) became viral sensations, leading to them selling out often. Olive Young restocks these frequently due to high foreign demand.
• Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Cream – A green-tinted calming cream for redness (the “Tiger Grass” cream) that many tourists buy for irritated skin. Available at Olive Young, this is a great souvenir for those with sensitive skin – it even has English instructions.
• Overseas-Loved Pharmacy Finds: Some products weren’t originally targeted at tourists but have become hits thanks to social media:
• Centellian24 Madeca Cream – A centella asiatica cream (by Dongkook Pharma, related to Madecassol) that is touted for post-acne marks and skin repair. Foreign shoppers sometimes buy this in bulk at pharmacies due to its online fame.
• BBIKA Glycolic Peeling Pads – Pre-soaked exfoliating pads sold in pharmacies that got hyped by influencers for quick results.
• Korean Scar Treatments: We mentioned Madecassol ointment – also MEBO ointment (originally Chinese burn healing cream) is found in Korea and some swear by it for scars. Dermatix silicone gel (for scars) and Scarban patches are available for those specifically hunting scar solutions.
• Heathaid Placenta Soap – A quirky item some tourists get at pharmacies for its novelty (soap with placenta extract, supposed to brighten skin).
• Medicinal Plasters: Not exactly a “brand,” but many visitors like to buy those large Tiger Balm pain relief patches or knee pain patches (like SALONPAS) because they’re often cheaper in Korea. Great for gifting to older family members.
• English-Friendly Items: A concern for travelers is whether they can read instructions. Many Korean products now include multilingual info. Mediheal masks, for instance, have English on the back. Cosmetic products often list ingredients in English due to FDA regulations for export. OTC meds might not have full English instructions, but common ones like Tylenol or Claritin have recognizable branding. If you buy something like a cold medicine, ask the pharmacist to write the dose on the package for you. In tourist-heavy pharmacies, they may provide a printout in English (some pharmacies have ready sheets for how to take popular meds). Also, the Korea Travel Hotline 1330 can assist with translation if you’re really stuck – don’t hesitate to call them.
• K-Pop and K-Drama Featured Items: Occasionally, items get famous because they appeared in a show or were endorsed by idols. For example, VT Cosmetics (a brand that did BTS collaborations) has a Cica cream that BTS fans often look for. Or the brand Banila Co’s Clean It Zero (a cleansing balm) got mentions in beauty shows and remains a bestseller. If you’re a fan traveling, you might find special edition packaging or photo stands at Olive Young for such collabs.
• Affordable Finds: Tourists also love how affordable some Korean products are. Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder (a face powder under $10) is a hit with almost everyone (it’s small, cheap, and effective against shine). Etude House eye shadow singles or Tony Moly sheet masks for under $1 each make great souvenir gifts for friends. And don’t overlook the snacks and drinks at these stores – Jeju Volcano water face mist on one aisle, and Jeju lava water the beverage on another!

In essence, whether you’re a skincare junkie or just need a box of Band-Aids, Korean pharmacies and H&B stores have you covered with quality options.

Shopping Tips for Tourists

Before you head out on your Korean pharmacy adventure, keep these practical tips in mind to make your shopping smooth and rewarding:
• Tax Refunds: As a foreign tourist (staying in Korea less than 6 months), you are eligible for a VAT refund (10%) on purchases over 30,000 KRW at participating stores. Many chain stores (Olive Young, Lalavla, etc.) and larger pharmacies in tourist areas are “Tax Free” shops – look for a “Global Tax Free” or “Tax Free” sticker on the door. If you see it, you can present your passport at checkout and have the staff do an immediate tax refund (they remove VAT on the spot or give you a refund receipt). For example, in Myeongdong pharmacies you’ll see big “TAX FREE” signs in multiple languages due to the high volume of foreign shoppers. If a shop doesn’t do it on the spot, you can still get a refund later at the airport by getting a refund form/receipt from the store. Keep your receipts and ask the cashier if unsure – they deal with this daily and will guide you. Remember, each receipt must be ₩30,000+ (about $23) to qualify; you can’t combine receipts from different stores. Plan your buying accordingly (maybe buy all your K-beauty in one go to hit the threshold, etc.). Also, pack purchased items in your carry-on if you plan to process the refund at the airport (though typically for cosmetics and OTC there’s no need to physically show the items, just the receipts at the refund kiosk).
• Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at pharmacies and drugstores in Korea  . Visa, MasterCard, Amex, etc., usually work fine (though Amex might not be taken at smaller mom-and-pop pharmacies). Notify your bank of travel to avoid declines. Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay) has been expanding in Korea – check if your card supports it. Some stores also accept mobile payments favored by foreign tourists: e.g. Olive Young in tourist districts may take Alipay or WeChat Pay (catering to Chinese visitors). Cash (Korean won) is of course accepted everywhere; however, foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.) is typically not taken at pharmacies or chain stores (unlike some markets or duty-free shops). So have won or use your card. One exception: Namdaemun Market area shops might take USD or CNY, but don’t count on it at regular pharmacies.
• Language and Communication: While English is not spoken by everyone, in tourist zones most shops try to accommodate. Look for pharmacies that display “English spoken” or flags of different languages – these indicate staff can help in those languages. In Seoul, many pharmacists can manage basic English medical terms. If you encounter a language barrier, a translation app like Papago or Google Translate works wonders – either type your symptom or use the voice mode. Also, as mentioned, showing a photo or screenshot of what you want is extremely common and effective. Don’t be shy – locals do this too for complex names. Pharmacists are generally patient and will either figure it out or offer an alternative. Another tip: learn or write down the Korean name of the condition (for example, headache = “두통”, cold = “감기”) – even if you show that word, it helps.
• In-Store Experience: When you enter a chain store like Olive Young, you’ll be greeted with a cheery “어서오세요!” (Welcome). Feel free to grab a shopping basket at the entrance. Products are usually organized by category (skincare, makeup, body care, health, etc.) with signage in Korean and often English. Many items have testers. Sales staff (in uniform vests) might approach to recommend deals, but they’re not pushy – a simple smile or “just looking” is fine. Prices are clearly marked; tax is already included in the tag price. Look out for special deals: orange or red tags mean a sale or 1+1 (buy one get one). Pharmacies (약국) on the other hand are more old-school: there’s typically a counter and medicine cabinets. You might have to ask for what you need rather than browsing. Smaller pharmacies won’t have prices labeled on each item (the pharmacist tells you the price). This is normal – they’re not overcharging; it’s just how it works. You usually discuss with the pharmacist, they retrieve the medicine, and you pay at the counter. If it’s a simple item like bandages, you can point on the shelf and they’ll let you take it. Queueing: In busy shops, line up at the register; Koreans are quite orderly about this.
• Trust and Safety: Korean pharmacies and H&B stores are highly regulated. You can trust that medications are genuine and safe – in fact, pharmacies pride themselves on carrying “genuine, pharmacy-approved products” only, as a certain Gangnam pharmacy advertises. You won’t encounter counterfeit drugs in legitimate stores here (unlike some countries). Even cosmetics go through safety checks. If you’re buying a device (like a thermometer or a face mask pack), rest assured it meets local standards. Always check expiration dates on perishable items like supplements or ointments – Korean packaging usually prints the mfg date and “까지” for expiry. And don’t buy medication from street vendors or random market stalls – in Korea, medicine is sold only in pharmacies or registered stores, so if you see pills being sold elsewhere, avoid them. Stick to the official 약국 or the well-known chains and you’ll be fine.
• Price Comparison & Haggling: In chain stores, prices are fixed. In independent pharmacies, pricing is usually standard, though if you’re buying a lot of something, you might politely ask “service?” which in Korea means a freebie – sometimes they’ll throw in a couple of extra vitamin C packs or a few bandaids. Don’t expect to haggle on medicine prices; it’s not common. If you want the best prices for cosmetics, Olive Young’s sale periods (e.g. Olive Young Day events) offer significant discounts – these are periodic and usually advertised online. Also, using store apps or membership might give extra discounts, but as a short-term tourist it might not be practical to sign up. However, if you’re a frequent visitor or staying longer, you can actually get an Olive Young membership with a foreign phone number at the counter and accumulate points.
• Packing and Airport Tips: Pharmacies can issue purchase certificates for certain items if you plan to hand-carry and declare for tax refund – but for most, just keeping receipts is enough. When packing, remember liquid rules for carry-on: medicines like syrups or tonics over 100 ml should go in checked luggage or be consumed before the flight. Pills and cosmetics are fine in carry-on. If you bought any sharp objects (scissors, etc. from first-aid kits), pack those in check-in. At Incheon Airport, there are tax refund kiosks and counters before security – scan your receipts (or show passport if needed) before you depart. It’s a quick process and you can get your VAT back in cash (Korean won or sometimes other currencies) or to your card. Plan to arrive a bit earlier if you have many receipts to process, just in case lines are long.
• Identifying Tourist-Friendly Stores: If you’re unsure which pharmacy to trust, a good rule is: go where the crowds are. A busy pharmacy in Myeongdong or a big chain store in Gangnam is likely experienced with tourists. Also, places that advertise shipping abroad or have been featured on media (signs will often brag about “As seen on SBS TV” etc.) are aiming for tourist clientele. Those typically have fair prices and services like packaging your items securely. Another sign of tourist-friendly places: they display products like ginseng, vitamin gift sets, or popular creams prominently at the front – indicating they know what visitors want. Online maps and reviews can help too (Naver Map or Google Map reviews might have comments about staff speaking English or tax-free availability).

Finally, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you’re not sure how to use a medicine, ask the pharmacist to write it down (some might even have English info sheets). If a cosmetic has an open sample, test it. Korea is generally very accommodating to shoppers – customer service is polite and attentive. Enjoy the experience of exploring Korean pharmacies and drugstores; it can feel like a treasure hunt with new discoveries on every shelf. Happy shopping and stay healthy on your travels!