If you're hesitant to visit a pharmacy due to limited Korean skills, just keep two things in mind: a translation app and a photo of the medicine you need. Start with the translation app to explain to the pharmacist what type of medicine you're looking for, which part of your body hurts, or any allergies you have. Even if there’s no exact match for the ingredients, the pharmacist will suggest a suitable local alternative. If the translation app doesn’t work, then you can show them a photo of the medicine. Alternatively, you can visit a pharmacy in an area frequented by visitors from abroad and look for one with a sign saying “Language assistance available” at the entrance. However, there are situations where these two methods may not be enough. For instance, if you need a more complex medication or have a condition that requires a prescription, it’s best to visit a clinic before your trip to get a medical record and an English prescription. To be safe, make sure to bring extra copies or take photos of your documents in case they get lost.

On the first day of your trip, you’re probably busy looking up the best restaurants near your accommodation. But why not also check for nearby duty pharmacies? Imagine feeling unwell late at night, or on a weekend or public holiday, and realizing you’re out of medicine with no open pharmacy nearby—it’s a situation you’d rather avoid, right? Finding one is easy. You can use the websites for “holiday guard pharmacies” or “late night pharmacies”, both run by the Korean Pharmaceutical Association. These sites provide accurate operating hours and help you quickly find nearby options. Before your trip, take a moment to note the contact information of a few duty pharmacies. In an emergency, you can call for assistance, or have backup options ready if there’s no pharmacy nearby. Planning ahead ensures you can travel with peace of mind.

"Doctors for diseases, pharmacists for medicines" is a well-known slogan in Korea, emphasizing that pharmacists are the experts when it comes to medications. In Korean pharmacies, you don’t have to buy anything to receive health consultations. In fact, pharmacists go beyond just providing advice on medicines—they also offer personalized recommendations for supplements tailored to your health condition and body type, services like blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, smoking cessation counseling, and even exercise advice. It’s incredibly convenient to get customized guidance based only on your symptoms, right?
I experienced this myself not long ago when I had to work late into the night for a project deadline. No matter how much coffee I drank, I felt exhausted. Since I still had to keep working, I stopped by a pharmacy near my office for some help. The pharmacist, with a serious expression, handed me something and said it was “the ultimate fatigue recovery supplement that even revives the dead." At first, I thought it was a joke, but surprisingly, it worked wonders. Thanks to that, I was able to wrap up my project on time. Of course, we all know that anything in excess can be harmful, and health supplements are no exception, so overusing them isn’t good for you. However, the pharmacist, who understood my usual condition and accumulated fatigue, prescribed a fatigue recovery supplement that was just the right strength for me, allowing me to manage my workload that day. If you’re looking for a similar personalized consultation, don’t hesitate to visit a nearby pharmacy!

Just like each region has its own local specialties that match its environment and history, pharmacies also have their own unique characteristics depending on the district. It seems that pharmacies adapt to the local population and the types of people passing through, which is why you’ll notice that the displays and layouts of pharmacies differ from one place to another. I mainly focused on areas with lots of attractions and things to do, so if you're in one of those neighborhoods during your trip, I recommend taking a look around. You might even discover some "insider tips" that could help you enjoy the area even more.

Yeouido, where I head to work every morning, is a hub for financial firms and broadcasting companies, with about half of its population being office workers. Perhaps because of this, pharmacies in Yeouido specialize in fatigue recovery supplement kits. Today, I visited my regular pharmacy near the office, as I’m once again facing a late-night work session. This time, I bought a premium fatigue recovery supplement kit.

The kit contains Korean ginseng, which is great for boosting immunity, along with other products. After taking them, I followed the pharmacist’s advice and drank warm water at the end. Immediately, I felt my body warm up, and I could feel my energy returning. Could it be because it’s a liquid form with high absorption? The best part is that it contains a small amount of caffeine, so unlike coffee, it doesn’t strain my stomach. Of course, it’s important not to overdo it, as frequent consumption of fatigue recovery supplement can put a strain on your liver. But if you have an important schedule like mine and need a boost, give it a try. Just be sure to consult with a pharmacist to choose the right fatigue recovery supplement for your body type!

After a long time, I had a drinking appointment, so I headed to Hongdae, the street of youth, after work. If you exit from either Exit 8 or 9, you'll find many 24-hour pharmacies. Even though I’m not great with alcohol, I decided to indulge tonight and went to a pharmacy. Of course, hangover cures are available at convenience stores, but the ones at pharmacies are much more effective. Since Hongik University is an area full of youthful energy and longer nights, as soon as I walked into the pharmacy, I saw hangover cures for symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting displayed on the shelves. This time, I bought a detox and hangover cure set.

I heard that it's most effective to take it on an empty stomach, so I started with the hangover cure jelly. The apple-flavored jelly was easy to eat and tasted great. Then, I took Ganetoc, the liquid hangover cure, and finished with Neiln, which helps with hangover recovery right away. Honestly, at first, I was skeptical about whether it would help. However, even though I didn't drink much water or have any snacks, I found myself getting drunk slower than usual, and there were no headaches or nausea. Thanks to my thorough hangover preparation, I was able to fully enjoy my "Friday night"!

Are there any of you who feel more worried than excited before a trip? I’m usually busy preparing for unexpected situations that could ruin my travels. And during this overseas trip, I forgot to pack essential medicines. In a rush, I searched to see if there was a pharmacy at Gimpo International Airport's international terminal. Luckily, I found one right in front of the departure area on the third floor. I quickly went in with relief. By the way, there’s also a pharmacy inside the domestic terminal on the third floor. So if you're flying within Korea, keep that in mind!

At the pharmacy in Gimpo International Airport, I found various medicines for travelers, from altitude sickness medication to motion sickness pills, all available for air travel. When I told the pharmacist I needed an essential medicine set for my trip, they carefully prepared everything from digestive aids and painkillers to diarrhea medication, ointments, and band-aids. Even if you don’t find a ready-made set like I did, don’t worry—pharmacists will make sure to provide you with the appropriate medicines for your needs.

Last weekend, I had a blind date, so I headed to Apgujeong with excitement. However, after having fried chicken and beer for a late-night snack the night before, my face became so swollen that it wouldn't go down. In a panic, I rushed to find a nearby pharmacy. Fortunately, Apgujeong is home to many cosmetic surgery clinics, dermatology clinics, and hair restoration clinics, and with a large population of people in their 20s and 30s, pharmacies here stock many beauty-related products. When I mentioned I needed something for facial swelling, the pharmacist wasn’t surprised, which made me feel relieved.

The three products recommended by the pharmacist were all medications that could be taken on an empty stomach. I took them in a hurry, but I was still worried about whether they'd work. Usually, pumpkin tea, honey-infused green tea, or cardio exercises are effective for reducing swelling, right? I wondered if the medication would really help with the swelling. And to my surprise, the swelling started to go down gradually!

When people talk about the common ailments of modern life, many mention back pain due to sitting for long hours while studying or working. However, I have an even more troublesome chronic condition: carpal tunnel syndrome. After spending all day holding the keyboard and mouse, my right wrist starts to ache. This might not just be a modern ailment but a common issue for editors like me.

Jongno 5-ga is packed with pharmacies, so wherever you look, you’ll see one. When I explained my symptoms to the pharmacist, he casually asked for more details about the pain. He then handed me two types of muscle relaxants and a pain relief patch with a smile, saying, “I'll give you a mild pain relief patch since you probably wouldn't like the strong smell at your age.” I think the reason this pharmacy street has been loved for so long isn’t just because the prices are affordable, but also because of the experienced pharmacists who have been around for years. I usually dislike the strong smell of regular patches, but thanks to the pharmacist’s thoughtfulness, I could focus on my work while taking care of my wrist.

Korean pharmacies aren’t just for medicine—you can also find skincare products, functional cosmetics, and even veterinary medicines all in one place. Products sold at pharmacies are known for their high quality and great value, having passed the strict standards of pharmacists. In fact, pharmacy skincare products recently caused a sellout frenzy in Korea due to their reasonable prices and excellent ingredients. Veterinary medicines, such as dewormers and basic first-aid supplies, are also available at more affordable prices than at animal clinics, making them a well-known secret among pet lovers.