Standing at a Korean 약국 unable to read the boxes? This maps 14 common ailments to what to ask for + the real Korean product names (14 are over-the-counter, 5 you can grab at a 24h convenience store), explains how a pharmacy visit works, and gives you a phrasebook.
Curated 2026-07, products and convenience-store rules re-checked 2026-09-22. Not medical advice — confirm with the pharmacist and follow the dosage on the label (strengths can differ from home). To see a doctor first: Seeing a doctor.
Type your symptom to find the medicine + its Korean name.
14 results
Familiar Western antihistamines are stocked under the same names; Allegra 120mg is sold without a prescription. Claritin and Allegra are the less-drowsy options.
These combo liquids/tablets hit fever + nose + cough at once. At a convenience store the two cold items are 판콜에이내복액 (liquid) and 판피린티정 (tablets); the rest are pharmacy-only. Don't take them together with a separate painkiller — most already contain acetaminophen.
Mild OTC cough syrups exist. 화이투벤 코프 시럽 also contains acetaminophen, so don't take it with another acetaminophen product. 코푸시럽 (Coff syrup, with dihydrocodeine) is prescription-only now. Tell the pharmacist whether the cough is dry or with phlegm.
후시딘 (antibiotic) + 마데카솔 (healing) are the two classic ointments. Deep cuts needing stitches → 외과 / ER.
Hydrate (ion drinks / 포카리). Bloody stool, high fever, or no better after 2 days → see a clinic, don't just self-treat. Loperamide is not for bloody diarrhea or a high fever.
Children's Tylenol suspension and children's Brufen syrup are among the convenience-store items (see /family-with-kids); dose children by the label or ask a pharmacist. Persistent high fever → see a clinic (/clinic-visit).
A Korean institution — grab at any convenience store before or after drinking. These are food products, not medicines.
Convenience stores carry Tylenol 500mg only; ibuprofen tablets and Gebrin are pharmacy-only. Tylenol comes in several strengths here, so check the mg on the box and follow the label. Gebrin also contains caffeine.
겔포스 sachets are the Korean go-to. Zantac (ranitidine) was pulled from sale in Korea in 2019, and PPIs such as omeprazole need a prescription here — frequent reflux means a 내과 visit.
Korea's classic "ate too much" fix. Bearse/Festal enzyme tablets are convenience-store items. 까스활명수 (herbal tonic) is pharmacy-only; the 까스활 drink at convenience stores is a lighter non-drug version.
버물리 + 물파스 are the summer staples for mosquito bites. For a spreading rash/hives, see 피부과 (dermatology).
EzN6 Eve is ibuprofen + pamabrom; other EzN6 products use different painkillers (one is acetaminophen), so check the box. Women's Tylenol and Penzal are acetaminophen-based, so don't combine them with another acetaminophen product. Pharmacists are used to the request.
The 키미테 ear patch is iconic for ferries/buses; it has to go on hours before departure, so read the timing on the box. The patch is labelled for adults and must not be used by children aged 7 or under, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or with narrow-angle glaucoma. Both can cause drowsiness; don't drive.
Lozenges + gargle for mild cases. Korean Strepsils contain flurbiprofen, an anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID), not just an antiseptic. Severe/feverish sore throat with white spots → 이비인후과 (ENT) clinic.
Find a 약국 (green cross sign), usually next to clinics. No appointment, no ID needed for OTC. Pharmacists often read English and are happy to advise.
Say the symptom ("headache", "stomachache", "cold") — the pharmacist picks a suitable OTC. If you want a specific drug, name the active ingredient (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cetirizine).
They'll hand you a box or a few days' worth in a packet. Ask "제네릭 있어요?" (is there a generic?) for a cheaper local version if budget matters.
OTC is usually a few thousand won and not covered by insurance. Card + cash both fine. Keep the receipt for travel-insurance if it was on a prescription.
Check 1일 N회 (N times/day) and 식후 30분 (30 min after meals) on the packet, and follow that — the strength per tablet may differ from what you take at home.