Emergency contraception lowers the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. There are three options: a copper IUD (the most effective, up to 5 days), an ulipristal acetate pill (up to 5 days) and a levonorgestrel pill (within 3 days). In Korea, emergency pills need a doctor's prescription, so see a clinic as soon as possible.
- Options
- Copper IUD · ulipristal pill · levonorgestrel pill
- Time window
- Up to 72 h (levonorgestrel) or 120 h (ulipristal, copper IUD)
- Most effective
- Copper IUD (over 99%)
- Prescription
- Required for pills in Korea
- Pill cost guide
- Consultation ₩50,000–100,000 + pill ₩20,000–50,000
- Copper IUD as EC
- About ₩200,000–400,000 (estimate)
When do you need emergency contraception?
Consider emergency contraception if you had vaginal sex in the last 5 days and:
- No contraception was used
- A condom broke, slipped off or was used incorrectly
- You missed combined pills (see our birth control pill guide for missed-pill rules)
- Your IUD came out or you cannot feel its threads
- You were sexually assaulted — you deserve care and support, and a doctor can also discuss STI prevention and other help
Emergency contraception is not an abortion. It does not end or harm an established pregnancy.
Comparing your emergency contraception options
| Copper IUD | Ulipristal acetate pill (30 mg) | Levonorgestrel pill (1.5 mg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time limit | Up to 5 days | Up to 120 hours (5 days) | Within 72 hours (3 days) |
| Effectiveness | Over 99% — the most effective option | More effective than levonorgestrel, especially on days 3–5 | Most effective the sooner it is taken |
| How it works | Prevents fertilization and implantation | Delays ovulation | Delays ovulation |
| Body weight | Not affected | May be less effective at higher weight | May be less effective at higher weight |
| Ongoing contraception | Yes — can stay in for years | No — start a method after 5 days | No — start a method straight away |
| How to get it in Korea | Inserted by a gynecologist | Prescription, then pharmacy | Prescription, then pharmacy |
For pill details, see morning-after pills compared and Plan B (levonorgestrel 1.5 mg).
Which option should I choose? A quick decision guide
- You want the most effective option, or long-term contraception too: a copper IUD, if it can be placed within 5 days — see copper IUD.
- It has been 3–5 days (72–120 hours): an ulipristal acetate pill or a copper IUD.
- It has been less than 3 days: either pill can be used; ulipristal is generally more effective, levonorgestrel lets you restart hormonal contraception immediately.
- You are close to ovulation (mid-cycle): pills may not work if ovulation has already happened, so a copper IUD is worth considering.
- You are breastfeeding: levonorgestrel is usually preferred; with ulipristal, breastfeeding is paused for a week.
- You take certain medicines(some epilepsy, HIV or tuberculosis drugs, or St John's wort): these can reduce pill effectiveness, so tell your doctor.
- A condom broke or pills were missed
- Not sure how many hours have passed
- Not sure which option fits your situation
- Worry about getting a prescription in Korea
- The option matched to timing and health
- Prescription or IUD arranged at the same visit when possible
- A clear plan for ongoing contraception
- Advice on when to take a pregnancy test
Getting emergency contraception at Yoonho
- Walk in or message us No appointment is needed during opening hours. Tell the reception you need emergency contraception so you can be seen promptly.
- Short consultation in English The doctor asks when unprotected sex happened, about your cycle and medicines, and explains the options that still apply.
- Pregnancy test if needed Useful if your period is late or there was earlier unprotected sex in the same cycle.
- Prescription or IUD Take the prescription to a nearby pharmacy and swallow the pill right away, or have a copper IUD placed, often on the same day.
- Plan for what comes next You leave with advice on ongoing contraception, when to test for pregnancy and whether STI testing makes sense.
Step-by-step logistics for visitors, including what to bring and cost, are in our morning-after pill guide for foreigners.
After emergency contraception: what to expect
- Same day Mild nausea, headache, tiredness or breast tenderness can occur after a pill. Cramping and light bleeding are common after an IUD.
- Next period Your period may come a few days earlier or later than usual.
- If your period is late Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than 7 days late, unusually light, or 3 weeks after the unprotected sex if you have no period.
- About 2 weeks later Consider STI testing if there is any risk of infection.
Cost and insurance
As a general guide, a consultation is about ₩50,000–100,000 plus ₩20,000–50,000 for the pill at the pharmacy. A copper IUD used as emergency contraception is about ₩200,000–400,000. A written estimate is given after consultation.
Emergency contraception is generally not covered by NHI; see health insurance for foreigners. If you are closed out on a Sunday or holiday, some hospital emergency departments can prescribe emergency contraception.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy emergency contraception over the counter in Korea?
No. In Korea, emergency contraceptive pills require a doctor's prescription. A short clinic visit is enough, and the pill is then bought at a pharmacy.
Which emergency contraception is most effective?
A copper IUD is the most effective option, preventing over 99% of pregnancies when placed within 5 days. Of the pills, ulipristal acetate is generally more effective than levonorgestrel.
What if I vomit after taking the pill?
If you vomit within 3 hours of taking an emergency pill, it may not have been absorbed. Contact a doctor, as another dose is usually needed.
Can I use emergency contraception more than once?
Yes, emergency pills can be used more than once, even in the same cycle, but they are less effective than regular contraception. Avoid taking levonorgestrel within 5 days after ulipristal, as it can reduce ulipristal's effect.
Where can I get emergency contraception on a Sunday in Seoul?
Yoonho is closed on Sundays and holidays. Some hospital emergency departments and weekend-open clinics can prescribe it; on Saturday, Yoonho is open 9:00–13:00.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk to an English-speaking gynecologist
Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.