There are two kinds of morning-after pill: levonorgestrel 1.5 mg, taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and ulipristal acetate 30 mg, taken within 120 hours (5 days). Both work mainly by delaying ovulation and are most effective the sooner they are taken; ulipristal stays more effective later in the window. In Korea, both require a prescription.
- Types
- Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg · ulipristal acetate 30 mg
- How they work
- Delay or prevent ovulation
- Time limit
- 72 h (levonorgestrel) · 120 h (ulipristal)
- Effectiveness
- Highest when taken early
- Prescription
- Required in Korea
- Cost guide
- Consultation ₩50,000–100,000 + pill ₩20,000–50,000
How do morning-after pills work?
Morning-after pills work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation, so that sperm already in the body cannot meet an egg. Sperm can survive for up to about 5 days, which is why a pill taken after sex can still help.
They do not work if ovulation has already happened, they do not protect you for the rest of the cycle, and they do not end or harm an existing pregnancy. If you are near ovulation, a copper IUD may be more reliable — compare all options on our emergency contraception page.
Levonorgestrel vs. ulipristal acetate: side by side
| Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg | Ulipristal acetate 30 mg | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of medicine | Progestin (synthetic hormone) | Selective progesterone receptor modulator |
| Time limit | Within 72 hours | Within 120 hours (5 days) |
| Effectiveness over time | Falls the longer you wait | Remains more effective later in the window |
| Higher body weight | May be less effective | May be less effective, though often preferred |
| Restarting hormonal contraception | Straight away | Wait 5 days after the pill |
| Breastfeeding | Generally compatible | Pause breastfeeding for 1 week |
| In Korea | Prescription required | Prescription required |
The levonorgestrel pill is the same medicine as the US brand Plan B; Korean brand names differ, but the dose is the same.
- Not sure which pill to take
- Close to the end of the time window
- Breastfeeding or taking other medicines
- Unsure how to restart your usual method
- A pill (or IUD) matched to timing and health
- Prescription issued in one short visit
- Medicine interactions checked
- Clear written advice on restarting contraception
Why timing matters
Both pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible. As ovulation gets closer, the chance that a pill can still delay it falls — levonorgestrel in particular loses effect toward the end of its 3-day window.
- Within 24 hours: either pill is a reasonable choice; go as soon as you can.
- Day 3 to day 5 (72–120 hours): ulipristal acetate or a copper IUD.
- Mid-cycle, close to ovulation: a copper IUD is the most effective option.
Side effects and what to expect
- Nausea, headache, dizziness or tiredness
- Breast tenderness or lower abdominal cramps
- Spotting or irregular bleeding
- Your next period arriving a few days early or late
Side effects are usually mild and pass within a few days. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the pill, contact a doctor, as another dose is usually needed.
Getting a morning-after pill prescription at Yoonho
- Walk in No appointment is needed during opening hours; say you need emergency contraception so you are seen promptly.
- Consultation in English The doctor checks the timing, your cycle, body weight, medicines and breastfeeding status, then recommends a pill or an IUD.
- Prescription to pharmacy Take the prescription to a nearby pharmacy and swallow the pill there or as soon as possible.
- Follow-up plan Written advice on restarting contraception, when to test for pregnancy and whether STI testing is advisable.
Visiting Seoul? See the morning-after pill guide for foreigners for what to bring and typical costs.
Restarting regular contraception
- After levonorgestrel: you can start or restart the pill straight away; use condoms for the next 7 days (longer for some pill types).
- After ulipristal acetate: wait 5 days before starting hormonal contraception, then use condoms until the method is effective.
- Long-term option: an IUD or a regular pill — see our pill guide for foreigners.
Cost: as a general guide, a consultation is about ₩50,000–100,000 plus ₩20,000–50,000 for the pill; a written estimate is given after consultation. English receipts are available for insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Which morning-after pill is more effective?
Ulipristal acetate is generally more effective than levonorgestrel, particularly 3–5 days after sex. A copper IUD is more effective than either pill.
Can I get a morning-after pill in advance in Korea?
Because a prescription is required in Korea, pharmacies cannot sell it to you in advance without one. Ask your doctor whether an advance prescription is appropriate for you.
Does the morning-after pill affect future fertility?
No. Emergency pills do not affect your long-term fertility. You can become pregnant again later in the same cycle, so use contraception.
Can I take a morning-after pill while breastfeeding?
Levonorgestrel is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. With ulipristal, breastfeeding is usually paused for one week, expressing and discarding milk.
Does the pill protect me for the rest of my cycle?
No. It only covers sex that has already happened. Use condoms or another method until your regular contraception is effective.
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.