Plan B is a brand of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg emergency contraceptive pill, taken as a single dose as soon as possible and within 72 hours of unprotected sex. In the US it is sold over the counter, but in Korea levonorgestrel emergency pills need a doctor's prescription. Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong can assess you and prescribe one in a short walk-in visit.
- Active ingredient
- Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg
- Dose
- One tablet, taken once
- Time window
- Within 72 hours; sooner is better
- In Korea
- Prescription needed; brand names differ
- Common side effects
- Nausea, headache, spotting
- Cost guide
- Consultation ₩50,000–100,000 + pill ₩20,000–50,000
What is Plan B and how does it work?
Plan B (Plan B One-Step) contains a single 1.5 mg dose of levonorgestrel, a progestin also used in many regular birth control pills. Taken after unprotected sex, it mainly works by delaying ovulation, so sperm cannot fertilize an egg.
It does not work if ovulation has already occurred and it does not end or harm an existing pregnancy. To compare it with the other pill type, ulipristal acetate, see morning-after pills compared.
Plan B in the US vs. in Korea
| United States | South Korea | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg | Levonorgestrel 1.5 mg (same dose) |
| Brand names | Plan B One-Step and generics | Different local brand names |
| How to get it | Over the counter, no age limit | Doctor's prescription, then pharmacy |
| Where | Pharmacies and stores | Pharmacies with a prescription from a clinic or hospital |
| Alternatives | Ulipristal (prescription), copper IUD | Ulipristal (prescription), copper IUD |
The Korean versions are the same medicine at the same dose, so you do not need to look for the Plan B brand itself. Practical tips for visitors are in our morning-after pill guide for foreigners.
How to take levonorgestrel 1.5 mg correctly
- Take it as soon as possible Swallow the single tablet as soon as you have it — ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours after sex.
- With or without food Food does not matter. Taking it with a light snack may reduce nausea.
- If you vomit If you vomit within 3 hours, contact a doctor, as another dose is usually needed.
- Protect yourself afterwards Use condoms until your regular contraception is effective. If you take the pill, continue it as normal.
- Check your period Take a pregnancy test if your period is more than 7 days late or unusually light.
- Plan B not on pharmacy shelves in Korea
- Not sure if the Korean pill is the same
- Close to the 72-hour limit
- Unsure what to do afterwards
- Prescription for the same medicine in one short visit
- Equivalent dose and brand explained
- Alternatives offered if timing calls for them
- Written advice on testing and contraception
When is another option better than Plan B?
- More than 72 hours have passed: ulipristal acetate (up to 120 hours) or a copper IUD (up to 5 days).
- You are close to ovulation: a copper IUD is the most effective option.
- Higher body weight: levonorgestrel may be less effective; some guidelines suggest a different dose or an alternative, so tell your doctor.
- Certain medicines: some epilepsy, HIV and tuberculosis drugs, and St John's wort, can reduce effectiveness; a copper IUD is not affected.
All options are compared on our emergency contraception page.
Side effects and when to seek care
- Nausea, headache, dizziness or tiredness
- Breast tenderness or lower abdominal pain
- Spotting or irregular bleeding
- A period that comes earlier or later than expected
These are usually mild and settle within a few days. Levonorgestrel is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Getting a levonorgestrel pill at Yoonho
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, walk-ins are welcome Monday–Friday 9:00–18:00 and Saturday 9:00–13:00. Bring your passport or ARC. After a short consultation in English, you receive a prescription to fill at a nearby pharmacy, along with advice on ongoing contraception and STI testing if relevant.
As a general guide, the consultation is about ₩50,000–100,000 and the pill ₩20,000–50,000; a written estimate is given after consultation. English receipts are available for insurance claims. Explore all methods in our birth control overview.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Plan B at a Korean pharmacy without a prescription?
No. In Korea, levonorgestrel emergency pills require a prescription. After a short consultation you can fill it at any pharmacy.
Is the Korean pill the same as Plan B?
Yes, in terms of medicine: it contains the same levonorgestrel 1.5 mg dose, sold under different brand names.
How effective is Plan B?
It is most effective when taken as soon as possible after sex, and effectiveness falls with time. It is less effective than ulipristal acetate or a copper IUD.
Will Plan B delay my period?
It can. Your period may come a few days early or late. If it is more than 7 days late, take a pregnancy test.
Can I take Plan B if I am on the pill?
Yes, if you missed pills and had unprotected sex. Continue your pill as normal and use condoms for the next 7 days.
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.