Abortion has not been a crime in South Korea since January 1, 2021, and several English-speaking OB-GYN clinics in Gangnam provide care in early pregnancy. A visit usually starts with counseling and an ultrasound to confirm how far along the pregnancy is. Care is not covered by National Health Insurance, and policies differ by clinic, so confirm details directly.
- Legal status
- Decriminalized since Jan 1, 2021
- First step
- Counseling and ultrasound dating
- Gestational limits
- Set by each clinic, often up to ~16 weeks
- Medication options
- Limited in Korea — ask your doctor
- Cost guide
- About ₩600,000–1,200,000
- Insurance
- Not NHI-covered; self-pay
Is abortion legal in South Korea?
In April 2019, Korea's Constitutional Court ruled that the criminal ban on abortion was unconstitutional and asked lawmakers to revise the law by the end of 2020. No replacement law was passed, so the criminal provisions lost effect on January 1, 2021. Since then, abortion is no longer a crime for the patient or the doctor.
Because there is still no detailed law, there is no national rule on gestational limits or procedures. Clinics follow their own medical policies, and care is generally available in early pregnancy. Abortion is not covered by National Health Insurance (NHI).
Laws and clinic policies can change. This page is general information, not legal advice — confirm current details with the clinic you contact.
English-speaking clinics in Seoul that foreigners often consider
| Clinic | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yoonho Hospital(Seoul OBGYN for Foreigners) | Apgujeong, Gangnam | Counseling, ultrasound confirmation, procedure options explained in English, contraceptive counseling and aftercare |
| Lante OBGYN(Sinsoe Women's Clinic) | Sinsa, Gangnam | Female doctors; English consultations |
| Second Spring OBGYN | Apgujeong, Gangnam | Same-day or next-day appointments often available |
| SINSOE Women's Clinic | Seocho / Gangnam | Women's clinic; ask about English availability when booking |
| YQueen Clinic | Gangnam (Seocho) | Discreet care; English-speaking staff |
Information is based on publicly available details and is provided for orientation only. Hours, gestational limits, English availability and prices change, so contact each clinic directly before visiting. Listing a clinic is not an endorsement. For general gynecology, see our list of English-speaking OB-GYN clinics in Seoul.
What should you ask when you contact a clinic?
- Up to how many weeks of pregnancy does the clinic provide care?
- Which methods are offered, and which are legally available in Korea?
- Is an ultrasound and any blood test (such as blood type) included?
- What type of anesthesia or sedation is used, and do I need to fast?
- What is the total estimated cost, including follow-up?
- Will consultation, consent forms and aftercare instructions be in English?
- How is my privacy protected, and who receives my documents?
If you are not yet sure you are pregnant or how far along you are, start with a pregnancy test and early ultrasound.
What happens during the visit?
- Contact and booking Message the clinic with the first day of your last period. Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC).
- Counseling A doctor explains the options neutrally and answers your questions. The decision is yours, and you can take time to think.
- Ultrasound and tests An ultrasound confirms that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, checks for ectopic pregnancy and dates the pregnancy. Blood tests may be done.
- Discussing methods Availability of medication options in Korea is limited; your doctor will explain what is legally available. In early pregnancy, a procedure using gentle suction (vacuum aspiration) is commonly used.
- Procedure and rest With anesthesia or sedation as planned, the procedure itself is short. You rest for a few hours and go home the same day, ideally with a companion.
- Follow-up A check-up visit confirms recovery. Contraception is discussed before you leave.
- Unsure how far along the pregnancy is
- Unclear which options are legally available
- Worried about language and privacy
- No plan yet for contraception afterward
- Ultrasound dating and an ectopic check
- Options explained neutrally in English
- Confidential records and written aftercare
- Contraception discussed before you leave
Procedural vs. medication options
| Procedure (vacuum aspiration) | Medication options | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability in Korea | Offered by many clinics in early pregnancy | Limited; ask what is legally available |
| How it works | A doctor empties the uterus with gentle suction | Medicines end the pregnancy; the uterus empties over hours to days |
| Time at the clinic | Several hours including recovery | Depends on the regimen used |
| Anesthesia | Local, sedation or brief general anesthesia | Usually none; pain relief is given |
| Follow-up | Check-up visit | Check that the pregnancy has ended |
Medicines bought online without a prescription are unregulated, may be counterfeit, and can cause heavy bleeding without medical support. If you have already taken such pills, see a doctor for a check-up.
Aftercare, warning signs and contraception
- Same day Cramping and period-like bleeding are common. Rest and take pain relief as advised.
- First 1–2 weeks Light bleeding or spotting may continue. Use pads rather than tampons and avoid intercourse and swimming for as long as advised.
- Within about 2 weeks Ovulation can return quickly, so pregnancy is possible before your next period. Start contraception as planned.
- Follow-up visit A check-up, and ultrasound if needed, confirms that recovery is complete.
Many options can start right away, including an IUD or birth control pills. Feelings afterward vary from relief to sadness; it is okay to ask for support.
Cost, insurance and privacy
As a general guide, care in Seoul costs about ₩600,000–1,200,000, depending on gestational age, method and anesthesia; a written estimate is given after consultation. It is not covered by NHI, and many travel insurance policies exclude it — check your policy and see health insurance for foreigners.
Medical information is confidential under Korean law. Documents such as receipts are issued only to you; if you need them for a claim, see medical documents for insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get an abortion in Korea?
Yes. Abortion has not been a crime in Korea since 2021, and clinics in Seoul see foreign patients, including short-term visitors, with a passport. Each clinic sets its own medical policies, so ask about requirements when you book.
How many weeks along can I be?
There is no legal gestational limit currently in force, so each clinic sets its own. Many provide care in early pregnancy, commonly up to around 16 weeks; an ultrasound is needed to confirm how far along you are.
Is the abortion pill available in Korea?
As of 2025, no oral abortion medication had been approved by Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, so availability is limited. Your doctor will explain what is legally available. Avoid buying pills online, as they may be counterfeit or unsafe.
Is it covered by insurance?
No. It is not covered by National Health Insurance and is paid out of pocket — about ₩600,000–1,200,000 as a general guide. Check whether your private or travel insurance covers any part of it.
Will anyone else be told?
No. Medical information is confidential, and documents are issued only to you. You can ask the clinic how your records are stored and handled.
When can I start contraception?
Usually right away. Fertility can return within about two weeks, so many people start pills or have an IUD placed at or soon after the procedure.
Written and fact-checked by our medical editorial team
Content is checked against current Korean regulations and international clinical guidance and updated regularly. Information about other clinics is provided for orientation only — please confirm details directly with each clinic.
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Talk confidentially with 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.