Birth control options in Seoul include copper and hormonal IUDs, birth control pills, condoms and emergency contraception. At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, an English-speaking OB-GYN reviews your health, plans and preferences, explains the effectiveness, side effects and cost of each method, and can prescribe pills, place an IUD or provide emergency contraception.
- Methods discussed
- Copper IUD · hormonal IUD · pill · emergency contraception
- Most effective reversible
- IUDs and implants (over 99%)
- Emergency pills
- Prescription required in Korea
- First visit
- Consultation, plus pregnancy test or ultrasound if needed
- Cost guide
- Consultation about ₩50,000–100,000; IUD about ₩200,000–500,000
- Insurance
- Contraception alone is usually not NHI-covered
Which birth control methods are available at Yoonho?
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, Seoul, contraception is part of everyday gynecology. Our doctors can help you start, switch or stop a method, and explain how Korean rules differ from those at home.
- IUDs — small T-shaped devices placed in the uterus. Choose a hormone-free copper IUD or a hormonal (levonorgestrel) IUD. See IUD insertion for the visit itself.
- Birth control pills — some combined pills are sold at Korean pharmacies without a prescription, while others need one. Our guide to birth control pills in Korea explains how to find an equivalent of your usual brand.
- Emergency contraception — a copper IUD or a morning-after pill after unprotected sex. In Korea, emergency pills always need a prescription; see emergency contraception options.
- Permanent contraception — tubal ligation for women who are certain they do not want a future pregnancy.
- Condoms — the only method that also lowers the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and a useful back-up with any other method.
How effective is each birth control method?
Effectiveness is usually given for typical use — how a method works in real life, including missed pills or late refills. Methods that do not depend on daily action are the most effective.
| Method | Typical-use effectiveness | How long it lasts | Hormones | Getting it in Korea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper IUD | Over 99% | About 5–10 years, depending on the device | None | Placed by a gynecologist |
| Hormonal IUD | Over 99% | About 3–8 years, depending on the type | Low-dose levonorgestrel | Placed by a gynecologist |
| Contraceptive implant | Over 99% | About 3 years | Etonogestrel | Ask about availability at consultation |
| Combined pill | About 93% (around 7 in 100 users per year become pregnant) | Taken daily | Estrogen and progestin | Some brands at pharmacies; others by prescription |
| Male condom | About 87% | Each time | None | Pharmacies and convenience stores |
| Tubal ligation | Over 99% | Permanent | None | Surgical procedure |
Figures are approximate and based on international data such as CDC and WHO summaries. Your doctor will explain what they mean for you.
How do I choose the right method?
There is no single right answer. These questions usually guide the conversation with your gynecologist:
- When might you want a pregnancy? IUDs and pills are fully reversible; fertility usually returns quickly after stopping.
- Do you prefer to avoid hormones? A copper IUD is hormone-free but may make periods heavier.
- How are your periods? A hormonal IUD often makes periods lighter, which can help with heavy menstrual bleeding.
- How long will you stay in Korea? An IUD placed in Seoul keeps working after you move, and can be checked or removed by a doctor at home.
- Your health history. Migraine with aura, a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, or smoking at age 35 or older usually rule out estrogen-containing pills.
- STI protection. Only condoms reduce STI risk; regular testing is part of good sexual health (see our STD services).
- Unsure which method suits your health
- Side effects with your current method
- A missed pill or a condom that broke
- Brand names that differ between countries
- A method matched to your health and plans
- Side effects reviewed and alternatives explained
- Emergency options explained without delay
- An English summary to take home
Your birth control visit at Yoonho, step by step
- Book or walk in Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk, call, or simply walk in during opening hours. Bring your passport or ARC and the name of any pill or device you use now.
- Consultation in English Dr. Sun-Ok Lee or another of our OB-GYN specialists reviews your cycle, medical history, medicines and plans, and explains the options that fit.
- Checks when needed A urine pregnancy test, blood pressure check, pelvic exam or same-day pelvic ultrasound is done only when it is relevant to the method.
- Start your method A prescription is issued for a nearby pharmacy, or an IUD is placed — often at the same visit, sometimes at a second appointment timed to your cycle.
- Written aftercare and follow-up You receive written instructions, a follow-up plan and, on request, English documents such as a receipt, prescription details or a medical certificate.
All birth control treatments and guides
Explore each method in more detail:
Practical guides for international patients: IUD insertion in Seoul for foreigners and the morning-after pill in Seoul for foreigners.
Cost and insurance for international patients
As a general guide, a consultation is about ₩50,000–100,000, emergency contraception adds about ₩20,000–50,000 for the pill at the pharmacy, and IUD insertion is about ₩200,000–500,000 depending on the device. A written estimate is given after consultation.
- Contraception used only to prevent pregnancy is generally not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI). When a hormonal IUD is used to treat a medical problem such as heavy bleeding, partial coverage may apply — see health insurance for foreigners at Korean clinics.
- English receipts and medical certificates are available for travel or international insurance claims.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get birth control in Korea?
Yes. Tourists, students and residents can all see a gynecologist for contraception. Bring your passport or ARC; no referral is needed.
Do I need a prescription for the pill in Korea?
It depends on the pill. Some combined pills are sold at pharmacies without a prescription, while others require one. Emergency contraceptive pills always need a prescription in Korea.
Can I get an IUD on my first visit?
Often, yes — if pregnancy can be reasonably excluded and there are no signs of infection. Sometimes a second visit is arranged to time the insertion with your cycle or to wait for test results.
Is birth control covered by Korean health insurance?
Contraception for its own sake is generally not covered by NHI. Medically indicated treatment, such as a hormonal IUD for heavy bleeding, may be partly covered; this is confirmed at consultation.
Will my IUD still work after I leave Korea?
Yes. The device keeps working for its licensed duration. Ask for an English record of the device type and insertion date so a doctor at home can check or remove it.
Does birth control protect against STIs?
Only condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. If you have a new partner, consider using condoms as well as your main method and having regular STI tests.
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.