"I've Never Seen Medicine Like This... Why Foreigners Are Amazed by 'K-Pharmacies' and Envious of Koreans"

Individually Packaged Doses in Korea Rarely Seen Abroad
From Your Name to Dosage Time: A System Admired for Its Convenience
Foreigners’ Pharmacy Card Payments Jump Twelvefold in a Year

Foreign tourists in South Korea are often astonished when they receive prescription medicine at a local pharmacy, particularly at the sight of a small vinyl pouch. This uniquely Korean system individually packages each dose with not only the name of the medication and the patient, but also the specific times to take it—morning, lunch, and evening. While this is routine for Koreans, to visitors it stands out as a convenient and precise approach to dispensing medication. As a result, these distinctive medication pouches have gone viral on social media platforms, being praised for both their convenience and sophistication.

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"Even Names and Dosage Times Listed" ... The Korean Prescription Pouch Surprising Foreigners

The feature that surprises foreigners the most at South Korean pharmacies is the "pouch-type individualized packaging." At these pharmacies, each dose is separated into plastic pouches labeled with the patient's name, the time of intake (morning, lunch, evening, before bedtime), the type of medicine, and the quantity.

The benefit is clear: there is no need for the patient to count pills or remember the order in which to take them—they simply take the correct pouch at the right time. This system is supported by the advanced technology of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group's affiliate JVM, which occupies more than 90% of the domestic pouch-type dispensing automation market.

The approach elsewhere is quite different. In North America, for example, prescription medication is typically dispensed in orange plastic bottles, with directions printed on the label. In major European countries, it's common to receive medications in the original manufacturer’s packaging, such as boxes or blister (PTP) packs.

Pouching and repackaging medication by dose and intake time, as is done in South Korea, is relatively unfamiliar abroad. This has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with comments such as, "Prescription pouches in Korea have your name and dosage times written on them," "We need this kind of system in our country immediately," and "I'm so envious of Koreans."

The pouch-type dispensing system is now gaining attention in major European countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany, which are seeking improvements in medication safety and convenience. JVM also holds the top market share for pouch-type dispensing automation in both Europe and North America.

Soaring Medical Tourism and the 'K-Pharmacy' Shopping Trend ... Card Payments Jump 12-Fold in a Year

Growing interest in South Korean pharmacies is also translating into increased pharmaceutical purchases. According to Korea Tourism Data Lab, foreign medical tourism spending in South Korea from January to August of this year reached 1.6091 trillion won, up 61.1% compared to the same period last year. In particular, spending at pharmacies surged by 207%.

A 'Unmanned Currency Exchange Machine' is placed in front of a pharmacy near Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Foreign tourists are entering the pharmacy. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Card payments by foreigners at Seoul pharmacies in the first half of this year rose by a staggering 1,176.9% compared to the same period last year. In popular areas such as Myeong-dong and Hongdae, tourists are frequently seen carrying essential shopping lists from social media, seeking acne treatment products, scar ointments, and melasma remedies.

Pharmacies are fast emerging as a new K-beauty shopping destination, especially in areas like Myeong-dong, where the number of pharmacies has increased from 46 last year to 70 recently. Some stores now provide consultation in English, Chinese, or Japanese, or display products according to specific skin concerns.

Concerns over Unqualified Sales and Insufficient Medication Guidance

However, with the influx of foreign tourists, the challenge of maintaining pharmacy professionalism has come under scrutiny. There have been instances where non-pharmacist staff explain or even sell medications to foreign visitors.

Under current South Korean law, only licensed pharmacists are permitted to sell general medicines and provide medication guidance. As pharmacies become an increasingly popular destination for foreign tourists, ensuring the safety of pharmaceutical products alongside convenience is likely to become even more important.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.