Korean Job Discussion Forums

sweetonsno · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Location: Munjeong-dong

So, there are a TON of old posts about this. But none new, and 2003 is definitely almost 4 years ago.

I just got a new scrip from the good doctor in Itaewon. Thank goodness.

I got it filled in the pharmacy in the IT Venture Tower, near where I work. I paid 107,000 won for 58 pills. They're the 12.5 mg size, which is all they have here. I take 50 mg a day, or else. I'm going back to the pharmacy to get the rest tomorrow. But three month's worth is costing me almost $700! Confused

That's pretty ridiculous. Paying it is better than the alternative, of course, but am I getting charged too much? At home, I think the same amount, without insurance, is about $1100. I thought insurance was supposed to cover 60-80%? It's paying less than 40%. Shocked

Any ideas? I have a few sympathetic (that is, Canadian) co-workers who speak Korean. Should I ask them? Or should I call the doctor? Or what?

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

Google "online pharmacy" or some such. Most of these places run out of Thailand or somewhere. i bought several things and had it sent to the states. Korea is more strict, but you must know someone traveling soon. Buying meds and having them shipped was cheaper than my stupid $35 copay

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Did you try just going to a local clinic. I go to a "Nae gwa" (internal medicine clinic) - any one will do. I take zoloft, 50 mg, and without insurance it's about $50 for 30 pills, about $12 for the clinic visit. You don't need much Korean to do this. Often the doctor will know some. You can just write what you need.