Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jendaejeon]

Does anyone know of where you can get an abortion in Korea? In Seoul or anywhere? I changed birth control pills since coming here, I'm not 100% sure I'm pregnant but I'm 3 days late and just researching possibilities before I hit panic mode. Thanks.

[meaghan]

Too late to help this girl but, in case anyone else is wondering the same:

Abortions are technically illegal in Korea. However, like many laws here, this one is fairly laxly enforced. I have heard* that it is not difficult to find doctors willing to perform abortions, but that they charge the full amount they would be fined if they get caught - around 2 million won.

*fortunately for me but unfortunately for you, I am reporting hearsay, not personal experience. So I'm sorry but I don't know of a specific doctor to contact:(

Another option is this website, http://www.womenonweb.org/, a nonprofit organization that mails pills that will cause a miscarriage to women in countries where safe abortions are illegal. They ask for a donation of 70 euros. The medication is pretty safe and if you do have complications just go to a hospital and say you had a miscarriage. These pills only work if you are less than 9 weeks pregnant.

To prevent needing these services, the morning after pill is indeed available in Korea, by prescription. I live in Seoul so I went to the International Clinic in Itaewon when I needed it, but other doctors can prescribe it to. The morning after pill must be taken within 72 hours.

If you can't get to a doctor or can't find one willing to prescribe it, overdosing on birth control pills is almost as effective. You can buy them cheaply over the counter without a prescription at any pharmacy. Google the ingredients on the pills you have + emergency contraception for dosage.

And use condoms! Foreign goods are getting easier to find all the time - homeplus carries many brands suitable for use by westerners.

[socialjeebus]

From recent personal experience (the wife not me!) 2 million is far too much. My wife paid 800,000 for hers (by Kangnam Station) and it included follow up visits. However I'm not too sure how they would welcome a foreign woman.

[soomin]

So~~ has anyone gotten any info on IUDs in Korea? My friend got one and loves it, but I didn't know how prevalent, safe, or expensive they were here... If you don't want to answer here, you can PM me ^.^ Thanks!

[Suwon23]

I'm having trouble finding western condoms. People keep telling me they're everywhere, in Homeplus, and even Family Mart. But I never see them in any of those places. The threads on this site mostly give outdated directions to sex shops miles away that no longer exist. How do people manage to find proper condoms?

[trish91198]

Now that I'm back in the states, I'm on depo. When I go back to Korea in August, it will be back to a monthly pharmacy visit for a box of Minulet. I haven't done much research on the topic of birth control in Korea, but pills are insanely easy to obtain and cost next to nothing. I first tried Mercilon, but it totally messed with my sex drive...as in, I had none. What's the point of taking birth control if you have no drive?
My OB-GYN here at home told me to research any pill that I plan on going on while in a foreign country. BCP's are a prescription drug here in the states because of the side effects they can cause. I made sure to Google ALL meds I was given while in Korea, not just my birth control.
And I know it's already been said in the thread, but USE CONDOMS PEOPLE! I brought some from home, just in case.

[Suwon23]

[sm]

I think I saw the Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon on the hill selling western condoms last time I went. I seem to remember seeing Durex. It's worth checking out.

[sm]

I think I saw the Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon on the hill selling western condoms last time I went. I seem to remember seeing Durex. It's worth checking out.

[trish91198]

Well looks like I should buy them here in the states in bulk before going to Korea next week and sell them!

[spaceman]

gmarket sells Durex, everyone!

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=303699630

at least a few different varieties. I had no trouble signing up & paying through ATM transfer.

Good luck.