Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Cheap, convenient — and controversial: Warehouse pharmacies reshape Korea's drug retail market

Shoppers are lining up for deals, pushing carts through cavernous aisles and stocking up on items to last for months — a common sight at a big-box store, but not something you’d expect when shopping for painkillers or cold medicine.

2026-03-02

Packs on racks

A customer shops for health supplements in a warehouse-style pharmacy in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Feb. 8.

2026-02-08

Warehouse-style pharmacies expand consumer choice, upset traditional drugstores

Shoppers pushing carts through aisles and perusing over-the-counter medicines are becoming familiar sights in parts of Gwangju, where newly opened warehouse-style pharmacies are drawing crowds.

2026-01-22

Health insurance claims go paperless — or try to — with gov't push

The government push to streamline private health insurance claims will enter its second phase on Saturday, extending the simplified submission process from major hospitals and public health centers to local clinics and pharmacies.

2025-10-24

Korean pharmacies just what the doctor ordered with new tourism trend

Pharmacies are increasingly making tourist itineraries for "must-go" places in Korea as they look for more potent drugs than what can be found at the dominant lifestyle store Olive Young.

2025-09-27

Korea's pharmacies turn into tourist attractions as visitors chase latest treatments

In Korea, three stores have long been staples on every tourist’s itinerary: Olive Young, Daiso and Musinsa. But a recent trend report suggests that pharmacies are quickly joining the must-visit list.

2025-09-18

Top court rules pharmacists' right to challenge nearby drug store openings

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has recognized for the first time that pharmacists may file a lawsuit to challenge government approval for new pharmacies in close proximity.

2025-09-11

Warehouse pharmacy debuts in Korea, drawing pushback

A newly opened warehouse-style pharmacy in Seongnam offers a wide selection of OTC drugs at lower prices, attracting attention from industry observers and concern from the local pharmaceutical community about potential competition.

2025-06-16

66 hospital ERs to stay open during Chuseok holiday in Seoul

The city government said Wednesday that all 66 emergency rooms, including those at general and university hospitals, will be open 24 hours a day as usual.

2023-09-27

Korea to restrict sales of cold medicine amid concerns of panic-buying

Korea plans to restrict the amount of cold medicine sold at pharmacies and penalize those who resell them amid concerns of panic-buying during the winter months.

2022-12-30