Seoul pharmacies become a K-Beauty stop for international visitors
A 24 October Korea Times report describes rising tourist spending at pharmacies in Myeong-dong and Namdaemun, citing Korea Tourism Organization data.
Published
27 October 2026 — Pharmacies in Seoul's Myeong-dong and Namdaemun Market areas are attracting more international visitors looking for Korean skincare and over-the-counter products, The Korea Times reported on 24 October. One Namdaemun pharmacist told the newspaper that foreign customers accounted for 40 to 50 percent of sales.
What visitors are buying
The report describes two distinct categories. Some items are over-the-counter medicines, such as scar and acne treatments, that may be sold only in pharmacies under Korean law. Others are cosmetics, including PDRN-based skincare, that pharmacies choose to stock. Citing Korea Tourism Organization data, the report says pharmacies accounted for 13.88 percent of international visitors' medical-related spending in September, about KRW 31.8 billion.
A useful distinction for travellers
A pharmacy shelf can hold both medicines and cosmetics, and different rules apply to each. Read the label to see which one you are buying, follow its directions and ask the pharmacist if you have a medical condition or take other medication. Medicines may also face import restrictions in your home country.
If you discover a cosmetic in a store, record its exact name and size so that you can compare it later. THE CAST's hotel-delivery guides explain how to order available products for delivery before you check out.