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Abortion in Korea: A Neutral Guide for Foreigners in Gangnam, Seoul. Legal status as of October 2026.
An independent, factual overview of the legal situation and where to find licensed care. HIGHST Urology Clinic is a urology clinic and does not provide abortion care.
- Independent information
- Legal status explained
- Licensed OB-GYN care
- Updated October 2026
Is abortion legal in South Korea?
The law has changed in stages. This timeline reflects the situation as of October 2026 and may change, so check current rules.
| Date | What happened | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 11 April 2019 | The Constitutional Court ruled the criminal abortion ban unconstitutional | Parliament was ordered to revise the law by the end of 2020 |
| End of 2020 | No revised law was passed by the deadline | The old criminal provisions could not be kept in force |
| 1 January 2021 | The criminal abortion provisions lost effect | Abortion is no longer punished as a crime |
| As of October 2026 | No replacement law has been passed | A legal grey zone: few detailed national rules on access |
| September 2026 | Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced plans for a first abortion pill | Aims to approve a two-drug regimen for up to 9 weeks of pregnancy by Q1 2027, first via hospitals |
Where should foreigners in Seoul seek care?
Pregnancy decisions and care belong with a licensed obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) doctor.
Do
Use licensed medical care and get accurate information first.
- See a licensed OB-GYN clinic or hospital
- Confirm the pregnancy and its stage with a doctor
- Ask about English support or bring an interpreter
- Ask for a written, itemized quote
Avoid
Some options carry real health and legal risks.
- Buying abortion pills online — they are not approved in Korea
- Unlicensed providers or unverified websites
- Assuming rules are the same as in your home country
- Relying on outdated information
What should I prepare before seeing an OB-GYN in Seoul?
A short checklist to make your consultation clearer and calmer.
- Bring your passport or another ID you are comfortable using
- Note the date of your last period and any test results
- List your medicines, allergies and medical conditions
- Ask whether consultations are available in English
- Ask what follow-up and aftercare the clinic provides
- Ask how your medical records are kept confidential
- Ask for an itemized quote and check whether any insurance applies
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get an abortion in South Korea?
Since 1 January 2021 the criminal abortion provisions in Korea have had no effect, and this applies regardless of nationality. However, as of October 2026 no replacement law has been passed, so detailed rules on access are unclear. Foreign residents and visitors should consult a licensed OB-GYN clinic directly about what care is available to them.
Are abortion pills legal or available in Korea?
As of October 2026, no abortion pill is approved in Korea. In September 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it aims to approve the first one, a two-drug regimen for up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, by the first quarter of 2027. It would initially be prescribed and dispensed by hospitals. Rules may change, so check current information.
Is it safe to buy abortion pills online in Korea?
No. Pills sold online in Korea are unapproved, and you cannot be sure what they contain, whether the dose is correct or whether they suit your situation. Taking medicine without medical supervision can be dangerous. A licensed OB-GYN can confirm the pregnancy, explain lawful options and arrange follow-up care.
What kind of doctor should I see in Seoul?
See a licensed obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) clinic or a hospital with an OB-GYN department. In Korean, this specialty is called sanbuingwa. Before booking, ask in advance whether a doctor or coordinator can help in English, or bring someone to interpret.
Does HIGHST Urology Clinic provide abortion care?
No. HIGHST Urology Clinic is a urology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul and does not provide abortion care, pregnancy care or referrals for abortion. This page is independent, general information. For pregnancy-related questions, please contact a licensed OB-GYN clinic or hospital directly.
Where can I get STD testing in Seoul for my sexual health?
Sexual health checks are separate from pregnancy care. HIGHST Urology Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul offers private STD testing in English for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV and more. Many infections have no symptoms, so testing after a new partner or a possible exposure is a sensible step. No Korean ID or insurance is needed.
HIGHST Urology Clinic Gangnam
Address
14–15F, 655 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Gangnam-gu Office Station, Exit 2
Opening hours (KST)
Mon–Fri 09:30–18:30
Sat 09:30–15:30
Sun & public holidays closed
Contact
WhatsApp (English): +82 10-3487-1618
Clinic: +82 2-514-1415
Need private sexual health care in Seoul?
HIGHST Urology Clinic in Gangnam offers confidential STD testing and men's urology care in English. We do not provide abortion care.
Medical information on this page is general and does not replace a consultation. Timing, results and suitability vary by individual.