Abortion in Korea: What You Need to Know
Abortion in Korea: What You Need to Know (2025 Guide for Global Patients)
If you're living in or visiting South Korea and seeking accurate, up-to-date information about abortion, this guide is for you. South Korea has made significant legal and medical changes in recent years, making abortion more accessible and safer — even for international patients. Here’s what you need to know about getting an abortion in Korea in 2025.
Is Abortion Legal in Korea?
Yes. As of January 1, 2021, abortion is no longer illegal in South Korea. The Constitutional Court overturned the previous ban, and abortion is now permitted up to 14 weeks of pregnancy for any reason.
You can also legally obtain an abortion up to 24 weeks under certain conditions:
- Rape or incest
- Danger to the mother’s physical or mental health
- Severe fetal abnormalities
- Socioeconomic hardship
There is no need for spousal or parental consent, and no mandatory counseling or waiting period.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pills) in Korea
In 2023, South Korea approved the use of Mifegyne (Mifepristone) and Misoprostol for early pregnancy termination.
Available up to 9 weeks gestation, medical abortion typically involves:
- A clinic visit and ultrasound
- Taking Mifepristone at the clinic
- Taking Misoprostol at home or under supervision
- A follow-up check within 7–10 days
Cost: ₩300,000 – ₩600,000 KRW (varies by clinic and medication brand)
Surgical Abortion in Korea
Surgical abortions are also widely available and safe. The most common procedures include:
- Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) – for pregnancies up to ~12 weeks
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) – for second-trimester abortions
Most procedures are performed in outpatient OB-GYN clinics and take less than 30 minutes.
Cost Range: ₩500,000 – ₩1,500,000 KRW
Local sedation or IV sedation is typically used.
Where to Get an Abortion in Korea (Foreigner-Friendly Clinics)
Abortion services are offered at various women’s clinics and hospitals in Seoul and other major cities. Not all clinics advertise the service online, so it's best to contact them directly.
Recommended foreigner-friendly clinics:
- Yoonho OBGYN Hospital (Gangnam) – discreet, English-speaking care
- Trinity Women’s Clinic (Apgujeong) – known for gentle treatment and reproductive counseling
- YQUEEN (Apguejong) – large facility with international patient center
- LANTE OBGYN (Gangnam) – LGBTQ+ friendly, English-speaking staff
- Second Spring OB-GYN (Apgujeong) – confidential services with experience in abortion care
What You Need as an International Patient
- No Korean national ID or ARC required
- A passport is enough for consultation and treatment
- Tourist visa is valid for abortion care
- Many clinics offer English receipts and follow-up instructions
- Some clinics support WhatsApp or KakaoTalk for private inquiries
Coming to Korea for an Abortion?
South Korea is a safe and private destination for abortion care. Some clinics offer:
- Online pre-consultation or screening
- Hotel recommendations nearby
- Same-day consultation and procedure for early-term abortions
- Follow-up via email or phone
Recovery and Aftercare
- Mild cramps or bleeding may last for several days
- Avoid tampons, intercourse, and strenuous activity for 1 week
- Return for a follow-up ultrasound to ensure the procedure was complete
- Most clinics offer contraceptive counseling or IUD insertion after recovery
Emergency Options
If you're in a crisis or need help urgently, contact:
- YWCA Women’s Helpline: 1544-8331 (limited English)
- Expat Women in Korea (Facebook groups) for referrals
- Clinic hotlines — some offer 24-hour messaging or next-day booking
Abortion in Korea is safe, legal, and confidential — and international patients are welcome. Whether you’re a tourist, student, or expat, you can access professional abortion care with minimal barriers. Korea’s OB-GYN clinics are equipped with modern technology, trained staff, and the discretion you need.
