Set and forget
If you want years of protection without thinking about it, consider Mirena, a copper IUD or Implanon.
Long-acting
The right method for your life
Contraceptive Counseling in Gangnam, Seoul, to find your fit
Contraceptive counseling is a consultation where a doctor helps you choose a birth control method that fits your health, your plans and your periods. At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a female OB-GYN compares all the options with you, from the pill and condoms to long-acting methods such as Mirena, the copper IUD and Implanon, which can often be started at the same visit. An English-speaking coordinator helps you book, and you can also ask about emergency contraception.
- All methods compared
- All-female doctors
- IUD or implant same visit
- Emergency contraception advice
- 4 min from Eonju Station, Exit 7
- 99%+ effectiveness of IUDs and the implant
- 5 days window for emergency contraception with a copper IUD
- 5 female doctors on one team
- EN English coordinator from booking to results
The basics
What happens in contraceptive counseling?
Your doctor asks about your health, your periods, any medicines, and your plans for pregnancy. She then explains which methods are safe for you, how well each one works, and what side effects to expect.
Methods differ a lot in real-life effectiveness. With typical use, about 7 in 100 women on the pill and about 13 in 100 relying on male condoms get pregnant each year. With IUDs and the implant, it is fewer than 1 in 100.
There is no single right answer. Some women want lighter periods, some want no hormones, and some want something they can stop any day. The aim is a method you are happy to use.
Topics we cover What you can ask about
- Which methods are safe with your health history
- How each method affects your periods
- Switching from one method to another
- Contraception while travelling or moving country
- Emergency contraception after unprotected sex
- Protecting yourself from STDs as well
Related, but separate
- Permanent methods such as sterilization. See tubal ligation
At a glance
Birth control methods compared
Effectiveness figures are typical-use estimates from large studies. Your doctor explains which suit you.
| Method | How it works and what to know |
|---|---|
| Hormonal IUD (Mirena) | In the uterus for several years. More than 99% effective, periods usually lighter. Published fee ₩350,000. See Mirena. |
| Copper IUD | Hormone-free, lasts many years. More than 99% effective, periods may be heavier. Published fee ₩280,000. See IUD insertion. |
| Implant (Implanon) | Rod in the arm, about 3 years. More than 99% effective, bleeding unpredictable. Published fee ₩350,000. See Implanon. |
| The pill | A tablet every day. About 93% effective with typical use. Not suitable for everyone, for example some smokers over 35. |
| Condoms | About 87% effective with typical use. The only method that also lowers the risk of STDs. |
| Emergency contraception | After unprotected sex. Pills work better the sooner they are taken. A copper IUD within 5 days is the most effective option. |
Fees are from the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026); confirm before your visit.
Need emergency contraception?
- Message us on WhatsApp as soon as possible
- In Korea, emergency contraceptive pills need a prescription
- A copper IUD can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex
The sooner you act, the better emergency contraception works.
By your needs
Which method fits what matters to you?
These are starting points. Your doctor tailors the advice to your health.
Help with periods
If your periods are heavy or painful, a hormonal IUD or the pill can make them lighter and easier. See heavy bleeding.
Heavy or painful periodsShort-term or flexible
If you may want to get pregnant soon, the pill or condoms are easy to stop. Use condoms with any method to lower STD risk.
Flexible plans Step by step
Your contraception visit in Gangnam
One visit is often enough to choose and start a method.
- 1 Message us in English On WhatsApp. Tell us what you use now and what you'd like to change.
- 2 Check in on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card and your current pill packet, if you have one.
- 3 Talk with your doctor A female OB-GYN asks about your health and plans, then compares methods with you.
- 4 Checks if needed A pregnancy test, blood pressure, and a pelvic exam or STD test before an IUD.
- 5 Start your method Get a prescription, or have an IUD or implant placed the same day when possible.
Useful to bring
- The name of your current pill or method
- The date of your last period
- Any history of blood clots, migraine or high blood pressure
- Your plans for pregnancy in the next few years
Starting the same day
Avoid unprotected sex since your last period, so pregnancy can be ruled out. Tell the coordinator in advance which method you are considering so it can be ready.
If you are not sure yet, that is fine. Many women decide during the consultation and come back another day.
Be informed
Common side effects by method
Every method has possible side effects. Knowing them helps you choose and stick with your method.
Combined pill
Estrogen and progestogen
Nausea, breast tenderness or spotting at first. Small increase in blood-clot risk, so your doctor checks your history.
Hormonal IUD and implant
Progestogen only
Changes in bleeding, especially at first. Sometimes headache, acne or mood change.
Copper IUD
No hormones
Heavier or more painful periods, especially in the first months.
Emergency pill
One-time dose
Nausea, headache or a period that comes early or late. It does not protect you for the rest of the cycle.
Expats & visitors
Getting contraception in Korea as a foreigner
Brands, rules and pharmacy access differ from country to country. We help you bridge the gap.
Find your pill in Korea
Bring your pill packet. Some pills are sold at pharmacies and others need a prescription. Your doctor can find a close match.
Emergency help on a trip
Message us quickly if you need emergency contraception. Pills need a prescription in Korea.
Plan your follow-up
If you get an IUD or implant here, ask for an English record so any doctor can check or remove it later.
Quick answers
Birth control in Seoul: common questions
Where can I get contraceptive counseling in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?
Sinsoe Women's Clinic is at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). All doctors are female, and an English-speaking coordinator helps you from booking to results. Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-9517-5719.
Which birth control is most effective?
IUDs (hormonal and copper) and the implant are the most effective reversible methods, with fewer than 1 in 100 women getting pregnant each year.
Can I get the morning-after pill in Korea?
Yes, but you need a doctor's prescription. Message us on WhatsApp as soon as possible. A copper IUD inserted within 5 days is another, very effective option.
Can I buy the pill without a prescription in Korea?
Some combined pills are sold at pharmacies without a prescription, and others need one. Your doctor can check which one suits you.
How much do the IUD and implant cost?
Mirena ₩350,000, copper IUD ₩280,000 and Implanon ₩350,000, from the clinic's published fee schedule (June 2026); confirm before your visit.
Which method is good if I can't take estrogen?
Progestogen-only methods such as Mirena and Implanon, or a hormone-free copper IUD, are often suitable. Your doctor checks your history.
Do I need a pelvic exam to start birth control?
Not for the pill or implant. Before an IUD, a pelvic exam is needed, and sometimes an STD test.
Does any method protect against STDs?
Only condoms lower the risk of STDs. Use them along with your main method if you have a new partner.
Ready when you are
Book contraceptive counseling in Gangnam, Seoul
Tell us what you use now and what you'd like to change. A coordinator replies in English and finds you a time.
Sinsoe Women's Clinic
537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South KoreaEonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
| Mon & Fri | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Thu | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |