If you just came to Korea, you may not know where to find over-the-counter birth control pills and also what brand to buy. In fact, birth control pills are available in all Korean pharmacies or 약국 (yak-guk).
Despite its beneficial effects, the rate of oral contraceptive use in the Republic of Korea has been reported to be around 3.3%, which is similar to that in nearby Eastern Asian countries such as Japan (2.9%) and China (2.4%), but substantially lower than that in the United States (13.7%) or Europe (19.1%).
Korea takes up the lion's share in manufacturing condoms worldwide but ranks last among OECD countries when it comes to using them. Condoms are, without argument, a method for having safe sex.
You'll be fine. Birth control here is also available over the counter. You can show the ingredient and the pharmacist should know the similar one by a different brand name.
Once you have the prescription, you can then go to a pharmacy and have it filled. Overall, the visit to the doctor shouldn't cost you more than ₩10,000 depending on your insurance and the pill should only cost between ₩10,000 – ₩20,000. It's not overly difficult or expensive.
Oral Birth Control Pills
You need to see a doctor, usually OB/GYN to get a prescription. The pill is not covered by Japanese Health Insurance, and the cost is approximately 3,000 yen per month. Some doctors run blood tests or do a pap smear test to check if you are fit for the pill use.
Most married couples deliberately have only one child because of the high costs of education and child rearing, the sources said. Because this in part has caused North Korea's birth rate to rapidly decline, leader Kim Jong Un decided to impose a ban on birth control procedures and abortions, they said.
Guns, narcotics, pornography, subversive material, treasonous material, and counterfeit goods are prohibited from entering Korea.
Tampons are available in Korea and can be found in supermarkets and well-stocked convenience stores. However, compared to the variety of pads available, the tampon corner will be lacking. Tampons in Korea still come in different sizes such as regular (레귤러), and super (슈퍼).
Japan has the highest rate of condom usage in the world: in that country, condoms account for almost 80% of contraceptive use by married women. On average, in developed countries, condoms are the most popular method of birth control: 28% of married contraceptive users rely on condoms.
Hookup culture doesn't seem to be as prevalent as it is at home (or in other western countries), but it's also not too hard to find. In my experience, Korean men are very honest about their intentions and will tell you what they are looking for.
Because fertility occurs mainly within the context of marriages in South Korea, declining marriage rates mean decreases in fertility. Even married couples may delay or forego having children if there is high economic uncertainty.
The Roman Catholic church forbids contraceptive use because it is a sin against nature. Some Protestant denominations have allowed contraceptive use. Islamic law states that children are gifts from Allah.
The average age of Korean women giving birth to their first child is now 33 years old (as of 2021), which is significantly higher than in 1993, when Korean women, on average, would give birth to their first child at the age of 26.
Although it is becoming more acceptable with modern Korean fashion, there are still reservations about showing cleavage. Even if there are tops or blouses with cleavage, women take extra precaution generally when sitting, bending, and bowing.
Many have avoided the subject of menstruation in the public spaces of South Korea, as it often receives the label of being a private experience for women. The expectation of South Korean women is that they separate their private life from their public image.
It is considered inappropriate for adults to eat while walking, so street food is often eaten on the spot where it is bought. Food should not be eaten with one's fingers. Spoons are used to eat soup, but chopsticks are used for everything else. Do not blow your nose at the dinner table.
Taboos in South Korean Culture
Do not wear your shoes in places of worship or peoples' homes. Do not put your feet on furniture. Do not eat or drink in public places while walking. Do not place your thumb between your middle and index finger while making a fist as this an obscene gesture. Do not use red ink.
' North Korea has ban on manufacturing hygiene products like sanitary pads and tampons in the country. To cope with this practice, North Korean women is said to make their own sanitary products from cotton cloth materials available around them and also reuse them as much as possible.
Condoms. Did you know that condoms are a very popular gift item in North Korea? That's because the country has banned all kinds and sorts of birth control, so getting a condom is next to impossible.
All mothers from Pyongyang are admitted to the hospital for their first birth. Any North Korean woman may come to give birth to her first baby in the hospital. Mothers typically stay for ten days after giving birth, and those who give birth through a Caesarean section stay for 15 days.