Best Abortion Clinics in Seoul: English-Speaking Guide (2025)

What’s the current legal situation?

Abortion has been decriminalized in South Korea since January 1, 2021 following a 2019 Constitutional Court ruling. However, Parliament has not passed a replacement law, so access exists but the system still lacks clear regulations. In practice, care is provided mainly through private OB/GYN clinics and women’s hospitals.

Are abortion pills available?

As of August 2025, mifepristone–misoprostol (e.g., Mifegymiso) has not received full marketing approval from Korea’s MFDS; applications remain in regulatory limbo. Most care is therefore surgical (vacuum aspiration/MVA or D&C) at clinics. Always confirm a clinic’s current options directly.

Typical costs (Seoul, 2025)

Pricing varies by gestational age, method, clinic tier, and what’s included (tests, sedation, follow-up). Publicly quoted ranges at English-language clinic pages and news reports suggest:

  • Early surgical abortion (vacuum aspiration/D&C): roughly ₩500,000–₩1,500,000 KRW at private clinics; some reports cite bands inside that range (e.g., ~₩600k before 7 weeks, ~₩900k before 10 weeks). Premium centers or later gestations may cost more.
  • Consultation/counseling: since Aug 2021, counseling visits are included in national health insurance (patient copay typically 30–60% of ~₩30,000).
Ask for an itemized quote: consultation, ultrasound, labs, anesthesia/sedation, procedure fee, meds, and follow-up.

Procedure options you’ll hear about

  • Manual/Vacuum Aspiration (MVA): outpatient; often 6–14 weeks; local or light general anesthesia; recovery usually 1–3 days.
  • D&C (dilation & curettage): sometimes used depending on gestation/clinical judgment or after miscarriage management.
    Your OB/GYN will recommend based on gestational age, exam, and ultrasound.


English-friendly clinics in Seoul (verify availability directly)

Independent, informational list—contact the clinic to confirm methods offered, gestational limits and inclusions.

  • Yoonho OB/GYN Hospital (Apgujeong, Gangnam) – English support; surgical care; publishes D&C details; WhatsApp/phone contacts available. seoulobgynforforeigners.com
  • LANTE OB-GYN (Gangnam) – Foreigner-friendly page outlining abortion services, English line listed. gangnamobgyn.com
  • Second Spring / Seoul OBGYN (Apgujeong, Gangnam) – English site; comprehensive women’s care and surgical gynecology. Inquire about current abortion options and scheduling. seoulobgyn.com
  • Trinity Women’s Clinic (Sinsa/Apgujeong area) – English-speaking OB/GYN clinic well-reviewed by expats; confirm whether abortion services are available at time of inquiry. seoulgynecology.com
Tip: Some clinics don’t advertise abortion openly; ask for a private consultation to discuss options.

How to book (copy/paste checklist)

  1. Share LMP date (first day of last period) and any prior test results.
  2. Ask for: method available, gestational limit, anesthesia plan, itemized costs, and follow-up schedule.
  3. Request English consent forms and a same-day or next-day slot if time-sensitive.
  4. Bring ID (passport/ARC); arrange an escort if sedation is planned.


Aftercare & safety

Expect mild cramping/spotting for a few days; avoid intercourse/tampons until your doctor clears you; attend your follow-up. Seek urgent care for fever, heavy bleeding (soaking ≥2 pads/hour), or severe pain. (Clinics provide written aftercare.)

Why access still feels confusing

Decriminalization removed criminal penalties, but no comprehensive access law or confirmed pill approval exists yet—leaving clinics to set policies and pricing individually. Lawmakers have discussed legislation (including pill access), but concrete changes haven’t passed as of August 2025.