Living in Korea · Herbal Medicine (한방)

Alongside the usual painkillers and cold tablets, Korean pharmacies (약국) stock a range of traditional herbal formulas — hanbang (한방) — sold as regulated over-the-counter medicines. Most cost under ₩10,000 (Gongjindan is the pricey exception), and each is aimed at a specific complaint: fatigue, a stubborn cold, indigestion, nervous tension. This guide explains what the common ones are actually for, what they cost, and — importantly — when to skip one or see a doctor. Written by OK Recruiting, a Korea-based teacher recruiter (since 2006). It is general information, not medical advice.

Read this before you buy

  • Ephedra (마황): some cold formulas — notably Galgeuntang — contain mahuang (ephedra), a stimulant. Skip them if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid problems, or trouble urinating, and don’t combine them with decongestant cold medicine.
  • Licorice (감초): several formulas contain licorice. Taken over a long period it can lower your potassium and raise your blood pressure — these are for short courses, not daily habits.
  • Ask the pharmacist first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, manage a chronic condition, or take any regular medication. Tell them what you already take.
  • OTC hanbang is for mild, short-term complaints. If symptoms are severe or last more than a few days, see a doctor instead.

Stress, Sleep & Energy

Stress & Sleep

Uhwangcheongsimwon 우황청심원

u-hwang-cheong-sim-won

What it isA concentrated herbal pill or liquid vial, one of the best-known Korean tonics.
Used forTraditionally taken before a high-stress moment (a big presentation, an exam) and for palpitations or nervous tension; official indications also cover stroke aftercare and high blood pressure.
Sold asSingle pills or vials, a few thousand won each.
Go easy if you are already exhausted, weak, or tend to run cold — it isn’t a daily supplement.

Cheonwangbosimdan 천왕보심단

cheon-wang-bo-sim-dan

What it isA herbal pill or liquid for calming the mind.
Used forInsomnia, anxiety, palpitations, and nervous exhaustion.
Skip it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; it is not for infants.

Gongjindan 공진단

gong-jin-dan

What it isA premium restorative pill, often containing musk — the luxury end of pharmacy hanbang.
Used forFatigue, low energy, and general recovery.
PriceRoughly ₩40,000–70,000+ per pill, varying with musk content — far more than any other remedy here.

Fatigue & Colds

Fatigue & Colds

Ssanghwatang 쌍화탕

ssang-hwa-tang

What it isA boiled herbal decoction (a tang, not a fermented drink), sold ready-made.
Used forA restorative tonic for fatigue, weakness, and recovery after illness or overexertion. Koreans often drink it when run down or at the first sign of a cold — as support, not an official cold cure.
Sold asLiquid pouches or bottles, a few thousand won.

Galgeuntang 갈근탕

gal-geun-tang

What it isA granule or liquid cold formula. Contains mahuang (ephedra) and licorice.
Used forThe early stage of a cold with chills, a stiff neck and shoulders, and no sweating.
Skip it if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, a thyroid condition, or urination problems. Don’t combine it with decongestant cold medicine or other stimulants — the ephedra can cause insomnia, heavy sweating, and a racing heart.

Digestion

Digestion

Pyeongwisan 평위산

pyeong-wi-san

What it isA digestive granule.
Used forIndigestion, bloating, a heavy stomach, and poor appetite.

Pyeongwioryeongsan 평위오령산

pyeong-wi-o-ryeong-san

What it isA digestive granule that also balances fluids.
Used forIndigestion that comes with watery diarrhea or nausea.

Banhasasimtang 반하사심탕

ban-ha-sa-sim-tang

What it isA digestive granule. Contains licorice.
Used forIndigestion with a stuffy, gurgling stomach, mild nausea, or heartburn.
Go easy if you’d use it for more than a short course — long-term licorice can lower potassium and raise blood pressure; take care if you also use diuretics.

Specific Problems

Specific problems

Baenongsangeuptang 배농산급탕

bae-nong-san-geup-tang

What it isA granule for pus-forming inflammation.
Used forEarly boils, abscesses, and inflamed gums or skin.
Stop and seek care if you develop whole-body symptoms such as fever — that needs a doctor, not an OTC remedy.

Chijirae 치지래과립

chi-ji-rae

What it isA granule for hemorrhoid relief.
Used forEarly-stage hemorrhoids, anal bleeding, and fissure discomfort.

At the Pharmacy Counter

Hanbang is sold at ordinary pharmacies, no prescription needed, but a 60-second conversation gets you the right formula:

  • Say your main symptom and how long you’ve had it.
  • Mention any conditions or medicines — especially high blood pressure, heart or thyroid problems, pregnancy, or regular medication.
  • If you’re worried about the stimulant effect, ask whether the formula contains ephedra (마황) or licorice (감초).
  • Follow the dose on the box — these are meant for short courses, not daily use.
Handy phrase: “소화가 안 돼요” (my digestion is off) or “몸이 피곤해요” (I feel run down) will point the pharmacist to the right shelf.

When to See a Doctor Instead

See a doctor (한의원 for traditional care, or 내과 for general medicine) rather than self-treating if:

  • Symptoms are severe or last more than a few days
  • You have a fever, spreading swelling, or significant bleeding
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic condition
  • You take regular medication that might interact
Sources: Formula ingredients, indications, and cautions checked against Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety drug database (nedrug.mfds.go.kr) and the Korea Pharmaceutical Information Center (health.kr); ephedra cautions per MFDS product labeling. As of 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Korean herbal medicine (hanbang) at a regular pharmacy without a prescription?

Yes. Many traditional formulas are sold as regulated over-the-counter medicines at any Korean pharmacy (약국). They are made to MFDS standards, but they are still real medicines — tell the pharmacist about any conditions you have and any medication you take.

Is Galgeuntang safe if I have high blood pressure or a heart condition?

Use caution. Galgeuntang contains mahuang (ephedra), a stimulant herb. Korean drug labeling warns it can worsen high blood pressure, heart conditions, hyperthyroidism, and urination problems, and it can cause insomnia, sweating, and a racing heart when combined with decongestants. If any of these apply to you, ask the pharmacist for an alternative.

What is Ssanghwatang actually for?

Ssanghwatang is a boiled herbal decoction sold as a restorative tonic for fatigue, weakness, and recovery after illness or overexertion. Despite its reputation it is not officially a cold medicine — Koreans often drink it when run down or at the first sign of a cold as a supportive measure.

How much does Gongjindan cost at a Korean pharmacy?

Pharmacy versions typically cost around ₩40,000–70,000 per pill, and premium versions with higher musk content cost more. It is far more expensive than other pharmacy hanbang, most of which cost under ₩10,000.

Can I take hanbang together with Western medicine?

Not automatically. Some formulas interact with common drugs — for example, ephedra formulas like Galgeuntang should not be combined with decongestant cold medicine, and licorice formulas taken long-term can lower potassium and raise blood pressure. Always show the pharmacist what you are already taking.

When should I see a doctor instead of using pharmacy hanbang?

See a doctor if symptoms are severe, last more than a few days, or come with fever, spreading swelling, significant bleeding, or chest symptoms — and before using any of these if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a chronic condition. OTC hanbang is meant for mild, short-term complaints only.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only, current as of 2026, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Herbal medicines are still medicines — always confirm with a pharmacist or doctor before use, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition, or take other medication.

Related: Korean Pharmacies & OTC Medicines: A Teacher’s Guide