On August 9, at a bulk pharmacy in Yongsan, Seoul, shopping carts were being emptied like those in a large supermarket. Customers entering the store headed straight for the health supplement section.
A woman in her 50s spent about 30 minutes comparing products, initially looking for probiotics for her family but ending up with omega-3 and artificial tears in her cart. "Thirty minutes isn't enough," she remarked as she returned to the supplement aisle.
Bulk pharmacies, which resemble large supermarkets, display over-the-counter medications, health supplements, and other products, allowing consumers to browse and compare items before purchasing. Since the first bulk pharmacy opened in Seongnam in June 2022, the number of locations has expanded.
It was rare to see a customer heading to the checkout with just one item. Carts were filled with supplements, over-the-counter medications, and household goods. A woman in her 30s, who came to buy ointment, ended up adding gift items to her cart after comparing ingredients. Her total exceeded 100,000 won (about $75).
One consumer, who drove 40 minutes to the pharmacy, said, "I come about once a month to buy supplements, getting everything I need in one trip."
While the store offers a variety of products, including dermatological cosmetics and pet supplies, the focus remains on health supplements. A couple selecting children's vitamins noted, "It's good for comparing options, but there seem to be fewer choices for children's products compared to adult supplements. We hope for more variety."
In Dongdaemun, near Cheongnyangni Station, another bulk pharmacy primarily serves local residents. Many customers here also start their visits in the health supplement section, but some regulars only come for medication consultations. A woman in her 60s, who takes blood pressure medication, returned to consult the pharmacist about her prescription before leaving the store.
A representative from the pharmacy stated, "Regulars come for consultations, while first-time visitors often just browse." The average spending per visit varies but is around 50,000 won (about $38).
Although bulk pharmacies are becoming more familiar, actual visitation remains limited. A survey by Embrain Trend Monitor found that while 87.6% of respondents were aware of bulk pharmacies, only 26.4% had visited one. The most common reason for not visiting was the lack of nearby locations, cited by 66% of respondents. However, 79.1% of those who had visited rated their experiences positively.
During the vacation season, many consumers intentionally traveled from outside Seoul to visit these pharmacies. They cited competitive pricing, a wide range of products, and the ability to purchase everything they need in one trip as key advantages. One shopper said, "I can't come often because it's far, but if it were closer, I'd visit more frequently."
Despite the competitive pricing and increased selection, there remains a recognition that medications differ from regular consumer goods. Among those who rated bulk pharmacies negatively, concerns about medication misuse were the primary issue. One shopper with a full cart commented, "It's great that I can compare products while receiving medication guidance. Even when I choose items myself, I always double-check with the pharmacist before finalizing my purchase."
As the number of consumers visiting bulk pharmacies increases, ensuring accurate medication guidance and safe management of pharmaceuticals remains a challenge. While competitive pricing and convenience attract customers, there is a strong call for a safe environment for medication use. The government is also closely monitoring the market changes and potential impacts on public health due to the rise of bulk pharmacies.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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