Interested in seeking an ADHD diagnosis in South Korea? Wondering about the types of ADHD treatments in Korea? According to our research, we’ve found medication, behavioral therapy, and digital therapies used in Korea.
About Our ADHD Information
South of Seoul public health information is not medical advice. We research information and share what we find so that you can seek medical advice as needed.
About ADHD Treatments in South Korea
Although South Korea may not offer the same ADHD treatments as those available in your home country, South Korea increasingly embraces diverse ADHD treatments. This means that each year treatment options may expand and change so you need to continue to stay connected with your care provider. Such treatments may range from traditional medication to newer, innovative therapies. Here’s a look at the main options for ADHD treatments in Korea:
Medication
The most common medications prescribed in Korea for ADHD are stimulants such as methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin) and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera). These are widely available but require a prescription from a psychiatrist. Here is a more complete list:
Here’s a list of ADHD medications available in South Korea, along with their Korean names:
Methylphenidate (Commonly Prescribed)
- Brand Names: Ritalin (리탈린), Concerta (콘서타)
- Korean Names: 메틸페니데이트 (metilpenideiteu), 리탈린 (ritallin), 콘서타 (konseota)
- Description: A stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. Concerta is an extended-release form, allowing for once-daily dosing.
- WARNING: If your visa requires a drug test you may need to get special documentation or avoid these medication options.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: With NHIS, the cost of methylphenidate can range from approximately 30,000 to 70,000 KRW (22 to 52 USD) per month for standard doses. Concerta, the extended-release form, tends to be on the higher end due to its once-daily formulation. Please let us know if availability or costs change.
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Brand Name: Vyvanse (바이반스)
- Korean Name: 리스덱삼페타민 (riseudeksampeutamin), 바이반스 (baibanseu)
- Description: An amphetamine-based stimulant available in extended-release form. It’s often prescribed for those who need longer-lasting effects throughout the day.
- WARNING: If your visa requires a drug test you may need to get special documentation or avoid these medication options.
Lisdexamfetamine (Uncommon)
- Brand Name: Vyvanse (바이반스)
- Korean Name: 리스덱삼페타민 (riseudeksampeutamin), 바이반스 (baibanseu)
- Description: An amphetamine-based stimulant available in extended-release form. It’s often prescribed for those who need longer-lasting effects throughout the day.
- WARNING: If your visa requires a drug test you may need to get special documentation or avoid these medication options.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: Lisdexamfetamine costs are generally higher, ranging between 80,000 and 120,000 KRW (60 to 90 USD) per month, even with NHIS. This medication is more recent to the market in Korea and is prescribed when other stimulants are not effective or cause significant side effects. Please let us know if availability or costs change.
- Research Note: We found mixed information on the availability of this drug in the English language information but we did find it listed on Naver blogs. We would love to get community feedback on the availability of this prescription.
Dexmethylphenidate
- Brand Name: Focalin (포칼린)
- Korean Name: 덱스메틸페니데이트 (deksumetilpenideiteu)
- Description: A more targeted form of methylphenidate with fewer side effects for some patients, often prescribed as an alternative to Ritalin.
- Estimated Monthly Cost: Immediate-Release (IR) – The estimated cost for the immediate-release form of dexmethylphenidate, often prescribed at 5 mg twice daily, typically ranges between 60,000 to 80,000 KRW (45 to 60 USD) per month with NHIS coverage. This dose is effective for shorter periods, requiring multiple daily doses. Extended-Release (XR) – The extended-release form (Focalin XR), which provides sustained effects, may cost slightly more, around 90,000 to 120,000 KRW (67 to 90 USD) per month under NHIS. The XR version is preferred for its once-daily dosing, which can be more convenient for consistent symptom management throughout the day. Please let us know if availability or costs change.
- Research Note: Keep in mind, that we found a lot of information in English that said this drug was not in Korea, but we also found it listed on Naver as a recommended drug. So it might only be available in unique situations. We would love to hear about any person’s experiences with a prescription in Korea.
Atomoxetine (Commonly Prescribed)
- Brand Name: Strattera (스트라테라)
- Korean Name: 아토목세틴 (atomoksetin), 스트라테라 (seuteurateora)
- Description: A non-stimulant medication that increases norepinephrine levels, commonly prescribed for those who may not tolerate stimulants well.
- Monthly Cost: With NHIS, atomoxetine costs about 50,000 to 90,000 KRW (37 to 67 USD) monthly. As a non-stimulant, it is often used when stimulants aren’t suitable, such as in cases of substance misuse risk. Please let us know if availability or costs change.
Guanfacine
- Brand Name: Intuniv (인투니브)
- Korean Name: 구안파신 (guanpasin), 인투니브 (intunibeu)
- Description: Originally a blood pressure medication, it is now used to treat ADHD by improving attention and impulse control, commonly prescribed for children and adolescents.
- Monthly Cost: This medication costs around 60,000 to 100,000 KRW (45 to 75 USD) per month with NHIS. It is primarily prescribed for children and adolescents and is often used when stimulant medications are not well tolerated. Please let us know if these costs are off or change.
Each of these medications is typically available through prescription by a psychiatrist in South Korea, and some may require special documentation due to their controlled status. Also, remember that Korea continues to offer new medications and treatments each year. Check with your doctor to see if new medications exist for you to try.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is becoming more popular as a supplementary treatment for both children and adults. Many clinics offer sessions designed to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation, and coping skills.
For this type of therapy, we recommend seeking out English-speaking mental health clinics. These can often be found near US military installations in cities like Pyeongtaek-si. You can find a list of Pyeongtaek-si mental health clinics here.
Digital Therapies
New to Korea are digital therapies, such as apps and video games designed to help children improve focus and self-control. For instance, recent studies are looking into game-based ADHD interventions that can complement traditional therapies. Korea is also at the forefront of integrating AI-based learning tools that personalize therapy for ADHD patients.
Learn More About ADHD in Korea
Wondering how to get assessed for ADHD in South Korea and how much it may cost? Please read the following South of Seoul articles and ask your community!
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
