On November 12, Seoul will experience typical late-fall weather, with chilly mornings and mild afternoons. In addition to recommending clothing to prepare for the large daily temperature range—which can exceed 10 degrees—we’ve summarized the changes to pharmaceutical customs clearance standards taking effect today, as well as health and welfare benefits for Seoul residents.
1. Morning 5°C, daytime 16°C… Beware of “extreme daily temperature fluctuations” with an 11°C gap
This morning’s low in Seoul dropped to around 5 degrees, making the air chilly on the commute to work. In contrast, the high will reach 16 degrees, resulting in a significant daily temperature range of around 11 degrees.
Sudden temperature fluctuations can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, so a “layered” outfit—wearing several thin layers rather than a single thick coat—is recommended. Enjoy the pleasant autumn afternoons under clear skies, but be sure to stay warm on your late-night walk home.
2. Overseas purchases of “Mounjaro” and “Wegovy”… Importation of up to a 3-month supply into the country permitted starting on the 12th
Starting today (the 12th), travelers can bring the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class obesity treatments “Wegovy” and “Mounjaro”—which were prescribed and purchased overseas—into the country themselves.
The Korea Customs Service and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that they will revise and implement the standards for travelers carrying over-the-counter medications for personal use. The key details are as follows.
- Import Allowance Guidelines: You may bring in up to six bottles of medication, provided it was legally prescribed and purchased with official authorization from local regulatory authorities. Even if you exceed six bottles, it is permitted as long as the total does not exceed a three-month supply based on the medication’s recommended dosage and frequency. For once-weekly medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, you may bring in up to 12 pens.
- Eligibility: This includes so-called “Sushi-Zaro”—medications obtained relatively cheaply through prescriptions in Japan and other countries—as well as medications officially prescribed and purchased during overseas travel, medications re-imported by domestic patients, and those brought in by foreign nationals and international students.
- Important Note: This applies only to items that travelers carry personally upon entry. Online direct purchases via international shipping remain completely prohibited, and psychotropic substances or narcotic drugs are excluded from the list of permitted imports.
3. Wrist Doctor 9988 “Free Fitness Assessment & Exercise Consultation”… Opens at 1:00 PM on the 1st and 16th of every month
Seoul residents can receive professional fitness assessments and personalized exercise plans at no cost. The Seoul Metropolitan Government provides free fitness assessments and professional exercise counseling services to citizens year-round through the “Seoul Fitness 9988 Certification Center” and Seoul Fitness Centers.
- Reservation Schedule and Method: Reservations open regularly at 1:00 p.m. (13:00) on the 1st and 16th of each month. When reservations open on the 1st, dates from the 2nd to the 16th of that month are assigned; when reservations open on the 16th, dates from the 17th of that month to the 1st of the following month are assigned sequentially.
- Reservation Process: You can apply by selecting a nearby center and your preferred date and session from the “Seoul Fitness Center” or “Fitness Test Reservation” menu within the Wrist Doctor 9988 mobile app.
- Benefits and Precautions: Citizens who complete a comprehensive physical fitness assessment—including muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance—and receive expert consultation will earn “Wrist Doctor 9988” health points. In the event of a no-show, rescheduling for that session may be restricted; therefore, any changes or cancellations must be made in advance (at least 4 hours before the appointment).
