"Sent to China" Pharmacies and Convenience Stores Swept Clean of Medicines

Shortage of Traditional Chinese Medicine Causes Concern Among Tourists and International Students
Korean Pharmaceutical Association Issues Official Notice: "Mass Sales Not Allowed"

As COVID-19 cases surge in China, a shortage of cold medicine and fever reducers has erupted. In response, a so-called panic buying incident has occurred, with large quantities of pharmaceuticals being purchased in Korea and sent to China, prompting the Korea Pharmaceutical Association to take action.

Recently, some media reports claimed that a person presumed to be Chinese purchased 6 million won worth of cold medicine in a travel suitcase at a pharmacy in Mangwol-dong, Hanam City. Additionally, at some pharmacies, Chinese customers reportedly swept up fever reducers, and certification photos showing that they obtained 'Tylenol' through acquaintances in Korea quickly spread on social networking services (SNS).

As a situation arose where Chinese people were purchasing pharmaceuticals in large quantities in Korea, the Korean Pharmaceutical Association warned that it would discipline such actions. Photo by Yonhap News

The number of Chinese people purchasing essential medicines in Korea to send to their families back home is also increasing. One international student revealed that they collected medicine from several convenience stores and sent a parcel containing about 20 bottles of Tylenol to China. Another student posted on SNS that they sent painkillers from Korea to their mother in Shanghai who could not obtain fever reducers.

However, if the shipping box is labeled as containing medicine, it is difficult to import it into China. Therefore, they shared customs clearance know-how for importing essential medicines, such as mixing the medicines with other luggage or splitting the shipment addresses. In some cases, people even entered China to deliver the medicine in person. They demanded a fee for carrying the pharmaceuticals and made a profit from the price difference.

Meanwhile, regarding the panic buying of cold medicine by Chinese people, the Korea Pharmaceutical Association issued a statement on the 29th warning that if large-scale sales of cold medicine are detected, they will demand disciplinary action under a zero-tolerance policy and report the cases to relevant authorities. On the 27th, the association also urged thorough management to prevent large-scale sales of pharmaceuticals through member notices and official letters.

Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare, stated, "Even if COVID spreads in China, we will ensure that the supply of domestic goods such as cold medicine and quarantine management are not disrupted." On the same day, the Ministry of Health and Welfare sent an official letter to the Korea Convenience Store Industry Association requesting its members and related companies to eradicate excessive sales of cold medicine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.