Koreans Flock to Japan for Cheap Weight-Loss Drugs
A growing number of Koreans are traveling to Japan for weight-loss drugs, specifically Mounjaro, due to its relatively low price compared to Korea.
The trend is attributed to the weak yen exchange rate, which has fallen to around 800 won per yen. In Japan, a one-month supply of Mounjaro's lowest dose costs approximately 100,000 won, whereas in Korea it costs around 300,000 won.
Hospitals in Japan are catering to this demand by offering remote consultations and delivery services to Koreans. Some even allow consultations through messaging apps such as KakaoTalk or LINE, eliminating the language barrier.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has tightened regulations on overseas purchases and imports of weight-loss drugs, but it appears to have had little effect on the trend. In fact, with the Japanese government's decision to cut Mounjaro prices by 25% starting next month, more people are expected to make the trip.