Short answer. By law, South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) and the local governments covering a radiation emergency planning zone must stockpile thyroid-blocking tablets: 2 doses per resident plus 20%, with the NSSC holding a further 50% 12. Pre-distribution to residents is allowed, with priority for under-40s and pregnant or breastfeeding women 2. Potassium iodide 130 mg is prescription-only 3.
Who is covered?
Residents of the radiation emergency planning zone around each nuclear power plant 1. The Act sets two rings (art. 20-2) 1:
| Zone | Distance from the plant |
|---|---|
| Precautionary action zone | 3 to 5 km |
| Urgent protective action planning zone | 20 to 30 km |
For what these zones mean in general, see nuclear plant emergency zones.
How much iodine is stockpiled?
The Enforcement Rules set a minimum 2:
Minimum stock = population of the zone x 2 doses per person x 1.2
The NSSC holds an additional 50% of that amount 2. Stocks are held by local governments and the NSSC; schools, nurseries, pharmacies, and medical and welfare facilities can also receive stock 2.
Can I get tablets in advance?
Yes, in some areas. Pre-distribution is possible 2:
- in the precautionary action zone (3 to 5 km), and
- in hard-to-reach parts of the planning zone, such as islands and mountain areas.
You apply with ID and attend a face-to-face briefing; each resident receives 2 doses 2.
Who gets priority?
The rules put first 2:
만 40세 미만인 주민과 임산부로서 임신 중인 사람과 모유 수유 중인 사람을 갑상샘 방호 약품의 우선 사전배포 대상으로 하되
That is: residents under 40, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, are the priority group for pre-distribution. Other residents can receive tablets at the local government's discretion 2.
Can I buy potassium iodide in a pharmacy?
Not over the counter. Potassium iodide 130 mg is a prescription-only medicine (전문의약품) in Korea; for example, Huons Potassium Iodide Tab. 130 mg, authorised on 2 May 2011, is listed as such in the MFDS register 3.
When should I take it?
The Korean texts we rely on set out the stockpile and distribution rules, not the moment to take a tablet 12. Follow official instructions, which reach phones and broadcasts through the alert system; see alerts. For what iodine does and does not protect against, see how potassium iodide works.
Frequently asked questions
How many iodine doses does each resident get in South Korea?
Two doses per resident in pre-distribution, and the stockpile is sized at 2 doses per person plus 20% 2.
Do I live in a zone where iodine is stockpiled?
Stockpiles cover the radiation emergency planning zone around each nuclear power plant: 3 to 5 km for the precautionary action zone, 20 to 30 km for the urgent protective action planning zone 1. Ask your local government whether your address is inside it.
Can I buy iodine tablets online in Korea?
Potassium iodide 130 mg is prescription-only in Korea 3.
Who decides on pre-distribution beyond the priority groups?
The local government, at its discretion 2.
Sources
- 국가법령정보센터 (Ministry of Government Legislation) — 원자력시설 등의 방호 및 방사능 방재 대책법 (제20조의2, 제35조의2) — https://www.law.go.kr/법령/원자력시설등의방호및방사능방재대책법 (accessed 2026-10-20)
- 국가법령정보센터 (Ministry of Government Legislation) — 원자력시설 등의 방호 및 방사능 방재 대책법 시행규칙 (제18조의2, 별표 6의2, 별표 6의3; 시행 2026-07-01) — https://www.law.go.kr/법령/원자력시설등의방호및방사능방재대책법시행규칙 (accessed 2026-10-20)
- 식품의약품안전처 의약품안전나라 (MFDS) — 휴온스요오드화칼륨정 (의약품 상세정보) — https://nedrug.mfds.go.kr/pbp/CCBBB01/getItemDetail?itemSeq=201102784 (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for South Korea, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- 국가법령정보센터 (Ministry of Government Legislation) · 원자력시설 등의 방호 및 방사능 방재 대책법 (제20조의2, 제35조의2) checked 2026-10-20
- 국가법령정보센터 (Ministry of Government Legislation) · 원자력시설 등의 방호 및 방사능 방재 대책법 시행규칙 (제18조의2, 별표 6의2, 별표 6의3; 시행 2026-07-01) checked 2026-10-20
- 식품의약품안전처 의약품안전나라 (MFDS) · 휴온스요오드화칼륨정 (의약품 상세정보) checked 2026-10-20