Wegovy Prices in Korea 2025｜Wegovy (semaglutide), developed by Novo Nordisk, is one of the most widely discussed weight-loss medications worldwide. Since its launch in Korea, the drug has generated significant attention not only for its effectiveness in reducing weight but also for its high monthly costs.
In 2025, major changes are taking place: Novo Nordisk Korea announced a price cut of up to 40% for Wegovy depending on dosage levels. This decision comes as Eli Lilly prepares to introduce its competing drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), into the Korean market.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to Wegovy prices in Korea, including recent price changes, insurance coverage, comparison with Mounjaro, and what this means for patients seeking obesity treatment.
Contents
- Wegovy in Korea: Background
- Latest Wegovy Price Cuts in Korea (2025)
- Wegovy Wholesale Price Adjustments
- Insurance Coverage for Wegovy in Korea
- Cost Comparison: Wegovy vs Mounjaro in Korea
- Why the Price Cut Now?
- Patient Perspective: What Does This Mean?
- FAQs about Wegovy Prices in Korea
- Conclusion
- REAL REVIEWS FROM CUSTOMERS
- RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Wegovy in Korea: Background
- Active ingredient: Semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist)
- Indication: Obesity treatment for patients with BMI ≥35, or ≥27 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia
- Administration: Weekly subcutaneous injection
- Effectiveness: Clinical trials show an average 15% weight reduction over 68 weeks
Since its launch in Korea, Wegovy has been prescribed under strict conditions. However, the cost barrier has limited widespread adoption.
Latest Wegovy Price Cuts in Korea (2025)
In early 2025, Novo Nordisk Korea announced a tiered price reduction for Wegovy:
- 0.25 mg → ~40% price cut
- 0.5 mg → ~30% price cut
- 1.0 mg → ~20% price cut
- 1.7 mg → ~10% price cut
- 2.4 mg (maximum dose) → No price change (remains at original cost)
📌 For example, the starting dose 0.25 mg is expected to cost around 200,000–220,000 KRW ($150–170 USD) per month, compared to the previous 370,000 KRW ($280 USD).
This pricing strategy reflects a competitive response to Eli Lilly’s upcoming launch of Mounjaro in Korea.
Wegovy Wholesale Price Adjustments
- Previous wholesale price: ~370,000 KRW (approx. $280 USD) across all doses
- New wholesale prices vary by dose (approx. 10–42% discount range)
- Lowest-dose (0.25 mg) expected to drop to ~220,000 KRW
- Higher doses (2.4 mg) remain at original pricing
Industry experts believe this pricing decision aims to increase accessibility for Korean obesity patients while maintaining profitability for higher-dose treatments.
Insurance Coverage for Wegovy in Korea
Unlike in the U.S. and many other countries, Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI) does not broadly cover anti-obesity medications for cosmetic weight loss.
Currently, Wegovy may be reimbursed under the following conditions:
- Patients with BMI ≥35 (severe obesity)
- Patients with BMI ≥27 with at least two obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia)
- Patients who have failed lifestyle interventions (diet & exercise) for at least 6 months
Even with partial insurance, patients usually pay 30–50% out-of-pocket, meaning monthly costs remain significant.
Cost Comparison: Wegovy vs Mounjaro in Korea
Eli Lilly is preparing to launch Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in Korea in mid-2025. Analysts expect aggressive pricing.
Estimated Mounjaro Pricing
- Starting dose: ~10–20% cheaper than current Wegovy prices
- Launch doses: 2.5 mg and 5 mg (low-dose options)
- Higher doses to follow (7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg)
📊 Price Comparison Table (Estimated)
| Drug | Starting Dose | Monthly Cost (KRW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | 0.25 mg | ~200,000–220,000 KRW | After 40% price cut |
| Wegovy | 2.4 mg | ~370,000 KRW | No price change |
| Mounjaro | 2.5 mg | ~300,000–330,000 KRW | ~10–20% cheaper expected |
| Mounjaro | Higher doses | TBD | Expected to undercut Wegovy |
💡 Key point: Wegovy lowered its lowest-dose price strategically to counter Mounjaro’s cheaper entry-level doses.
Why the Price Cut Now?
Industry observers suggest Novo Nordisk’s decision was influenced by:
- Direct competition with Mounjaro (launching mid-2025)
- Government pressure to improve affordability of obesity treatments
- Patient accessibility concerns, since many Korean patients struggled with high monthly costs
Novo Nordisk stated that the goal is to improve patient adherence and accessibility, ensuring more obesity patients can continue treatment long-term.
Patient Perspective: What Does This Mean?
- Lower upfront costs: Patients starting on Wegovy at 0.25 mg can now afford treatment more easily.
- Long-term costs remain high: Higher maintenance doses (2.4 mg) remain expensive at ~370,000 KRW/month.
- Competition benefits patients: With Mounjaro entering the market, both companies may continue adjusting prices.
- Insurance limitations: Unless you meet strict medical criteria, most patients will still pay out-of-pocket.
FAQs about Wegovy Prices in Korea
Q1. How much does Wegovy cost per month in Korea (2025)?
👉 Between 200,000 KRW ($150 USD) for low doses and 370,000 KRW ($280 USD) for higher doses.
Q2. Is Wegovy covered by Korean health insurance?
👉 Only for patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥35) or BMI ≥27 with comorbidities. Most patients still pay partially out-of-pocket.
Q3. Why did Wegovy prices drop recently?
👉 To improve accessibility and in response to Eli Lilly’s upcoming Mounjaro launch.
Q4. Is Mounjaro cheaper than Wegovy in Korea?
👉 Expected to be ~10–20% cheaper for initial doses, but exact pricing will be confirmed upon launch.
Q5. Should I wait for Mounjaro instead of starting Wegovy?
👉 It depends. Wegovy has established safety and clinical data in Korea. Mounjaro may offer competitive pricing and strong efficacy, but real-world Korean data will take time to accumulate.
Conclusion
As of 2025, Wegovy prices in Korea have dropped by up to 40% for lower doses, significantly lowering the barrier for patients starting treatment. However, the highest dose remains costly, and insurance coverage is limited to those meeting strict criteria.
With Mounjaro’s entry into the Korean market, competition is heating up. Patients may soon benefit from greater affordability and more treatment options.
If you are considering Wegovy or Mounjaro in Korea, consult your healthcare provider about eligibility, insurance options, and which treatment is most suitable for your long-term health.
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REAL REVIEWS FROM CUSTOMERS
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