디지털 시대의 온라인 약국 제도 도입과 입법과제에 관한 연구

This study analyzes the feasibility of introducing an online pharmacy system and the accompanying legislative challenges in the context of the digital transformation and the post-pandemic healthcare environment. Under the current Pharmaceutical Affairs Act of Korea, face-to-face sales of pharmaceuticals are mandated, effectively prohibiting online distribution. However, increasing consumer demand and the expansion of digital healthcare indicate a growing need for institutional reform. This paper categorizes the concept and operational types of online pharmacies and conducts a comparative legal analysis of the systems in the United States, Japan, and the European Union. It further examines key legal issues such as the balance between the right to health and public health, the redefinition of pharmacists’ duties and remote medication guidance, consumer protection in the context of information asymmetry, and the legal responsibilities of digital platforms. Based on these findings, the paper proposes legislative tasks including the coordinated revision of existing laws—such as the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, the Electronic Commerce Act, and the Personal Information Protection Act—along with the establishment of clear legal responsibility structures, certification systems, and digital infrastructure. This study argues that the introduction of online pharmacies represents not merely a change in distribution channels, but a structural transformation of the public healthcare system, requiring a legislative response that balances public safety and regulatory innovation.