Master Key Korean Words and Expressions for Visiting the Hospital or Clinic (병원 방문)

Visiting a doctor or hospital (병원) in Korea may feel intimidating without the right vocabulary. Whether it’s a mild cold, prescription refill, or emergency, learning how to describe symptoms, ask questions, and understand medical instructions is crucial. Here’s your go-to guide for everything 병원 관련 in Korean!

🏥 Must-Know Vocabulary for a Doctor’s Visit in Korean

Korean	Pronunciation	English
병원	byeong-won	Hospital
의원	ui-won	Clinic
내과	nae-gwa	Internal medicine
외과	oe-gwa	Surgery department
치과	chi-gwa	Dentist
피부과	pi-bu-gwa	Dermatology
이비인후과	i-bi-in-hu-gwa	ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)
산부인과	san-bu-in-gwa	OB-GYN
응급실	eung-geup-sil	Emergency room
진료	jin-ryo	Medical treatment
접수	jeop-su	Registration
의사	ui-sa	Doctor
간호사	gan-ho-sa	Nurse
환자	hwan-ja	Patient
약국	yak-guk	Pharmacy
처방전	cheo-bang-jeon	Prescription
약	yak	Medicine

🤒 Korean Vocabulary for Common Symptoms

Korean	Pronunciation	English
열	yeol	Fever
기침	gi-chim	Cough
콧물	kot-mul	Runny nose
두통	du-tong	Headache
복통	bok-tong	Stomachache
목이 아프다	mok-i a-peu-da	Sore throat
몸살	mom-sal	Body ache
어지럽다	eo-ji-reop-da	Dizzy
토하다	to-ha-da	Vomit
설사	seol-sa	Diarrhea
변비	byeon-bi	Constipation
알레르기	al-le-reu-gi	Allergy
상처	sang-cheo	Wound
골절	gol-jeol	Fracture

🗣️ Common Korean Expressions at the Hospital

Korean	Pronunciation	English
어디가 아프세요?	eo-di-ga a-peu-se-yo?	Where does it hurt?
열이 나요.	yeol-i na-yo.	I have a fever.
배가 아파요.	bae-ga a-pa-yo.	My stomach hurts.
기침이 심해요.	gi-chim-i sim-hae-yo.	I have a bad cough.
약 처방해 주세요.	yak cheo-bang-hae ju-se-yo.	Please prescribe medicine.
며칠 동안 아팠어요.	myeo-chil dongan a-ppat-seo-yo.	I’ve been sick for a few days.
알레르기가 있어요.	al-le-reu-gi-ga iss-eo-yo.	I have an allergy.
입원해야 하나요?	ip-won-hae-ya ha-na-yo?	Do I need to be hospitalized?
엑스레이 찍었어요.	ek-seu-re-i jjik-eoss-eo-yo.	I got an X-ray.
보험 있어요.	bo-heom iss-eo-yo.	I have insurance.

💊 After Your Visit: At the Pharmacy

Korean	Pronunciation	English
약국 어디에 있어요?	yak-guk eo-di-e iss-eo-yo?	Where is the pharmacy?
이 약은 언제 먹어요?	i yak-eun eon-je meog-eo-yo?	When should I take this medicine?
식전 / 식후에 먹어요	sik-jeon / sik-hu-e meog-eo-yo	Take it before / after meals
하루에 몇 번 먹어요?	ha-ru-e myeot beon meog-eo-yo?	How many times a day?
물과 함께 드세요	mul-gwa ham-kke deu-se-yo	Take it with water

📌 Cultural & Practical Tips for Doctor Visits in Korea

🧾 Registration & Wait Times

You usually register first (접수) at the front desk.
Clinics often operate on a walk-in basis, but larger hospitals may require 예약 (reservation).

💳 National Health Insurance

If you have 국민건강보험 (National Health Insurance), you pay only a portion of the medical cost.
Always bring your 보험증 (insurance card) if you’re a resident.

📋 Short Consultations

Consultations are often brief but efficient. Prepare symptoms in advance and speak clearly.
Writing down symptoms in Korean beforehand can help!

🏥 Local Clinics vs. General Hospitals

For minor issues, go to 동네의원 (local clinics).
For serious concerns or tests, go to a 종합병원 (general hospital).

🧑‍⚕️ Korean Doctors Speak Some English

In larger cities or hospitals, many doctors can communicate in basic English, but Korean skills are always helpful.

🎯 Quick Quiz

What does “처방전” mean?
Translate: “I have a sore throat.”
How do you ask “Where does it hurt?” in Korean?

💬 Post your answers in the comments to check your understanding!

📚 Want to Learn More?

✔️ Making appointments
✔️ Phone call in Korean
✔️ Job interview

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