If you’re visiting Korea and suddenly get a headache, stomachache, or a cold, don’t worry! You can get medicine easily from a nearby pharmacy (약국). But here’s the challenge—many pharmacists may not speak English fluently, especially outside of Seoul.
That’s why learning a few simple Korean phrases for symptoms, medicine names, and polite expressions will make a huge difference. Not only will you get the help you need faster, but you’ll also avoid confusion and possible medication errors.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to say, what to expect, and how to be understood clearly when visiting a pharmacy in Korea. We’ve also included practical tables with Korean, pronunciation, and English meaning. Let’s get started! 💬
😕 Why Visiting a Pharmacy in Korea Can Be Confusing
Pharmacies in Korea operate differently from those in many Western countries. For starters, not all medicine is available over-the-counter. Some common medicines like antibiotics or allergy meds often require a prescription, even for minor symptoms.
Most pharmacies are independently owned and don’t always have an English sign. Look for “약국” (yak-guk), which means pharmacy. Many are small and operated by a licensed pharmacist who handles your symptoms on the spot.
Unlike in the West, pharmacists often act like mini-doctors. They ask about your symptoms and recommend what they think is best. But if you can’t explain your problem in Korean, communication breaks down quickly.
That’s why knowing how to describe your symptoms—even in simple words—helps you get the right medicine faster. Let’s look at common challenges and solutions below.
💬 Challenges When Using Pharmacies in Korea
| Challenge | Why It Happens | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Language Barrier | Pharmacists may not speak English | Use basic Korean phrases or a note |
| No OTC meds for common issues | Korea has stricter rules for medicine | Let the pharmacist recommend something |
| Hard to find 24-hour pharmacy | Most pharmacies close early | Search “야간 약국” on Naver/Kakao |
🤒 How to Describe Your Symptoms in Korean
When visiting a pharmacy in Korea, the pharmacist will usually ask you about your symptoms. Even a few basic words can help you get the right medicine without needing a prescription. Start by saying “아파요” (a-pa-yo), which means “It hurts” or “I’m sick.” You can then point to the body part or describe the pain.
For example, if you have a sore throat, say “목이 아파요” (mo-gi a-pa-yo). A headache is “머리가 아파요” and a stomachache is “배가 아파요.” You can also say if you have a fever: “열이 있어요” (yeol-i i-sseo-yo).
You don’t need to make full sentences—just key words work. For example, saying “기침” (gi-chim, cough) and “약 주세요” (yak ju-se-yo, give me medicine) is already helpful. Many pharmacists are used to hearing broken Korean from tourists.
Here’s a table with the most common symptoms and how to say them in Korean. Practice them before your trip or save the table on your phone!
🗣️ Common Symptoms in Korean
| Symptom (Korean) | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 머리가 아파요 | meo-ri-ga a-pa-yo | I have a headache |
| 배가 아파요 | bae-ga a-pa-yo | I have a stomachache |
| 기침 | gi-chim | Cough |
| 열이 있어요 | yeol-i i-sseo-yo | I have a fever |
| 콧물 나요 | kot-mul na-yo | I have a runny nose |
💊 Korean Phrases for Buying Medicine
Now that you know how to describe symptoms, let’s go over what to say when asking for medicine. The word for medicine is “약” (yak), and the basic request is “약 주세요” (Please give me medicine). If you want something for pain, say “진통제 주세요” (jin-tong-je ju-se-yo) – pain reliever.
Cold medicine is “감기약” (gam-gi-yak), and stomach medicine is “소화제” (so-hwa-je). If you’re looking for allergy meds, say “알레르기 약 있어요?” (Is there allergy medicine?).
You can also ask how to take the medicine: “어떻게 먹어요?” (How do I take this?). Korean medicine often comes in powder packets, so ask “물에 타서 먹어요?” (Do I mix it with water?).
If you want to know how often to take it, say “하루에 몇 번 먹어요?” (How many times a day?). Don’t hesitate to show your symptoms written on your phone or ask the pharmacist to write down instructions.
💬 Phrases for Buying Medicine
| Korean Phrase | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 감기약 주세요 | gam-gi-yak ju-se-yo | Cold medicine, please |
| 소화제 주세요 | so-hwa-je ju-se-yo | Stomach medicine, please |
| 알레르기 약 있어요? | al-le-reu-gi yak i-sseo-yo? | Do you have allergy medicine? |
| 어떻게 먹어요? | eo-tteo-ke meok-eo-yo? | How do I take this? |
⚖️ Over-the-Counter vs Prescription: What to Know
In Korea, the line between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicine is stricter than in some Western countries. For example, medicine that might be easily bought in the U.S.—like antibiotics or strong painkillers—requires a prescription from a doctor in Korea.
Pharmacists are allowed to recommend basic remedies for symptoms like colds, indigestion, headaches, or mild allergies. But they cannot give out prescription drugs without an official document. Even eye drops with steroids require a doctor’s note.
To avoid disappointment, it’s good to check whether what you need is OTC or prescription. You can ask, “처방전이 필요해요?” (Do I need a prescription?). If yes, the pharmacist may direct you to the nearest clinic.
If you bring a prescription from a Korean hospital, the pharmacist will fill it for you. Many large pharmacies near hospitals are also “처방 조제 약국” – pharmacies that handle prescriptions specifically.
💊 OTC vs Prescription Table
| Medicine Type | Korean | Prescription Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Cold/flu meds | 감기약 | ❌ No |
| Antibiotics | 항생제 | ✅ Yes |
| Painkillers (mild) | 진통제 | ❌ No |
| Steroid eye drops | 스테로이드 안약 | ✅ Yes |
🙏 Cultural Tips and Etiquette at Korean Pharmacies
Korean pharmacies are calm, clean, and often quieter than in the West. Respect and politeness go a long way when speaking with the pharmacist. A simple “안녕하세요” (Hello) and “감사합니다” (Thank you) is always appreciated.
If the pharmacist speaks limited English, try using translation apps like Papago or Google Translate. Speak slowly and clearly, and avoid raising your voice—it’s considered rude in most Korean service settings.
Always wait your turn, especially if it’s a small pharmacy with only one pharmacist. If there’s a line, it’s polite to stand behind the person being helped and wait until they’re done.
Also, avoid using your phone or being loud while inside. Pharmacists deal with sick people and take their work seriously. Koreans also often bow slightly when receiving or giving medicine, and you can do the same to show respect.
🧭 Quick Etiquette Tips
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Greet with “안녕하세요” | Speak loudly or angrily |
| Use polite tone and bow slightly | Interrupt the pharmacist |
| Use translation apps if needed | Use phone loudly while waiting |
🚑 Emergency Medicine and After-Hours Options
Most pharmacies in Korea close around 8–9 PM, and many don’t open on Sundays. But what if you get sick in the middle of the night or on a holiday? That’s when “야간 약국” (Night pharmacies) and emergency clinics come in.
You can search for “야간 약국” on Naver or Kakao Map to find late-night options near you. Some large hospitals also have 24-hour pharmacies attached to their emergency rooms.
In an emergency, you can go to a “응급실” (eung-geup-sil – emergency room), but expect longer wait times and possibly higher fees. For minor issues, a 24-hour pharmacy is your best bet.
Always keep a list of your allergies and medication history in Korean or translated. This helps prevent any allergic reactions or conflicts with local medicine types.
🕒 After-Hours Pharmacy Options
| Option | Korean Term | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Night pharmacy | 야간 약국 | Evenings after 9 PM |
| 24h hospital pharmacy | 병원 약국 | For serious or urgent needs |
| Emergency room | 응급실 | For major emergencies only |
❓ FAQ – 20 Common Questions About Pharmacies in Korea
Q1. Do Korean pharmacies sell Western-brand medicine?
A1. Some large pharmacies may stock familiar brands, but many use local Korean alternatives with the same active ingredients.
Q2. Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in Korea?
A2. No, antibiotics like amoxicillin or ciprofloxacin require a doctor’s prescription in Korea.
Q3. How do I say “I have a cold” in Korean?
A3. Say “감기에 걸렸어요” (gam-gi-e geol-ryeoss-eo-yo).
Q4. Are Korean pharmacists trained like in Western countries?
A4. Yes, Korean pharmacists are highly trained and licensed, often acting as first-line health consultants.
Q5. Can I use English in a pharmacy?
A5. In tourist-heavy areas, yes. But basic Korean or translation apps help a lot.
Q6. Do pharmacies in Korea accept credit cards?
A6. Most do, especially in cities, but small local ones may prefer cash.
Q7. What’s the word for pharmacy in Korean?
A7. It’s “약국” (yak-guk).
Q8. How do I ask for painkillers?
A8. Say “진통제 주세요” (jin-tong-je ju-se-yo).
Q9. Are 24-hour pharmacies common in Korea?
A9. Not really. You’ll need to search for “야간 약국” or visit hospital-attached pharmacies.
Q10. Can I refill a prescription from my home country?
A10. No, foreign prescriptions are not valid in Korea. You’ll need to see a Korean doctor.
Q11. Is Korean medicine different from Western medicine?
A11. Ingredients are often similar, but formats (powders, herbs) may vary.
Q12. Can I get birth control pills at any pharmacy?
A12. Yes, most birth control is OTC and available at regular pharmacies.
Q13. Are pharmacists friendly to foreigners?
A13. Generally, yes! They’re often patient and will try to help with basic English or gestures.
Q14. How do I explain diarrhea in Korean?
A14. Say “설사해요” (seol-sa-hae-yo).
Q15. What’s the word for allergy medicine?
A15. “알레르기 약” (al-le-reu-gi yak).
Q16. Can I find natural/herbal medicine?
A16. Yes, Korea has 한약 (han-yak), traditional herbal pharmacies. They’re different from regular 약국.
Q17. How do I say “It hurts here”?
A17. Point and say “여기 아파요” (yeo-gi a-pa-yo).
Q18. Are children’s medicines easy to get?
A18. Yes, just say “아이 약 주세요” (a-i yak ju-se-yo).
Q19. What’s the difference between 처방전 and 일반약?
A19. “처방전” is a prescription, and “일반약” is OTC medicine.
Q20. Can I bring medicine from home into Korea?
A20. Yes, but some prescription meds (like ADHD pills) need customs approval. Check before flying.
📌 Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, medical regulations and pharmacy practices in Korea may change. Always consult a qualified pharmacist or doctor for professional medical advice during your stay.
