Book a Doctor’s Appointment in Korean: Phrases and Polite Questions

When you’re in Korea and need to see a doctor, knowing what to say in Korean is more than just convenient—it’s essential. Whether you have a cold or need a routine checkup, the ability to book an appointment politely in Korean will reduce stress and help you get better service.

In this guide, we focus on practical Korean expressions you can actually use—like how to say “I’d like to make an appointment” or “I have a fever.” All phrases are provided in Korean, with Romanized pronunciation, and English translations, so even if you're a beginner, you’ll follow along easily.

 

Let’s start your Korean medical journey with useful phrases that are not just memorized—they're understood and contextualized.

🩺 Why Learn Korean Medical Expressions?

Imagine feeling unwell in Korea, trying to explain your symptoms, but you can’t find the words. That’s why learning actual Korean expressions for medical appointments is so valuable. It’s not just vocabulary—it’s about confidence, safety, and respect.

 

Many Korean clinics appreciate when foreigners try to speak Korean, especially using respectful forms. For example, saying 예약하고 싶어요 (yeyak-hago sipeoyo) — “I’d like to make an appointment” — shows politeness and intention.

 

I remember the first time I had to go to a clinic in Seoul. I practiced just three expressions before I walked in, and honestly, that changed the whole experience. The receptionist smiled, responded kindly, and helped me without hesitation.

 

Let’s take a look at why these expressions are essential, not optional, especially for foreigners living in Korea or visiting short-term.

📊 Why Medical Korean Matters

Reason	Details
Safety	Quickly explain symptoms and understand questions
Politeness	Use proper honorifics to show respect
Effectiveness	Get faster, more accurate care

 

Now, let's move on to the actual words and expressions you’ll need to make that first call or speak to a receptionist.

 

📞 Essential Vocabulary Before You Call

Before you speak to a Korean clinic, you need to know the right words for both the body and the booking process. This section introduces Korean vocabulary related to medical appointments, symptoms, and basic expressions you'll use or hear on the phone.

 

Here are essential terms you'll likely encounter or need when making a reservation:

 

🗂️ Vocabulary List: Clinic & Booking Terms

Korean	Romanization	Meaning
병원	byeong-won	hospital / clinic
예약	yeyak	reservation / appointment
진료	jin-ryo	medical consultation
접수	jeop-su	registration (at the desk)
내과	nae-gwa	internal medicine
정형외과	jeong-hyeong-oe-gwa	orthopedics

 

Here’s how you can start a conversation when calling a clinic:

 

안녕하세요. 예약하고 싶어요.
(Annyeonghaseyo. Yeyak-hago sipeoyo.)
Hello. I’d like to make an appointment.

 

내과 진료 예약할 수 있을까요?
(Naegwa jinryo yeyak-hal su isseulkkayo?)
Can I make an appointment with internal medicine?

 

몇 시에 진료 가능해요?
(Myeot sie jinryo ganeunghaeyo?)
What time is the doctor available?

 

Each of these sentences uses polite form (요), which is appropriate for calling a clinic. You don’t need to use overly formal Korean (like –ㅂ니다) unless you're in a very professional setting like a university hospital. For most local clinics, standard polite speech is enough.

 

📅 Polite Phrases to Request an Appointment

In Korea, calling a clinic usually involves a short, polite conversation with the receptionist. Using the right expressions not only helps you get the information you need but also shows cultural respect. Below are full Korean phrases that you can use or expect during a phone call to make a medical appointment.

 

Let’s look at natural, polite ways to express your request and respond appropriately during the booking process.

 

📞 Common Polite Appointment Phrases

Korean	Romanization	English Translation
진료 예약하고 싶어요.	jinryo yeyak-hago sipeoyo	I’d like to make a medical appointment.
내일 가능한 시간 있을까요?	naeil ganeunghan sigan isseulkkayo?	Is there an available time tomorrow?
오전이나 오후에 진료 가능한가요?	ojeon-ina ohu-e jinryo ganeunhangayo?	Is the doctor available in the morning or afternoon?
예약자 이름 말씀드릴게요.	yeyakja ireum malsseum-deurilgeyo	I’ll give you the name for the appointment.

 

You’ll also need to understand questions from the receptionist. For example:

 

어떤 진료를 원하세요?
(Eotteon jinryoreul wonhaseyo?)
What kind of consultation do you need?

 

초진이세요, 재진이세요?
(Chojin-iseyo, jaejin-iseyo?)
Is this your first visit or a follow-up?

 

Let’s break those down:

• 초진 (chojin): First visit
• 재진 (jaejin): Return visit (follow-up)

 

You can respond with:

처음 가는 거예요. (Cheoeum ganeun geoyeyo.) — It’s my first time going.

예전에 다녀왔어요. (Yejeon-e danyeowasseoyo.) — I’ve been there before.

 

Knowing these phrases prepares you for a smooth booking experience, and also shows Korean staff that you’re putting in effort to communicate clearly and respectfully.

 

📝 Clarifying Your Appointment: First-Time or Follow-Up?

When you contact a clinic in Korea, one of the first things they ask is whether it’s your first visit (초진) or a follow-up (재진). This isn't just a casual question—it affects how you’re registered, and sometimes, which doctor you can see or when you’re scheduled.

 

These Korean expressions will help you respond clearly and respectfully. Let’s first go over the essential sentences you’ll need when making that distinction.

 

📋 Key Expressions: First-Time vs. Follow-Up Visit

Korean	Romanization	English Meaning
초진이에요.	chojin-ieyo	It’s my first visit.
재진이에요.	jaejin-ieyo	This is a follow-up.
예전에 다녀왔어요.	yejeon-e danyeowasseoyo	I’ve been here before.

 

Here’s what a real conversation might sound like when calling a clinic:

Receptionist: 진료 예약하시겠어요?
(Jinryo yeyak hasigeseyo?) — Would you like to make an appointment?

You: 네, 내과 예약하고 싶어요.
(Ne, naegwa yeyak-hago sipeoyo.) — Yes, I’d like to book internal medicine.

Receptionist: 초진이세요, 재진이세요?
(Chojin-iseyo, jaejin-iseyo?) — Is this your first visit or a follow-up?

You: 초진이에요. 처음 방문해요.
(Chojin-ieyo. Cheoeum bangmunhaeyo.) — It’s my first time.

 

🏥 Step-by-Step: Korean Appointment Process

Step	Korean Description	English Explanation
1. 예약	전화 또는 온라인으로 예약	Make a reservation via phone or online
2. 접수	병원 도착 후 이름과 신분증 제시	Check in at the front desk with your ID
3. 대기	대기표를 받고 대기	Receive a number and wait
4. 진료	의사 선생님과 상담	Consult with the doctor

 

💡 Useful expression: 예약자 성함이 어떻게 되세요? (Yeyakja seongham-i eotteoke doeseyo?) → May I have the name for the reservation?

 

초진이에요. (Chojin-ieyo.) — It’s my first visit.
재진이에요. (Jaejin-ieyo.) — This is a follow-up.

 

Now that you know how to clarify your visit type and navigate the Korean clinic system, you’ll be ready to answer confidently and respectfully on the phone or in person.

 

🙋 Common Questions from Receptionists

Once you arrive at the clinic or call to confirm your appointment, the receptionist will usually ask a few standard questions. These might seem formal or unfamiliar at first, but most follow predictable patterns. In this section, you'll learn the most common phrases you'll hear — and how to respond politely and clearly in Korean.

 

📋 Common Reception Questions & How to Answer

Receptionist's Korean	Romanization	English Meaning
예약자 성함이 어떻게 되세요?	yeyakja seongham-i eotteoke doeseyo?	What is your name for the reservation?
연락처 남겨주실 수 있나요?	yeonrakcheo namgyeojusil su innayo?	Can you leave your contact number?
어떤 증상으로 오셨어요?	eotteon jeung-sang-euro osyeosseoyo?	What symptoms are you experiencing?
보험 적용되시나요?	boheom jeok-yong doesinayo?	Do you have insurance coverage?
초진이세요, 재진이세요?	chojin-iseyo, jaejin-iseyo?	Is this your first visit or a follow-up?

 

Now let’s look at how to respond to these questions in a natural, polite way:

• 홍길동이에요. (Hong Gildong-ieyo.) — My name is Hong Gildong.
• 010-1234-5678이에요. (gong-il-gong il-i-sam-sa o-yuk-chil-pal ieyo.) — My phone number is 010-1234-5678.
• 감기에 걸린 것 같아요. (gamgi-e geollin geot gatayo.) — I think I caught a cold.
• 건강보험 있어요. (geongang boheom isseoyo.) — I have health insurance.
• 재진이에요. 지난주에 왔어요. (jaejin-ieyo. jinanju-e wasseoyo.) — This is a follow-up. I came last week.

 

💡 Tip: Receptionists often speak softly and quickly, especially in busy clinics. Don’t hesitate to say:

다시 말씀해 주실 수 있나요?
(Dasi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?)
Could you please say that again?

 

🇰🇷 Cultural Tips When Visiting a Korean Clinic

Visiting a clinic in Korea might feel different from what you're used to. From taking off your shoes in some smaller clinics to getting medicine at a pharmacy afterward, the process can be unfamiliar. This section will walk you through the Korean medical culture and help you avoid awkward moments.

 

We’ll also go over polite behavior, what documents to prepare, and how Korean etiquette plays a role in medical conversations.

 

📌 What to Expect: Clinic Culture in Korea

Aspect	Description
No Appointment Needed (Sometimes)	Many clinics accept walk-ins, especially for general illnesses like colds.
Separate Pharmacy	Doctors prescribe medication, but you must go to a separate pharmacy (약국).
Politeness Matters	Always use –요 form or add “주세요” when asking for anything.
Show Your ID or ARC	Bring your Korean ID card or Alien Registration Card if you're a foreigner.
Health Insurance	Check if your insurance is accepted. Korean NHIS usually covers 70% of the cost.

 

🤝 Polite Expressions to Use at the Clinic

접수 부탁드려요. (Jeopsu butak deuryeoyo.) — I’d like to check in, please.

기다리면 되나요? (Gidarimyeon doenayo?) — Should I wait here?

약은 어디서 받아요? (Yag-eun eodiseo badayo?) — Where do I get the medicine?

진료 잘 부탁드립니다. (Jinryo jal butak deurimnida.) — Please take good care of me (to doctor).

감사합니다, 수고하세요. (Gamsahamnida, sugo haseyo.) — Thank you, have a nice day.

 

🌟 Bonus tip: It’s perfectly okay to bring a memo with your symptoms written in Korean. Staff will appreciate your effort!

 

With this understanding of Korean clinic etiquette, you’ll feel much more confident walking into any hospital or local clinic.

 

❓ FAQ: Booking a Doctor's Appointment in Korean

Q1. How do I say “I want to make an appointment” in Korean?

A1. 예약하고 싶어요. (Yeyak-hago sipeoyo.) — I’d like to make an appointment.

 

Q2. What’s the polite way to ask when the doctor is available?

A2. 진료 가능한 시간이 언제예요? (Jinryo ganeunghan sigan-i eonjeyeyo?) — When is the doctor available?

 

Q3. How do I say “first visit” or “follow-up visit”?

A3. 초진 (chojin) = first visit / 재진 (jaejin) = follow-up

 

Q4. What does 진료 mean?

A4. 진료 (jinryo) means “medical consultation.”

 

Q5. How do I say “I have a cold” in Korean?

A5. 감기에 걸린 것 같아요. (Gamgi-e geollin geot gatayo.) — I think I caught a cold.

 

Q6. How do I give my name at the reception?

A6. 예약자 성함은 홍길동입니다. (Yeyakja seongham-eun Hong Gildong-imnida.)

 

Q7. What’s the Korean word for “pharmacy”?

A7. 약국 (yak-guk)

 

Q8. How do I ask “Where is the pharmacy?”

A8. 약국이 어디예요? (Yakguk-i eodiyeyo?)

 

Q9. Can I go without an appointment?

A9. Some clinics accept walk-ins, but calling first is safer. 전화 예약하세요! (Jeonhwa yeyak haseyo!)

 

Q10. How do I say “I’m here for my appointment”?

A10. 예약한 사람인데요. (Yeyakan saram indeyo.)

 

Q11. How do I politely ask “Can you repeat that?”

A11. 다시 말씀해 주실 수 있나요? (Dasi malsseumhae jusil su innayo?)

 

Q12. What do I say if I want a morning appointment?

A12. 오전에 가능한가요? (Ojeon-e ganeunhangayo?)

 

Q13. How do I say “I feel dizzy”?

A13. 어지러워요. (Eojireowoyo.) — I feel dizzy.

 

Q14. What if I need a translator?

A14. 통역사 있나요? (Tongyeoksa innayo?) — Do you have an interpreter?

 

Q15. How do I say “I’ll wait”?

A15. 기다릴게요. (Gidarilgeyo.)

 

Q16. How do I ask “What should I bring to the appointment?”

A16. 예약할 때 뭐 가져가야 해요? (Yeyakhal ttae mwo gajyeogaya haeyo?) — What should I bring for the appointment?

 

Q17. How do I ask “How much will it cost?”

A17. 진료비 얼마예요? (Jinryobi eolmayeyo?) — How much is the consultation fee?

 

Q18. How do I say “I don’t have insurance”?

A18. 보험 없어요. (Boheom eopseoyo.) — I don’t have insurance.

 

Q19. How do I ask “Do you accept foreign insurance?”

A19. 해외 보험 돼요? (Haewae boheom dwaeyo?) — Do you accept foreign insurance?

 

Q20. What if I want to cancel my appointment?

A20. 예약 취소하고 싶어요. (Yeyak chwisohago sipeoyo.) — I want to cancel the appointment.

 

Q21. How do I reschedule?

A21. 예약 시간 변경할 수 있을까요? (Yeyak sigan byeongyeonghal su isseulkkayo?) — Can I change the appointment time?

 

Q22. How do I say “I’m here to get a prescription”?

A22. 처방전 받으러 왔어요. (Cheobangjeon badeureo wasseoyo.) — I came to get a prescription.

 

Q23. What if I want a female doctor?

A23. 여성 의사 선생님 계세요? (Yeoseong uisa seonsaengnim gyeseyo?) — Do you have a female doctor?

 

Q24. How do I ask for an English-speaking doctor?

A24. 영어 가능한 의사 선생님 계세요? (Yeongeo ganeunghan uisa seonsaengnim gyeseyo?) — Is there a doctor who speaks English?

 

Q25. How do I say “I have a fever and cough”?

A25. 열이 나고 기침이 있어요. (Yeol-i nago gichimi isseoyo.) — I have a fever and cough.

 

Q26. How do I ask “How long will I have to wait?”

A26. 얼마나 기다려야 해요? (Eolmana gidaryeoya haeyo?) — How long do I have to wait?

 

Q27. How do I say “I’m a foreigner” in Korean?

A27. 외국인이에요. (Oegugin-ieyo.) — I’m a foreigner.

 

Q28. How do I ask “Can I pay with a card?”

A28. 카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?) — Do you accept cards?

 

Q29. What if I need to go to a bigger hospital?

A29. 큰 병원으로 진료 의뢰해 주세요. (Keun byeongwon-euro jinryo uiroehae juseyo.) — Please refer me to a larger hospital.

 

Q30. How do I say “Thank you, I’ll come again”?

A30. 감사합니다. 다음에 또 올게요. (Gamsahamnida. Daeume tto olgeyo.)