Getting a health checkup in Korea can feel intimidating if you're not confident in your Korean. Whether it's a regular physical, a visa-required checkup, or a visit to a hospital for tests, knowing key Korean expressions can help you feel more prepared and less anxious.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from how to prepare for the checkup, to understanding test results, and even how to explain your medical history.
You'll learn natural Korean phrases, pronunciation with romanization, and cultural tips to make your medical experience in Korea smoother. Let's begin!
📝 Preparing for a Health Checkup
If you're living, studying, or working in Korea, chances are high that you'll need to undergo a medical checkup — either for visa purposes, job onboarding, or just routine health screening. Understanding Korean phrases used during the check-in and pre-examination process is a big help in making the experience smooth.
Most clinics and hospitals in Korea have a clearly defined process: reception, form filling, sometimes fasting, and then the actual tests. Before the test, staff may ask questions like “Have you fasted?” or “Are you currently taking any medication?” — being able to understand and answer these helps things go faster.
The Korean word for “health checkup” is 건강검진 (geongang geomjin). When you arrive at the hospital or clinic, you may hear staff say “검진 오셨어요? (Did you come for a checkup?)” or “예약하셨어요? (Do you have a reservation?)”.
If you're unsure what to say, you can begin with:
“건강검진 받으러 왔어요.” (I came for a health checkup.)
📖 Geongang geomjin badeureo wasseoyo.
Staff might ask for ID or health insurance card. Here are helpful phrases:
“신분증 있어요.” – I have my ID.
📖 Sinbunjeung isseoyo.
“건강보험증 가져왔어요.” – I brought my health insurance card.
📖 Geongang boheomjeung gajyeowasseoyo.
They may also hand you a clipboard with a form. You can say:
“어디에 작성해요?” – Where should I fill this out?
📖 Eodie jaksonghaeyo?
If fasting is required, staff will ask:
“금식하셨어요?” – Did you fast?
📖 Geumsikhaseosseoyo?
You can reply:
“네, 아침에 아무것도 안 먹었어요.” – Yes, I didn’t eat anything this morning.
📖 Ne, achime amugeotdo an meogeosseoyo.
📋 Common Check-In Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 건강검진 받으러 왔어요 | Geongang geomjin badeureo wasseoyo | I came for a health checkup |
| 신분증 있어요 | Sinbunjeung isseoyo | I have my ID |
| 금식하셨어요? | Geumsikhaseosseoyo? | Did you fast? |
| 어디에 작성해요? | Eodie jaksonghaeyo? | Where do I fill this out? |
The check-in process can feel unfamiliar at first, but once you know these common expressions, you’ll feel more confident and less stressed. Even if you say them slowly, staff will appreciate your effort and help guide you through the process.
I’ve found that using even simple Korean phrases at this stage makes a big difference. It shows respect for the local system, and helps reduce the chance of misunderstandings during your tests.
🧪 Korean Phrases During Medical Tests
Once your check-in is complete, you’ll be guided through a series of medical tests such as blood draws, urine tests, X-rays, and more. This part of the process can be stressful if you don’t understand what staff are saying. Knowing a few key phrases can help you stay calm and respond naturally.
Let’s say you’re called into a room and the nurse says: “팔 걷어 주세요.” – Please roll up your sleeve. 📖 Pal geodeo juseyo.
Or if it’s a blood test, you might hear: “주사 조금 따끔할 거예요.” – The shot might sting a little. 📖 Jusa jogeum ttakkeumhal geoyeyo.
To respond, you can say: “네, 괜찮아요.” – It’s okay. 📖 Ne, gwaenchanayo.
If you feel uncomfortable or dizzy, you should let them know: “어지러워요.” – I feel dizzy. 📖 Eojireowoyo.
For urine tests, you’ll be handed a cup and told: “이 컵에 소변 받아 주세요.” – Please provide a urine sample in this cup. 📖 I keobe sobyeon bada juseyo.
During an X-ray, a technician might say: “숨 참아 주세요.” – Please hold your breath. 📖 Sum cham-a juseyo.
It helps to remember that many medical instructions are simple and command-based. Even if you don’t fully understand everything, recognizing verbs like ‘참다’ (to hold), ‘눕다’ (to lie down), and ‘일어서다’ (to stand) will help you follow directions better.
📋 Key Medical Test Instructions
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 팔 걷어 주세요 | Pal geodeo juseyo | Roll up your sleeve |
| 숨 참아 주세요 | Sum cham-a juseyo | Hold your breath |
| 이 컵에 소변 받아 주세요 | I keobe sobyeon bada juseyo | Give a urine sample in this cup |
| 주사 조금 따끔할 거예요 | Jusa jogeum ttakkeumhal geoyeyo | It will sting a little |
Nurses and technicians in Korea are usually kind and efficient. Even if they don't speak fluent English, showing that you're trying to follow along with Korean makes communication easier. Don't hesitate to repeat or ask for clarification using:
“다시 말해 주세요.” – Please say it again.
📖 Dasi malhae juseyo.
You’re doing great just by being willing to communicate in Korean. These tests don’t take long, and with these expressions, you’ll move through them smoothly and confidently.
📄 Asking About Test Results
After your medical tests are complete, the next step is getting your results. In Korea, the results may be available the same day for simple tests, or within a few days for more complex ones. Knowing how to ask about your results in Korean is essential for understanding your health status and making follow-up decisions.
Here are some common phrases you can use:
“검사 결과 나왔어요?” – Are the test results out? 📖 Geomsa gyeolgwa nawasseoyo?
“결과 언제 받아요?” – When can I receive the results? 📖 Gyeolgwa eonje badayo?
If the doctor explains something you don’t understand, you can ask:
“조금 더 쉽게 설명해 주세요.” – Please explain in simpler terms. 📖 Jogeum deo swipge seolmyeonghae juseyo.
When the result is normal, they might say:
“이상 없습니다.” – Nothing abnormal. 📖 Isang eopseumnida.
If there's an issue, you might hear:
“추가 검사가 필요합니다.” – Additional tests are needed. 📖 Chuga geomsa-ga piryo-hamnida.
You can respond with: “어떤 검사예요?” – What kind of test is it? 📖 Eotteon geomsa-yeyo?
Some hospitals also allow online access to results. You might ask: “온라인으로 결과 볼 수 있어요?” – Can I view the results online? 📖 Onlain-euro gyeolgwa bol su isseoyo?
In my experience, showing that you understand these basic expressions helps the doctor feel more confident explaining things in Korean, and it opens up smoother dialogue.
📋 Test Result Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 검사 결과 나왔어요? | Geomsa gyeolgwa nawasseoyo? | Are the test results out? |
| 이상 없습니다 | Isang eopseumnida | Nothing abnormal |
| 추가 검사가 필요합니다 | Chuga geomsa-ga piryo-hamnida | Additional tests are needed |
| 결과 언제 받아요? | Gyeolgwa eonje badayo? | When will I receive the results? |
Many Korean hospitals are efficient with result handling, but don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear. Doctors and staff are used to foreign patients and will usually speak slowly or use gestures to help you understand.
Now that you know how to ask about your results and understand medical feedback in Korean, you’re one step closer to managing your health confidently while living abroad.
📋 Explaining Medical History in Korean
Doctors in Korea often ask about your medical history during a checkup or consultation. If you have any chronic conditions, past surgeries, allergies, or medications, it's important to know how to explain them in Korean. Clear communication can help prevent complications and make diagnosis more accurate.
Start with a basic phrase to introduce your health background:
“과거 병력이 있어요.” – I have a past medical history. 📖 Gwageo byeongnyeok-i isseoyo.
You can be more specific depending on your condition:
“고혈압 있어요.” – I have high blood pressure. 📖 Gohyeol-ap isseoyo.
“당뇨병 있어요.” – I have diabetes. 📖 Dangnyobyeong isseoyo.
“천식 있어요.” – I have asthma. 📖 Cheonsik isseoyo.
If you've had surgery, say: “수술 받은 적 있어요.” – I’ve had surgery before. 📖 Susul badeun jeok isseoyo.
For allergies, this is important: “약 알레르기 있어요.” – I have a drug allergy. 📖 Yak allereugi isseoyo.
“계란 알레르기 있어요.” – I’m allergic to eggs. 📖 Gyeran allereugi isseoyo.
Medication use is also often asked. Say:
“약 먹고 있어요.” – I’m taking medicine. 📖 Yak meokgo isseoyo.
“이 약 매일 먹어요.” – I take this medicine every day. 📖 I yak maeil meogeoyo.
Even if you’re unsure of the Korean term for a condition, having a note or showing the medicine packaging can help. Most doctors are trained to understand international medications and can quickly assess with some extra info.
📋 Medical History Expressions
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 과거 병력이 있어요 | Gwageo byeongnyeok-i isseoyo | I have a medical history |
| 약 알레르기 있어요 | Yak allereugi isseoyo | I have a drug allergy |
| 고혈압 있어요 | Gohyeol-ap isseoyo | I have high blood pressure |
| 약 먹고 있어요 | Yak meokgo isseoyo | I'm taking medication |
You don’t need to memorize every possible medical term. Focus on key phrases and basic condition names—this will help you get the message across effectively. If something is too hard to explain verbally, write it down or show your past records.
The staff will appreciate your effort to communicate, and it makes the entire experience safer and more personalized for your health needs.
🧾 Useful Medical Test Vocabulary
Learning vocabulary related to health checkups can help you understand signs, forms, and what the staff is saying. Many words are used repeatedly across hospitals, clinics, and testing centers in Korea. These core terms will help you better follow instructions and even ask questions clearly.
The following are commonly used medical test-related vocabulary terms you’ll hear during a routine health checkup. Even recognizing just a few of them can reduce confusion and anxiety.
혈액검사 (hyeoraek geomsa) – Blood test
소변검사 (sobyeon geomsa) – Urine test
엑스레이 (ekseurei) – X-ray
체온 (che-on) – Body temperature
신장 (sinjang) – Height
체중 (chejung) – Weight
시력 (siryuk) – Eyesight
청력 (cheongnyeok) – Hearing
If you can read and understand these terms, your interaction during the exam process will go more smoothly. You’ll also be able to identify test types written on your forms or online results.
📋 Medical Vocabulary You Should Know
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 혈액검사 | Hyeoraek geomsa | Blood test |
| 소변검사 | Sobyeon geomsa | Urine test |
| 엑스레이 | Ekseurei | X-ray |
| 체온 | Che-on | Body temperature |
| 신장 | Sinjang | Height |
| 체중 | Chejung | Weight |
| 시력 | Siryuk | Eyesight |
| 청력 | Cheongnyeok | Hearing |
When these words appear on your paperwork or are spoken aloud by nurses, you’ll recognize what’s happening and feel more in control. Mastering this vocabulary gives you the confidence to go through your medical tests with less stress.
If you keep a note of these words in your phone or notebook, they’ll come in handy not just for checkups but even for emergencies or doctor’s appointments in Korea.
📅 After the Health Check – What’s Next?
You’ve completed your health checkup in Korea — now what? Depending on your results, you may be asked to return for a follow-up, book a consultation, or just go home with peace of mind. Each clinic or hospital handles things slightly differently, but there are some standard procedures you should know.
If no issues were found, you’ll probably hear:
“정상입니다. 이상 없어요.” – Everything is normal. 📖 Jeongsang-imnida. Isang eopseoyo.
But if something needs further examination, staff might say:
“진료 예약하세요.” – Please make an appointment. 📖 Jinryo yeyak-haseyo.
To ask for a follow-up consultation, say:
“다음 진료 예약하고 싶어요.” – I’d like to book the next appointment. 📖 Daeum jinryo yeyak-hago sipeoyo.
If you want to discuss results with a doctor:
“의사와 상담하고 싶어요.” – I want to speak with a doctor. 📖 Uisawa sangdam-hago sipeoyo.
For retests or referrals, you may hear:
“다른 병원으로 의뢰합니다.” – We’re referring you to another hospital. 📖 Dareun byeongwon-euro uiroehamnida.
To confirm whether any action is needed, ask: “추가로 할 게 있어요?” – Is there anything else I need to do? 📖 Chugaro hal ge isseoyo?
In my opinion, having these phrases prepared in advance makes a big difference. You’ll feel confident asking questions and making sure nothing gets missed at the end of your health check.
📋 After Health Checkup Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 진료 예약하세요 | Jinryo yeyak-haseyo | Please book a consultation |
| 정상입니다 | Jeongsang-imnida | Everything is normal |
| 의사와 상담하고 싶어요 | Uisawa sangdam-hago sipeoyo | I want to speak with a doctor |
| 다음 진료 예약하고 싶어요 | Daeum jinryo yeyak-hago sipeoyo | I want to book the next appointment |
If you need to receive printed results or digital files, ask: “결과지 받을 수 있어요?” – Can I get a copy of the results? 📖 Gyeolgwaji badeul su isseoyo?
Once all is done, don’t forget to thank the staff! “감사합니다.” – Thank you. 📖 Gamsahamnida.
FAQ
Q1. Do I need to fast before a Korean health checkup?
A1. Yes, for blood tests involving glucose or cholesterol, fasting is usually required for 8–12 hours. The hospital will inform you beforehand.
Q2. How do I say “I’m here for a checkup” in Korean?
A2. You can say “건강검진 받으러 왔어요.” (Geongang geomjin badeureo wasseoyo).
Q3. Can I get English explanations of my test results?
A3. Some larger hospitals offer English support or translated reports. For smaller clinics, bring a friend or use a translator app.
Q4. How long does it take to get test results?
A4. Basic results like blood pressure or body measurements are immediate. Blood test results may take 1–3 days depending on the hospital.
Q5. What if I feel sick during the tests?
A5. Let the staff know right away. Say “어지러워요.” (Eojireowoyo – I feel dizzy). They will help immediately.
Q6. Are checkups covered by Korean health insurance?
A6. Yes, national health insurance covers basic health checkups every 2 years for adults. Additional tests may cost extra.
Q7. How do I ask for a female doctor in Korean?
A7. Say “여의사 선생님 가능해요?” (Yeouisa seonsaengnim ganeunghaeyo?) which means “Is a female doctor available?”
Q8. Can I book a health checkup online in Korea?
A8. Yes, many hospitals offer online booking through their websites. Some even have English versions or mobile apps.
Q9. What does “추가 검사” mean?
A9. It means “additional tests.” It could be due to abnormal results or follow-up requirements. You’ll be informed by the doctor.
Q10. What should I bring to the appointment?
A10. Bring your ID (ARC), health insurance card, and any medical history or medications you're taking. Also arrive 10–15 minutes early.
Q11. How do I say “I’m taking medication” in Korean?
A11. You can say “약 먹고 있어요.” (Yak meokgo isseoyo). It's useful when explaining your medical history.
Q12. How much does a full health checkup cost in Korea?
A12. It depends on the type. Government-covered basic checkups are free or low-cost. Private full packages can range from ₩100,000 to ₩1,000,000+.
Q13. Can I request a specific test like an STD check?
A13. Yes. You can say “성병 검사 받고 싶어요.” (Seongbyeong geomsa batgo sipeoyo). Most clinics can help without judgment.
Q14. What if I miss my appointment?
A14. Most places allow rescheduling. Call and say “예약 변경하고 싶어요.” (Yeyak byeongyeong-hago sipeoyo).
Q15. Can I bring someone with me to the checkup?
A15. Usually yes, especially at general hospitals. For privacy-related exams, staff might ask the person to wait outside.
Q16. What should I wear for the checkup?
A16. Wear comfortable clothes. Some hospitals provide gowns for X-rays and exams. Avoid jewelry and heavy makeup.
Q17. Will I get a printed report of my results?
A17. Yes, most clinics give you a printed report or PDF file. You can ask: “결과지 받을 수 있어요?” (Gyeolgwaji badeul su isseoyo?)
Q18. How can I ask if my condition is serious?
A18. You can say: “심각한 건가요?” (Simgakhan geongayo?) which means “Is it serious?”
Q19. Can I ask the doctor to speak more slowly?
A19. Yes. Say: “천천히 말해 주세요.” (Cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo). It’s polite and commonly understood.
Q20. Can I use a translation app at the clinic?
A20. Absolutely. Most staff are understanding. It’s a great idea to prepare essential medical phrases in advance, though.
Q21. How do I say “I’m pregnant” in Korean?
A21. You can say “임신했어요.” (Imsinhaesseoyo). It’s important to tell the staff before X-rays or certain tests.
Q22. Are same-day appointments possible?
A22. Sometimes yes, especially at small clinics. Use this phrase: “오늘 예약 가능해요?” (Oneul yeyak ganeunghaeyo?)
Q23. Can I choose what tests I want?
A23. Yes, especially in private clinics. You can ask: “이 검사 포함되나요?” (I geomsa poham-doenayo?)
Q24. How do I say “I have no symptoms” in Korean?
A24. Say “증상 없어요.” (Jeungsang eopseoyo). Useful when filling out medical forms.
Q25. Is it okay to ask about pricing in advance?
A25. Yes, it’s totally normal. You can say: “비용 얼마예요?” (Biyong eolmayeyo?)
Q26. How do I ask for an interpreter?
A26. Try: “통역 서비스 있나요?” (Tongyeok seobiseu innayo?). Big hospitals may offer one upon request.
Q27. Can I get my test results emailed?
A27. Many clinics offer this. Ask: “이메일로 받을 수 있어요?” (Imeillo badeul su isseoyo?)
Q28. What if I can’t read the results?
A28. You can request an explanation by saying: “결과 설명해 주세요.” (Gyeolgwa seolmyeonghae juseyo)
Q29. Is my information kept confidential?
A29. Yes. Korean clinics follow strict privacy laws, especially for medical information.
Q30. Can I use this guide at any hospital?
A30. Yes! These phrases are commonly understood across clinics, hospitals, and exam centers in Korea.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about your health condition or experience symptoms. The Korean phrases provided are for everyday communication and may not cover specific clinical terminology used by professionals.
