Imagine you're in Korea and suddenly feel sick. You walk into a clinic, but the moment the receptionist asks, "어디가 불편하세요?" (eodiga bulpyeonhaseyo?), you freeze. You're not alone. Many Korean learners struggle with describing symptoms in a medical context—especially when they’re under stress.
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In this guide, we’ll go over real-life phrases, clinic-specific expressions, and cultural tips to help you survive a doctor visit in Korea—without getting lost in translation. Whether it's a mild cold or something more serious, you'll learn how to talk like a local at the clinic.
How to Explain Your Symptoms in Korean
When you arrive at a Korean clinic, the first interaction is usually with the receptionist. This is where you’ll need to briefly describe your symptoms to be directed to the right department. In many cases, even this short conversation can feel intimidating if you don’t have the words.
Here are essential expressions you can use right at the reception desk:
- 감기 기운이 있어요. (gamgi giun-i isseoyo) – I think I have a cold.
- 열이 나요. (yeol-i nayo) – I have a fever.
- 기침이 나요. (gichim-i nayo) – I have a cough.
- 속이 안 좋아요. (sogi an joayo) – I have an upset stomach.
- 목이 아파요. (mogi apayo) – My throat hurts.
To make your intention clear, you can also add:
- 내과 진료 받고 싶어요. (naegwa jillyo batgo sipeoyo) – I’d like to see an internal medicine doctor.
- 접수하고 싶어요. (jeopsu hago sipeoyo) – I’d like to check in.
- 예약했어요. (yeyak haesseoyo) – I have an appointment.
Most clinics will ask follow-up questions like "언제부터 그랬어요?" (eonjebuteo geuraesseoyo?) – “Since when?” or "어느 쪽이 아프세요?" (eoneu jjok-i apuseyo?) – “Which side hurts?” Knowing how to respond helps the process move smoothly.
📝 Common Symptoms at Reception
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 두통이 있어요 | dutong-i isseoyo | I have a headache |
| 몸살이에요 | momsal-ieyo | I feel achy all over |
| 설사했어요 | seolsa haesseoyo | I had diarrhea |
If you're not sure what department to go to, you can simply say: "어디로 가야 해요?" (eodiro gaya haeyo?) – “Where should I go?” Staff will understand you're a foreigner and usually guide you kindly.
Don't be afraid to speak slowly or even show a note with your symptoms written in Korean. Most medical staff appreciate the effort, and your honesty can help them understand your needs faster.
Must-Know Vocabulary for Clinic Visits
Once you’re called into the doctor’s office, it’s time to explain your symptoms more clearly. In Korean clinics, doctors tend to ask short and direct questions, so it's important to recognize and respond to them naturally. Also, don’t be surprised if they type while talking or use medical terms — stay calm and focus on familiar keywords.
Here are some common things doctors might say, and how you can respond:
- 어디가 아프세요? (eodiga apuseyo?) – Where does it hurt?
- 언제부터 증상이 있었어요? (eonjebuteo jeungsang-i isseosseoyo?) – Since when have you had symptoms?
- 열은 있으세요? (yeol-eun isseuseyo?) – Do you have a fever?
- 기침이나 가래는요? (gichim-ina garaeneunyo?) – Do you have a cough or phlegm?
To respond clearly, you can use simple sentences with past tense and frequency markers. Here are a few examples:
- 3일 전부터 아팠어요. (sam-il jeonbuteo apasseoyo) – I’ve been sick since 3 days ago.
- 매일 열이 나요. (maeil yeol-i nayo) – I have a fever every day.
- 자주 어지러워요. (jaju eojireowoyo) – I feel dizzy often.
Korean doctors may also ask about your eating or sleeping habits if it’s related to your condition:
- 식사는 잘 하셨어요? (siksaneun jal hasyeosseoyo?) – Have you been eating properly?
- 잠은 잘 주무세요? (jam-eun jal jumuseyo?) – Are you sleeping well?
Let’s say you feel pain when breathing. You can say:
숨 쉴 때 가슴이 아파요. (sum swil ttae gaseum-i apayo) – My chest hurts when I breathe.
Sometimes, it helps to show the area of discomfort. Many Koreans will naturally point and say "여기요" (yeogiyo) – “Here.” It’s simple but effective.
📋 Essential Korean Phrases Used in the Doctor’s Office
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 가슴이 답답해요 | gaseum-i dapdaphaeyo | I feel tightness in my chest |
| 구토했어요 | guto haesseoyo | I vomited |
| 숨이 차요 | sumi chayo | I'm short of breath |
My personal tip: Don’t worry about making full, perfect sentences. In clinics, keywords matter more than grammar. Even saying one word like 두통 (dutong) or 기침 (gichim) can help your doctor understand you faster.
Remember to bring your ID (passport or ARC) and health insurance info, if available. If you forget the words, pointing and using a translation app is totally okay, too.
Understanding Korean Prescriptions
Sometimes, saying “I’m sick” isn’t enough. Korean doctors will often ask you to describe your symptoms in detail—where the pain is, what kind of pain it is, and how long it’s lasted. In this section, you’ll learn to talk about pain, fever, fatigue, dizziness, and other common symptoms more precisely.
Let’s start with the word for pain: 아파요 (apayo) – “It hurts.” You can combine it with body parts to make clear sentences, like:
- 머리가 아파요. (meoriga apayo) – My head hurts.
- 배가 아파요. (baega apayo) – My stomach hurts.
- 무릎이 아파요. (mureupi apayo) – My knee hurts.
For more specific pain types, Koreans often use adjectives like:
- 쑤셔요 (ssusyeoyo) – It aches deeply
- 따가워요 (ttagawoyo) – It stings
- 찌릿해요 (jjirithaeyo) – It feels like a sharp electric shock
When you have a fever, you can say:
열이 있어요. (yeol-i isseoyo) – I have a fever.
몸이 뜨거워요. (mom-i tteugeowoyo) – My body feels hot.
To describe fatigue, try:
피곤해요. (pigonhaeyo) – I feel tired.
기운이 없어요. (giun-i eopseoyo) – I have no energy.
These descriptions help doctors assess your condition faster, especially when there’s a language barrier. Here are some useful ways to express severity and duration:
- 심해요. (simhaeyo) – It’s severe.
- 계속 아파요. (gyesok apayo) – It keeps hurting.
- 가끔 아파요. (gakkeum apayo) – It hurts sometimes.
If you feel dizzy or nauseous, try saying:
어지러워요. (eojireowoyo) – I feel dizzy.
메스꺼워요. (meseukkeowoyo) – I feel nauseous.
🩺 Korean Vocabulary for Describing Symptoms
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 콧물이 나요 | konmuri nayo | I have a runny nose |
| 속이 울렁거려요 | sogi ulleonggeoryeoyo | I feel queasy |
| 근육통이 있어요 | geunyuktong-i isseoyo | I have muscle pain |
These words not only help you in hospitals but also if you visit a pharmacy alone. Korean pharmacists also use these terms, so learning them is a double win!
Asking Questions and Describing Pain Naturally
After visiting a clinic or even without seeing a doctor, you might find yourself in a Korean pharmacy, or 약국 (yakguk). Pharmacies in Korea operate a bit differently than in many Western countries. Most don't have over-the-counter aisles—instead, you tell the pharmacist your symptoms, and they recommend the medication.
That’s why it’s important to know how to express how you feel, clearly and politely. Let’s start with some basic phrases you can say when entering a pharmacy:
- 감기약 주세요. (gamgi-yak juseyo) – Please give me cold medicine.
- 두통약 있어요? (dutong-yak isseoyo?) – Do you have headache medicine?
- 지사제 있어요? (jisaje isseoyo?) – Do you have anti-diarrhea pills?
You can also explain your symptoms briefly. Here are practical sentences:
- 목이 너무 아파요. (mogi neomu apayo) – My throat hurts a lot.
- 배탈이 났어요. (baetari nasseoyo) – I have a stomach upset.
- 몸살 기운이 있어요. (momsal giun-i isseoyo) – I feel body aches.
Pharmacists may ask you follow-up questions. Be prepared to hear:
- 언제부터 그러셨어요? (eonjebuteo geureosyeosseoyo?) – Since when?
- 열은 없으세요? (yeol-eun eopseuseyo?) – Do you have a fever?
- 설사나 구토는요? (seolsa na guto neunyo?) – Any diarrhea or vomiting?
Here’s how to reply clearly:
- 오늘 아침부터요. (oneul achim-buteoyo) – Since this morning.
- 열은 없어요. (yeol-eun eopseoyo) – I don’t have a fever.
- 토했어요. (tohaesseoyo) – I vomited.
One helpful cultural tip: In many Korean pharmacies, medicine is pre-packaged into small plastic bags with pills divided by dosage. It’s common to receive 3 days' worth of meds in labeled packs like “Morning / Lunch / Dinner.” You don't usually get the full box.
Also, if you need something without a prescription, you can ask:
처방전 없이 살 수 있어요? (cheobangjeon eopsi sal su isseoyo?) – Can I buy it without a prescription?
If you're allergic to anything, always mention it! Example:
OO에 알레르기 있어요. (OO-e allerugi isseoyo) – I’m allergic to OO.
💊 Common Korean Phrases Used at the Pharmacy
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 약 주세요 | yak juseyo | Please give me medicine |
| 진통제 있어요? | jintongje isseoyo? | Do you have painkillers? |
| 복용법 알려주세요 | bogyongbeop allyeojuseyo | Please explain how to take it |
Most Korean pharmacists are kind and used to helping foreigners. If you show effort to speak Korean, even just a little, they’ll often explain slowly or write things down for you.
Advanced Phrases and Cultural Tips
In an emergency, every second counts. Whether it’s an accident, allergic reaction, or a sudden collapse, being able to express what’s happening in Korean can help medical staff respond quickly and accurately. Even if your Korean isn’t perfect, knowing the right words can literally be life-saving.
Here are essential phrases to use when calling 119 (emergency services) or speaking to someone nearby:
- 도와주세요! (dowajuseyo!) – Help me!
- 119에 전화해 주세요. (ilgongsibil-e jeonhwa-hae juseyo) – Please call 119.
- 사람이 쓰러졌어요. (saram-i sseureojyeosseoyo) – Someone collapsed.
- 호흡을 못 해요. (hoheub-eul mot haeyo) – They can’t breathe.
You may need to describe your own emergency symptoms, such as:
- 숨이 안 쉬어져요. (sumi an swieojyeoyo) – I can't breathe.
- 심장이 아파요. (simjang-i apayo) – My chest hurts.
- 어지럽고 구역질 나요. (eojireopgo guyeokjil nayo) – I'm dizzy and nauseous.
Also, it’s good to be able to explain allergies or chronic conditions so emergency responders can treat you appropriately:
- OO 알레르기가 있어요. (OO allerugi-ga isseoyo) – I have an allergy to OO.
- 천식이 있어요. (cheonsik-i isseoyo) – I have asthma.
- 당뇨병이에요. (dangnyobyeong-ieyo) – I have diabetes.
If you're helping someone else, these sentences are also useful:
- 이 사람이 의식을 잃었어요. (i saram-i uisik-eul ilheosseoyo) – This person is unconscious.
- 피를 많이 흘려요. (pireul mani heullyeoyo) – They’re bleeding a lot.
Calling for help in Korean is culturally respected, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. People understand the urgency. It’s also common for Koreans to stay and assist during public emergencies, so don’t hesitate to speak up.
When you’re taken to the ER, you may hear these phrases:
- 어디가 불편하세요? (eodiga bulpyeonhaseyo?) – Where does it hurt?
- 통증이 얼마나 심해요? (tongjeung-i eolmana simhaeyo?) – How severe is the pain?
🚨 Emergency Korean Phrases for Urgent Situations
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 구급차 불러 주세요 | gugeupcha bulleo juseyo | Call an ambulance |
| 응급실로 가야 해요 | eunggeupsillo gaya haeyo | I need to go to the ER |
| 혈압이 낮아요 | hyeolap-i najayo | My blood pressure is low |
In any emergency, don’t try to memorize everything. Focus on key phrases and keep a small card with allergy info or medication list in your wallet, just in case. It could be your voice when you can’t speak.
Real-Life Practice with Example Dialogues
After your consultation at a Korean clinic or hospital, there are a few things you should always double-check: follow-up instructions, how to take your medication, and how to make future appointments. These steps help ensure you recover smoothly and get the right treatment if your symptoms continue.
Most doctors will explain things clearly, but if you’re unsure, asking for clarification in Korean is a useful skill. Let’s start with helpful expressions for understanding instructions:
- 어떻게 복용해요? (eotteoke bogyonghaeyo?) – How do I take the medication?
- 하루에 몇 번 먹어요? (harue myeot beon meogeoyo?) – How many times a day?
- 식전이에요, 식후예요? (sikjeonieyo, sikhuyeyo?) – Before or after meals?
If the doctor says you need to come back for a follow-up, you may hear:
- 다음 주에 다시 오세요. (daeum jue dasi oseyo) – Please come again next week.
- 검사 결과 보러 오셔야 해요. (geomsa gyeolgwa boreo osyeoya haeyo) – You need to return to see the test results.
If you need to make an appointment or reschedule, here are useful phrases:
- 예약하고 싶어요. (yeyak hago sipeoyo) – I’d like to make an appointment.
- 시간을 바꿀 수 있어요? (siganeul bakkul su isseoyo?) – Can I change the time?
At reception, you’ll often get a small paper slip (예약증 – yeyakjeung) with your next appointment info. If you lose it, don’t panic – clinics can look you up by name or ID.
If you don’t understand something, use this phrase politely:
다시 한 번 설명해 주세요. (dasi han beon seolmyeonghae juseyo) – Please explain it again.
Also, if you need a medical certificate or documentation for work or visa purposes, ask like this:
진단서 써 주세요. (jindanseo sseo juseyo) – Please write a medical certificate.
🧾 Useful Korean Phrases After a Doctor’s Visit
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 약 복용 방법 알려 주세요 | yak bogyong bangbeop allyeo juseyo | Tell me how to take the medicine |
| 예약 시간 확인해 주세요 | yeyak sigan hwagin-hae juseyo | Please confirm the appointment time |
| 영수증 주세요 | yeongsujeung juseyo | Please give me a receipt |
Taking care of follow-up steps is a big part of managing your health in Korea. And luckily, with just a few Korean expressions, you can handle it all smoothly and confidently.
FAQ: Korean Phrases You Must Know at Clinics
Q1. What does “어디가 아프세요?” mean and how do I reply?
A1. It means “Where does it hurt?” (Romanized: eodiga apuseyo?) You can answer with body part + “아파요” (apayo = it hurts). Example: 배가 아파요. (baega apayo) – My stomach hurts.
Q2. How do I politely say I have a cold in Korean?
A2. Say: 감기에 걸렸어요. (gamgi-e geollyeosseoyo) – I caught a cold. It’s polite and commonly used. You can also add symptoms: 기침이 나요 (gichimi nayo) – I have a cough.
Q3. What does “식후에 드세요” mean on a prescription?
A3. It means “Take it after meals.” (Romanized: sikhu-e deuseyo) It’s very common to see this on Korean medication bags. “식전” means “before meals,” so don’t mix them up!
Q4. How do I ask if the medicine causes drowsiness?
A4. You can ask: 이 약 졸려요? (i yak jollyeoyo?) – Does this medicine make you sleepy? “졸리다 (jollida)” means to feel drowsy or sleepy. Use this when taking cold or pain medicine.
Q5. How do I tell the pharmacist I have an allergy?
A5. Say: OO 알레르기가 있어요. (OO allerugi-ga isseoyo) – I have an allergy to OO. Always mention this before buying medicine. If you're allergic to penicillin, say: 페니실린 알레르기 있어요.
Q6. How do I say “I have a headache” in Korean?
A6. Say: 머리가 아파요. (meoriga apayo) – My head hurts. Use this to describe headache symptoms at the pharmacy or clinic. You can also add: 계속 아파요 (gyesok apayo) – It keeps hurting.
Q7. What is the polite way to ask for cold medicine?
A7. Ask: 감기약 주세요. (gamgi-yak juseyo) – Please give me cold medicine. Adding “주세요” (juseyo) makes it polite and natural in Korea.
Q8. How can I say “I have a fever” to the doctor?
A8. Say: 열이 있어요. (yeol-i isseoyo) – I have a fever. If it's high, say: 열이 많이 나요. (yeol-i mani nayo) – I have a high fever.
Q9. How do I ask “How do I take this medicine?”
A9. Ask: 어떻게 먹어요? (eotteoke meogeoyo?) or 복용법 알려 주세요. (bogyongbeop allyeo juseyo) – Please tell me how to take it. Pharmacists will explain clearly or write it down.
Q10. How do I politely say “It still hurts” at the hospital?
A10. Say: 아직도 아파요. (ajikdo apayo) – It still hurts. Or: 좋아지지 않았어요. (jo-ajiji anasseoyo) – It hasn’t improved. Useful for follow-up visits.
Q11. What does “식전” and “식후” mean on medication?
A11. 식전 (sikjeon) means “before meals” and 식후 (sikhu) means “after meals.” Korean medicine bags often say: 식후 30분 = take 30 minutes after eating.
Q12. How can I explain I feel dizzy?
A12. Say: 어지러워요. (eojireowoyo) – I feel dizzy. You can also say: 현기증이 나요. (hyeongijjeung-i nayo) – I’m lightheaded. Use this phrase especially in emergency rooms or pharmacies.
Q13. How do I ask for painkillers?
A13. Ask: 진통제 있어요? (jintongje isseoyo?) – Do you have painkillers? This is useful in both pharmacies and clinics.
Q14. What does “복용” mean?
A14. 복용 (bogyong) means “taking medicine orally.” You’ll see this word in instructions: 복용법 (bogyongbeop) = how to take it 1일 3회 복용 = take 3 times per day
Q15. How do I say “I vomited” in Korean?
A15. Say: 토했어요. (tohaesseoyo) – I vomited. You can add when it happened: 아침에 토했어요. (achime tohaesseoyo) – I vomited in the morning.
Q16. How do I say “I have diarrhea” in Korean?
A16. Say: 설사했어요. (seolsa-haesseoyo) – I had diarrhea. You can also say: 배탈이 났어요. (baetal-i nasseoyo) – I have an upset stomach. Use this phrase when visiting a doctor or pharmacist.
Q17. How can I ask “Do I need a prescription?” in Korean?
A17. Ask: 처방전이 필요해요? (cheobangjeon-i piryohaeyo?) – Do I need a prescription? Useful at pharmacies when you're unsure if a certain medicine requires a doctor’s note.
Q18. What’s the Korean for “I’m allergic to penicillin”?
A18. Say: 페니실린 알레르기가 있어요. (penisillin allerugi-ga isseoyo) – I’m allergic to penicillin. Always mention allergies clearly before getting any medication or treatment.
Q19. How do I say “I feel nauseous” in Korean?
A19. Say: 속이 메스꺼워요. (sok-i meseukkeowoyo) – I feel nauseous. Or more casually: 구역질 나요. (guyeokjil nayo) – I feel like vomiting.
Q20. What does “일일 삼회” mean on medication?
A20. It means: Three times a day (literally: 1일 3회 = “one day, three times”). Romanized: iril samhoe You’ll see this often on Korean medicine labels or prescription bags.
Q21. How do I say “I feel pain here” and point to a spot?
A21. Say: 여기가 아파요. (yeogiga apayo) – It hurts here. It’s natural to point when saying this. It helps the doctor know where to examine.
Q22. What does “진단서” mean and how do I ask for it?
A22. 진단서 (jindanseo) = a medical certificate or doctor’s note. Say: 진단서 써 주세요. (jindanseo sseo juseyo) – Please write me a certificate. Useful for work or visa purposes.
Q23. How can I say “I’ve been injured” in Korean?
A23. Say: 다쳤어요. (dachyeosseoyo) – I got injured. You can add body parts: 다리가 다쳤어요. (dariga dachyeosseoyo) – I injured my leg.
Q24. How do I ask “How long will the treatment take?”
A24. Ask: 치료는 얼마나 걸려요? (chiryo-neun eolmana geollyeoyo?) – How long will the treatment take? Useful for planning return visits or knowing recovery time.
Q25. How do I ask “Can I get the results by email?”
A25. Ask: 결과를 이메일로 받을 수 있어요? (gyeolgwareul imeil-lo badeul su isseoyo?) Some clinics in Korea can send results digitally, especially test centers or dermatology clinics.
Q26. How do I say “I have trouble breathing” in Korean?
A26. Say: 숨쉬기 힘들어요. (sum-swigi himdeureoyo) – I have difficulty breathing. Use this immediately in urgent situations or at emergency rooms.
Q27. How can I ask “Can I lie down?” at the clinic?
A27. Ask: 누워도 돼요? (nuwodo dwaeyo?) – Can I lie down? This is useful if you feel dizzy or faint while waiting.
Q28. What’s the Korean for “I feel tightness in my chest”?
A28. Say: 가슴이 답답해요. (gaseumi dapdapaeyo) – My chest feels tight. This is a very natural way to express chest discomfort or pressure.
Q29. How do I ask “Is it contagious?” in Korean?
A29. Ask: 전염되나요? (jeonyeom-doenayo?) – Is it contagious? Very useful during flu season or when symptoms seem infectious.
Q30. How can I say “Please speak slowly” to the doctor?
A30. Say: 천천히 말씀해 주세요. (cheoncheonhi malsseumhae juseyo) – Please speak slowly. Doctors often use medical terms quickly, so this is a respectful way to ask for clearer communication.
This guide is for educational purposes. It does not replace professional medical advice or official interpretation in medical emergencies.
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