Seeing a doctor in Korea is faster and cheaper than most visitors expect. Neighbourhood clinics take walk-ins, waits are usually short, and a consultation without insurance often costs less than a restaurant meal.
The language is manageable because the conversation follows a fixed shape.
Where to go
의원 or 클리닉 — a small neighbourhood clinic. This is where you should go for anything ordinary.
병원 — larger hospital. Needed for serious issues or specialist care, and usually requires a referral.
응급실 — emergency room.
Clinics are often specialised, and the sign tells you: 내과 (internal medicine), 이비인후과 (ENT), 피부과 (dermatology), 정형외과 (orthopedics), 치과 (dental).
For a cold, stomach trouble, or a fever, 내과 is the right door.
Checking in
- 진료 받고 싶어요. — I'd like to see a doctor.
- 예약 안 했어요. — I don't have an appointment.
- 외국인이에요. — I'm a foreigner.
- 여권 있어요. — I have my passport.
You will be asked to fill in a short form. Staff often help foreigners through it.
The nurse's question
어디가 아파요? — Where does it hurt?
Answer with ~이/가 아파요:
- 배가 아파요. — My stomach hurts.
- 머리가 아파요. — My head hurts.
- 목이 아파요. — My throat hurts.
Or describe the symptom:
- 열이 나요. — I have a fever.
- 계속 기침이 나요. — I keep coughing.
- 어지러워요. — I feel dizzy.
- 토했어요. — I threw up.
The doctor's questions
- 언제부터 아팠어요? — Since when has it hurt?
- 얼마나 아파요? — How much does it hurt?
- 약 드시는 거 있어요? — Are you taking any medication?
- 알레르기 있으세요? — Any allergies?
Short answers work:
- 어제 저녁부터요. — Since yesterday evening.
- 삼일 됐어요. — It's been three days.
- 아니요, 없어요. — No, none.
What you'll be told
- 심하지 않아요. — It's not serious.
- 며칠은 매운 거 드시면 안 돼요. — Don't eat spicy food for a few days.
- 푹 쉬세요. — Get plenty of rest.
- 처방전 드릴게요. — I'll give you a prescription.
- 약국 가서 약 받으세요. — Go to the pharmacy and get the medicine.
드시면 안 돼요 — you mustn't eat — is the pattern doctors use for restrictions. Worth recognising.
Paying and the pharmacy
You pay at the desk on the way out, then take the prescription to a nearby pharmacy — there is almost always one in the same building or next door.
- 얼마예요? — How much is it?
- 카드로 할게요. — By card.
- 영수증 주세요. — Receipt, please.
Keep the receipt if you have travel insurance.
A full visit
You: 진료 받고 싶어요. Nurse: 어디가 아파요? You: 배가 아파요. Doctor: 언제부터 아팠어요? You: 어제 저녁부터요. Doctor: 며칠은 매운 거 드시면 안 돼요. Pharmacist: 하루 세 번, 식후에 드세요.
See it happen
Episode 58 of K-PATTO follows this exact sequence — reception, nurse, doctor, pharmacy — with the medical vocabulary appearing in the order you would actually meet it.
Read it at K-PATTO.