Essential Korean Phrases for Your Dermatology Clinic Visit
Walking into a Korean dermatology clinic as a foreigner can feel overwhelming, especially when the staff speaks limited English. While many top clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong now employ English-speaking coordinators, knowing essential Korean phrases for your dermatology clinic visit will dramatically improve your experience, earn you respect from the staff, and help you communicate your skin concerns more precisely.
This guide provides over 50 practical Korean phrases organized by situation, from the moment you step through the door to post-treatment care instructions. Each phrase includes the Korean text (한국어), romanization for pronunciation, and the English meaning.
Why Learning Basic Korean Matters at the Clinic
Even at foreigner-friendly clinics in Seoul, there are moments when Korean language skills come in handy. The receptionist might speak limited English, written forms are often in Korean, and post-care instruction sheets may not be translated. More importantly, many dermatologists can explain procedures in English but appreciate when patients make an effort to communicate in Korean. It builds trust and often results in more attentive care.
You do not need to become fluent. Even a handful of well-placed Korean phrases can transform a confusing clinic visit into a smooth, comfortable experience.
Greetings and Basic Clinic Phrases
These are the first words you will need when you arrive at the clinic (피부과, pibugwa).
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 안녕하세요 | annyeonghaseyo | Hello |
| 예약했어요 | yeyak-haesseoyo | I have a reservation |
| 예약하고 싶어요 | yeyak-hago sipeoyo | I'd like to make an appointment |
| 처음 왔어요 | cheoeum wasseoyo | This is my first visit |
| 피부과 전문의 | pibugwa jeonmunui | Dermatology specialist |
| 선생님 | seonsaengnim | Doctor (polite title) |
| 상담 받고 싶어요 | sangdam badgo sipeoyo | I'd like a consultation |
| 영어 가능한 분 계세요? | yeongeo ganeunghan bun gyeseyo? | Is there anyone who speaks English? |
| 통역 서비스 있어요? | tongyeok seobiseu isseoyo? | Do you have interpretation services? |
| 감사합니다 | gamsahamnida | Thank you |
Pro tip: Always greet the staff with annyeonghaseyo and a slight bow. Koreans add the polite title seonsaengnim (선생님) when addressing doctors, which literally means "teacher" but is used as an honorific for medical professionals.
Describing Your Skin Concerns
When the doctor asks about your skin problems, these phrases will help you explain exactly what is bothering you. The doctor or nurse will likely ask: "어디가 불편하세요?" (eodiga bulpyeonhaseyo? — Where is the problem?).
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 여드름이 있어요 | yeodeureumi isseoyo | I have acne |
| 여기가 가려워요 | yeogiga garyeowoyo | It's itchy here |
| 여기가 아파요 | yeogiga apayo | It hurts here |
| 피부가 건조해요 | pibuga geonjoheyo | My skin is dry |
| 기미가 있어요 | gimiga isseoyo | I have melasma/dark spots |
| 잡티가 있어요 | japtiga isseoyo | I have blemishes |
| 주름이 걱정이에요 | jureumi geokjeongi-eyo | I'm concerned about wrinkles |
| 모공이 넓어요 | mogongi neolbeoyo | My pores are large |
| 여기 습진이 있어요 | yeogi seubjini isseoyo | I have eczema here |
| 두드러기가 생겼어요 | dudeureogiga saenggyeosseoyo | I developed hives |
| 피부가 민감해요 | pibuga mingamheyo | My skin is sensitive |
| 여기에 마름증세가 있어요 | yeogie mareumsejungse-ga isseoyo | I have dryness here |
| 붉은기가 있어요 | bulgeungiga isseoyo | I have redness |
| 색소침착이 있어요 | saekso-chimchagi isseoyo | I have pigmentation |
| 흉터가 있어요 | hyungteoga isseoyo | I have scarring |
Popular Treatment Names in Korean
Korean dermatology clinics offer a wide range of treatments. Knowing the Korean names will help you understand what is listed on the price board and communicate your preferences clearly.
Injection and Filler Treatments
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 보톡스 | botokseu | Botox |
| 필러 | pilleo | Dermal filler |
| 리쥬란 힐러 | rijuran hilleo | Rejuran Healer (salmon DNA) |
| 쥬베룩 | jyuberuk | Juvelook |
| 스킨부스터 | seukin-buseuteo | Skin booster |
| 물광주사 | mulgwang-jusa | Water glow injection (hydrating shot) |
Laser and Lifting Treatments
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 레이저 토닝 | reijeo toning | Laser toning |
| 프랙셔널 레이저 | peuraeksyeoneol reijeo | Fractional laser |
| 슈링크 | syuringkeu | Shurink (HIFU lifting) |
| 울쎄라 | ulssera | Ultherapy |
| 텐써마 | tenssyeoma | Thermage |
| IPL | IPL | Intense Pulsed Light |
| 피코 레이저 | piko reijeo | Pico laser |
Other Common Treatments
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 필링 | pilling | Chemical peel |
| 미백 | mibaek | Skin brightening/whitening |
| 제모 | jemo | Hair removal |
| 점 제거 | jeom jegeo | Mole removal |
| 여드름 압출 | yeodeureum apchul | Acne extraction |
| 스케일링 | seukeil-ling | Scaling (deep cleansing) |
Body Parts and Face Areas
When you need to point out a specific area of concern, these terms are essential.
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 얼굴 | eolgul | Face |
| 이마 | ima | Forehead |
| 볼 | bol | Cheek |
| 턱 | teok | Chin/jaw |
| 코 | ko | Nose |
| 눈 밑 | nun mit | Under-eye area |
| 팔자주름 | paljajureum | Nasolabial folds (laugh lines) |
| 목 | mok | Neck |
| 입술 | ipsul | Lips |
| 손 | son | Hand |
| 등 | deung | Back |
| 피부 | pibu | Skin |
Payment and Insurance Phrases
Understanding payment-related terms ensures a smooth checkout experience. Most Korean dermatology clinics accept both cash and card, and many offer foreigner-friendly pricing packages.
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 얼마예요? | eolmayeyo? | How much is it? |
| 카드 돼요? | kadeu dwaeyo? | Can I pay by card? |
| 현금으로 할게요 | hyeongeumeu-ro halgeyo | I'll pay in cash |
| 카드로 할게요 | kadeu-ro halgeyo | I'll pay by card |
| 영수증 주세요 | yeongsujeung juseyo | Please give me a receipt |
| 보험 적용 돼요? | boheom jeogyong dwaeyo? | Is this covered by insurance? |
| 할인 있어요? | halin isseoyo? | Is there a discount? |
| 패키지 가격 있어요? | paekiji gageyok isseoyo? | Is there a package price? |
| 부가세 포함이에요? | bugase poham-ieyo? | Is tax included? |
Good to know: Most cosmetic dermatology treatments in Korea are not covered by the national health insurance (국민건강보험, gungmin-geongang-boheom). Clinics typically post their self-pay prices on a board in the waiting area. As of February 2026, prices may vary significantly between clinics, so always confirm before proceeding.
Post-Care Instructions You Will Hear
After your treatment, the nurse or doctor will give you aftercare instructions. These are the most common phrases you will encounter.
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 자외선 차단제 꼭 바르세요 | jawiseon chadanje kkok bareuseyo | Make sure to apply sunscreen |
| 세안하지 마세요 | sean-haji maseyo | Do not wash your face |
| 사우나 가지 마세요 | sauna gaji maseyo | Do not go to the sauna |
| 술 드시지 마세요 | sul deusiji maseyo | Do not drink alcohol |
| 하루에 두 번 바르세요 | harue du beon bareuseyo | Apply twice a day |
| 일주일 후에 오세요 | iljuil hue oseyo | Come back in one week |
| 자극적인 음식 피하세요 | jageukjeogin eumsik pihaseyo | Avoid spicy/irritating food |
| 연고를 발라주세요 | yeongo-reul ballajuseyo | Please apply the ointment |
| 운동하지 마세요 | undong-haji maseyo | Do not exercise |
| 냉찜질 해주세요 | naengjjimjil haejuseyo | Please apply a cold compress |
Bonus: Helpful General Phrases
These additional phrases will serve you well throughout your clinic visit.
| Korean (한국어) | Romanization | English |
|---|---|---|
| 잠깐만요 | jamkkanmanyo | Just a moment |
| 다시 말해 주세요 | dasi malhae juseyo | Please say that again |
| 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheoncheonhi malhae juseyo | Please speak slowly |
| 이거 뭐예요? | igeo mwoyeyo? | What is this? |
| 사진 찍어도 돼요? | sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo? | Can I take a photo? |
| 화장실 어디예요? | hwajangsil eodiyeyo? | Where is the restroom? |
| 다음 예약 잡아주세요 | daeum yeyak jabajuseyo | Please schedule my next appointment |
Practical Tips for Communicating at Korean Clinics
Beyond memorizing phrases, here are strategies that will make your visit easier:
-
Download a translation app: Papago (by Naver) is the most accurate Korean-English translator and works offline. Have it ready on your phone as a backup.
-
Prepare written notes: Write your skin concerns in Korean beforehand. Many clinic staff can read Korean even if they struggle with spoken English.
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Show photos: Bring reference photos of the results you want. Visual communication transcends language barriers.
-
Ask for written instructions: Request that post-care instructions be written down. You can translate them later at your convenience.
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Book at foreigner-friendly clinics: Clinics in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong are more likely to have English-speaking staff. Call ahead to confirm language support.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to visit a dermatology clinic in Seoul? A: No. Many clinics in tourist-friendly areas like Gangnam and Myeongdong have English-speaking coordinators. However, knowing basic Korean phrases will significantly improve your experience and help during moments when translation support is unavailable.
Q: What is the most important Korean phrase to know at a skin clinic? A: "상담 받고 싶어요" (sangdam badgo sipeoyo — I'd like a consultation) and "여기가 아파요" (yeogiga apayo — It hurts here) are the two most practical phrases that cover the most common situations.
Q: How do I ask about treatment prices in Korean? A: Simply say "얼마예요?" (eolmayeyo? — How much is it?) while pointing at the treatment on the price board. You can also ask "패키지 가격 있어요?" (paekiji gageyok isseoyo? — Is there a package price?) for bundled deals.
Q: What translation app works best in Korean clinics? A: Naver Papago is the gold standard for Korean-English translation. It handles medical terminology better than Google Translate and offers camera translation for reading Korean signs and forms in real time.
Q: Should I address the doctor as "doctor" in Korean? A: Yes. Use "선생님" (seonsaengnim), which is the respectful way to address a doctor in Korea. Saying "의사 선생님" (uisa seonsaengnim) is also appropriate and translates roughly to "Doctor."
Q: Are post-treatment instructions typically provided in English? A: At foreigner-focused clinics, yes. At other clinics, instructions may only be in Korean. Ask "영어로 된 설명서 있어요?" (yeongeo-ro doen seolmyeongseo isseoyo? — Do you have English instructions?) to check.
Conclusion
Arming yourself with these essential Korean phrases before your dermatology clinic visit in Seoul transforms the experience from stressful to empowering. You do not need perfect pronunciation — Korean clinic staff are accustomed to international patients and will appreciate any effort you make. Print this guide, save it on your phone, or screenshot the tables for quick reference during your appointment.
Ready to book your Korean dermatology appointment? Check out our guides to foreigner-friendly clinics in Gangnam and what to expect at your first Korean dermatology visit for more preparation tips.
Last Updated: February 2026 Reading Time: 8 minutes