How to Communicate at Korean Dermatology Clinics: Essential Phrases and Tips
Walking into a Korean dermatology clinic as a non-Korean speaker can feel daunting. The reception desk is busy, forms are in Korean, and you need to explain exactly what you want done to your skin. The good news is that many Seoul clinics are increasingly foreigner-friendly, and with a handful of essential Korean phrases and the right preparation, you can navigate your appointment with confidence. This guide gives you everything you need to communicate effectively at Korean dermatology clinics, from booking your first visit to understanding post-treatment care instructions.
Why Communication Matters at Korean Skin Clinics
Korea has become the global epicenter of cosmetic dermatology, with over 670,000 international patients visiting Korean medical facilities annually. More than half of those patients come specifically for dermatology and plastic surgery procedures. But while Korean clinics offer world-class treatments at competitive prices, the language barrier remains the number one concern for international visitors.
Clear communication is not just about convenience. It directly affects your treatment outcomes. When you can describe your skin concerns accurately, discuss your medical history, and understand aftercare instructions, you get better results and avoid complications.
Before Your Visit: Booking and Preparation
Making an Appointment
Most foreigner-friendly clinics accept bookings through KakaoTalk, email, or online forms. Here are the Korean phrases you will need for scheduling.
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 예약하고 싶어요 | ye-yak-ha-go shi-peo-yo | I'd like to make an appointment |
| 초진이에요 | cho-jin-i-e-yo | It's my first visit |
| 영어 가능한가요? | yeong-eo ga-neung-han-ga-yo? | Do you speak English? |
| 외국인인데 진료 가능한가요? | oe-guk-in-in-de jin-ryo ga-neung-han-ga-yo? | I'm a foreigner, can I get treatment? |
| 예약 가능한가요? | ye-yak ga-neung-han-ga-yo? | Is it possible to book? |
What to Bring
Prepare these items before your appointment to make check-in smoother:
- Passport (required for foreigner registration)
- Travel insurance documents (if applicable)
- Photos of your skin concern at different stages
- A list of current medications written in English
- A translated summary of your skin history or allergies
Pro tip: Write down your key concerns in both English and Korean using the phrases in this guide. You can show the written text to the receptionist or doctor if verbal communication becomes difficult.
Essential Korean Phrases for Your Consultation
Describing Your Skin Concerns
When you sit down with the dermatologist, being able to describe your symptoms makes a significant difference. Here are the most useful phrases.
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 피부가 가려워요 | pi-bu-ga ga-ryeo-wo-yo | My skin is itchy |
| 여드름이 났어요 | yeo-deu-reu-mi na-sseo-yo | I have acne |
| 피부가 건조해요 | pi-bu-ga geon-jo-hae-yo | My skin is dry |
| 얼굴에 트러블이 생겼어요 | eol-gul-e teu-reo-beul-i saeng-gyeo-sseo-yo | I have skin trouble on my face |
| 알레르기가 있어요 | al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo | I have an allergy |
| 피부가 붉어졌어요 | pi-bu-ga bul-geo-jyeo-sseo-yo | My skin became red |
| 발진이 생겼어요 | bal-jin-i saeng-gyeo-sseo-yo | I got a rash |
| 여기가 아파요 | yeo-gi-ga a-pa-yo | It hurts here |
| 두드러기가 생겼어요 | du-deu-reo-gi-ga saeng-gyeo-sseo-yo | I have hives |
Asking About Treatments and Procedures
If you are visiting for cosmetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, or laser treatments, these phrases will help you ask the right questions.
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 상담 받고 싶어요 | sang-dam bat-go shi-peo-yo | I'd like a consultation |
| 가격이 얼마예요? | ga-gyeok-i eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much does it cost? |
| 시술 후 주의사항이 뭐예요? | shi-sul hu ju-ui-sa-hang-i mwo-ye-yo? | What precautions after the procedure? |
| 다운타임이 얼마나 걸려요? | da-un-ta-im-i eol-ma-na geol-ryeo-yo? | How long is the downtime? |
| 부작용이 있나요? | bu-jak-yong-i in-na-yo? | Are there any side effects? |
| 몇 번 치료해야 해요? | myeot beon chi-ryo-hae-ya hae-yo? | How many sessions do I need? |
Understanding What the Doctor Says
Korean dermatologists frequently use these phrases during consultations and treatment. Knowing what to expect helps you follow their instructions.
Common Doctor Instructions
| Korean | English |
|---|---|
| 마취연고를 발라 드리겠습니다 | We will apply numbing cream before the procedure |
| 자외선 차단제를 꼼꼼히 발라 주세요 | Apply sunscreen thoroughly |
| 여드름은 손으로 짜지 마세요 | Do not squeeze your pimples |
| 딱지가 떨어지지 않게 주의해 주세요 | Be careful not to peel off the scab |
| 진물이 날 수 있습니다 | You may experience some discharge |
| 며칠 후에 색깔이 변할 수 있어요 | The color may change after a few days |
| 다시 오세요 | Please come back for a follow-up |
| 이 연고를 바르세요 | Apply this ointment |
Payment and Checkout Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 카드로 결제할게요 | ka-deu-ro gyeol-je-hal-ge-yo | I'll pay by card |
| 현금으로 할게요 | hyeon-geum-eu-ro hal-ge-yo | I'll pay in cash |
| 영수증 주세요 | yeong-su-jeung ju-se-yo | Please give me a receipt |
| 세금 환급 가능한가요? | se-geum hwan-geup ga-neung-han-ga-yo? | Is a tax refund available? |
International patients who receive cosmetic procedures in Korea may be eligible for a VAT refund. Keep your receipts and ask about the process at checkout.
5 Communication Strategies Beyond Language
Even if you memorize every phrase in this guide, real-world conversations can still get tricky. Here are five strategies that go beyond vocabulary.
1. Use Translation Apps in Real Time
Apps like Papago (by Naver) and Google Translate work exceptionally well for Korean. Papago is particularly strong with medical terminology. Use the conversation mode where both you and the doctor can speak into the phone, and it translates in real time.
2. Bring Reference Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words in any language. Save photos that show the exact result you want, whether it is a specific skin texture, a filler result, or a before-and-after from a treatment. Korean dermatologists are highly visual in their consultations and appreciate clear references.
3. Request a Coordinator
Many clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong have dedicated international patient coordinators who speak English, Japanese, or Chinese. When booking, specifically ask: "영어 통역 가능한가요?" (yeong-eo tong-yeok ga-neung-han-ga-yo? / Is English interpretation available?). Clinics like Hus-hu, ToxNFill, and Ever Skin Clinic are known for multilingual support.
4. Use the Medical Korea Hotline
The Korean government operates a dedicated helpline for international patients through Medical Korea (1577-7129). They provide phone interpretation in English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Arabic. If you hit a communication wall during your appointment, you can call this number and have them interpret over the phone.
5. Write It Down
Korean clinic staff are generally more comfortable reading English than speaking it. Write down your key concerns, allergies, and questions in simple English sentences. Hand the paper to the doctor or nurse. This avoids miscommunication caused by accent or pronunciation difficulties on either side.
Choosing a Foreigner-Friendly Clinic
Not all clinics are equipped to handle international patients. Here is what to look for when selecting a clinic.
- Multilingual website: Clinics that invest in English, Japanese, or Chinese websites are serious about serving foreign patients
- International patient department: Major clinics like those affiliated with Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center operate full international patient centers with one-stop services
- Online consultation: Clinics like ToxNFill offer online consultations in English before you arrive in Korea
- Reviews from foreigners: Check platforms like Google Reviews, Reddit (r/korea, r/AsianBeauty), and medical tourism forums
- KakaoTalk availability: Clinics that communicate via KakaoTalk in English tend to be more responsive to international patients
Top Seoul Areas for English-Friendly Dermatology
| Area | English Support Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gangnam | High | Wide variety of clinics, competitive pricing |
| Apgujeong | High | Premium clinics, specialized treatments |
| Myeongdong | Medium-High | Tourist-friendly, convenient location |
| Itaewon | Medium | Expat-focused, relaxed atmosphere |
| Sinsa-dong | Medium | Boutique clinics, trendy treatments |
FAQ
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to visit a dermatology clinic in Seoul? A: No. Many clinics in areas like Gangnam and Apgujeong have English-speaking staff or coordinators. However, learning basic Korean phrases will make your experience smoother, especially at smaller clinics.
Q: What is the best translation app for Korean medical visits? A: Naver Papago is the top recommendation. It handles Korean more accurately than Google Translate, especially for medical terminology. It offers text, voice, and camera translation modes.
Q: Can I bring someone to interpret for me? A: Yes, most clinics welcome you bringing a Korean-speaking friend. However, for medical accuracy, professional interpretation through the clinic's coordinator or Medical Korea hotline (1577-7129) is preferred.
Q: Will the clinic provide written aftercare instructions in English? A: Foreigner-friendly clinics typically provide English aftercare sheets. If your clinic does not, ask "영어로 된 설명서 있나요?" (yeong-eo-ro doen seol-myeong-seo in-na-yo? / Do you have instructions in English?). You can also photograph Korean instructions and translate them later with Papago.
Q: How do I explain my allergies? A: Say "알레르기가 있어요" (al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseo-yo) followed by the allergen. For medications, write down the drug name in English as Korean doctors can typically read pharmaceutical names. Always mention allergies before any procedure.
Q: Is it rude to use a translation app during my appointment? A: Not at all. Korean doctors are accustomed to international patients using translation apps. Many doctors actually prefer it to struggling through broken communication, as it ensures accurate understanding.
Final Tips for a Smooth Clinic Experience
Communication at Korean dermatology clinics does not have to be stressful. With a few prepared phrases, a good translation app, and the right clinic choice, you can access some of the best skincare treatments in the world without fluency in Korean. Remember that Korean medical professionals are experienced with international patients and genuinely want to help you understand your treatment.
Ready to book your first Korean dermatology appointment? Start by selecting a foreigner-friendly clinic in Gangnam or Apgujeong, prepare your key phrases from this guide, and download Papago before you land in Seoul.
Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes