Korean Phrases for ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Clinic
Essential Korean phrases for visiting an ENT clinic in Korea — ear pain, hearing loss, sinus problems, sore throat, tonsils, nosebleeds, and dizziness.
귀가 아파요.
gwi-ga a-pa-yo
My ear hurts.
귀에서 소리가 나요.
gwi-e-seo so-ri-ga na-yo
I hear ringing in my ear. (tinnitus)
귀가 잘 안 들려요.
gwi-ga jal an deul-ryeo-yo
I can't hear well.
귀가 먹먹해요.
gwi-ga meok-meok-hae-yo
My ear feels blocked/stuffy.
귀에서 진물이 나요.
gwi-e-seo jin-mul-i na-yo
There is discharge coming from my ear.
코가 막혔어요.
ko-ga mak-hyeo-sseo-yo
My nose is blocked.
콧물이 계속 나요.
kon-mul-i gye-sok na-yo
I have a constant runny nose.
코피가 나요.
ko-pi-ga na-yo
My nose is bleeding.
냄새를 잘 못 맡아요.
naem-sae-reul jal mot mat-a-yo
I can't smell well.
코 안이 아파요.
ko an-i a-pa-yo
The inside of my nose hurts.
목이 아파요.
mok-i a-pa-yo
My throat hurts.
목이 쉬었어요.
mok-i swi-eo-sseo-yo
My voice is hoarse.
음식을 삼키기가 힘들어요.
eum-sik-eul sam-ki-gi-ga him-deu-reo-yo
It's hard to swallow food.
편도가 부은 것 같아요.
pyeon-do-ga bu-eun geot ga-ta-yo
I think my tonsils are swollen.
어지러워요.
eo-ji-reo-wo-yo
I feel dizzy.
어지럼증이 있어요.
eo-ji-reom-jeung-i i-sseo-yo
I have vertigo/dizziness.
두통이 심해요.
du-tong-i sim-hae-yo
I have a severe headache.
코골이가 심해요.
ko-gol-i-ga sim-hae-yo
I snore heavily.
수면 중에 숨이 멈춰요.
su-myeon jung-e sum-i meom-chwo-yo
I stop breathing during sleep. (sleep apnea)
알레르기성 비염이 있어요.
al-le-reu-gi-seong bi-yeom-i i-sseo-yo
I have allergic rhinitis.
Visiting an ENT clinic in Korea
ENT clinics (이비인후과, i-bi-in-hu-gwa) are one of the most visited specialty clinics in Korea. They handle a wide range of conditions including ear infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, voice disorders, and dizziness. Wait times are usually short and costs are reasonable with health insurance.
Ear problems
Ear pain (귀 통증) can be caused by infections, fluid buildup, or Eustachian tube problems. Tinnitus (귀울림) — a ringing or buzzing sound — is also commonly treated at ENT clinics. If you feel your ear is blocked after flying, an ENT can help.
Nose and sinus problems
Sinusitis (부비동염) is extremely common in Korea, especially during seasonal changes. Symptoms include nasal congestion, thick discharge, and facial pressure. Allergic rhinitis (알레르기성 비염) is also very prevalent due to yellow dust (황사) and fine particles (미세먼지).
Throat and voice problems
If you have a sore throat that lasts more than a week, or if your voice becomes hoarse, an ENT can examine your vocal cords using a small camera. Tonsillitis (편도염) is common and often treated with antibiotics.
Dizziness and vertigo
Sudden dizziness (어지럼증) is often related to inner ear problems. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause and can be treated with special head movements performed by the doctor.
Sleep apnea and snoring
If you or your partner snores heavily or stops breathing during sleep, an ENT can evaluate whether sleep apnea is the cause. This is a serious condition that affects sleep quality and overall health.
Nosebleeds
Frequent nosebleeds (코피) can be caused by dry air, nasal membrane issues, or blood pressure problems. An ENT can cauterize (지짐 치료) the blood vessels if needed to stop recurrent bleeding.
Tip
이비인후과 (i-bi-in-hu-gwa) means ENT clinic. It covers ears (귀), nose (코), and throat (목). If you have a cold that won't go away, sinusitis, or ear pain, this is the right department to visit.
Useful links
Related articles
How to Describe Cold & Flu Symptoms in Korean
Korean phrases for describing cold and flu symptoms — fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and body aches.
'Where Does It Hurt?' — Describing Pain Location in Korean
How to tell a Korean doctor exactly where it hurts. Body part names and pain descriptions with pronunciation.
Korean Phrases for the Eye Doctor (Ophthalmology)
Essential Korean phrases for visiting an eye clinic in Korea — eye pain, vision problems, contact lenses, glasses prescriptions, and common eye conditions.