By departmentbeginner

Korean Phrases for Traditional Korean Medicine (한의원)

Essential Korean phrases for visiting a traditional Korean medicine clinic — acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, herbal medicine, and treatment duration.

Speed:

한의원에 가고 싶어요.

han-ui-won-e ga-go ship-eo-yo

I'd like to go to a traditional medicine clinic.

예약하고 싶어요.

ye-yak-ha-go ship-eo-yo

I'd like to make an appointment.

처음 온 환자입니다.

cheo-um on hwan-ja-im-ni-da

This is my first visit.

보험이 되나요?

bo-heom-i doe-na-yo

Does insurance cover this?

진료비가 얼마예요?

jin-lyo-bi-ga eol-ma-ye-yo

How much is the consultation fee?

침을 맞고 싶어요.

chim-eul mat-go ship-eo-yo

I'd like to have acupuncture.

뜸을 해주세요.

tteum-eul hae-ju-se-yo

Please do moxibustion.

부항을 받고 싶어요.

bu-hang-eul bat-go ship-eo-yo

I'd like to have cupping therapy.

뜸은 뭐하는 건가요?

tteum-eun mwo-ha-neun geon-ga-yo

What does moxibustion do?

침이 아파요.

chim-i a-pa-yo

The acupuncture hurts.

침이 맞는지 잘 모르겠어요.

chim-i mat-neun-ji jal mo-reu-ges-eo-yo

I'm not sure if the acupuncture is working.

목이 자주 결려요.

mog-i ja-ju gyeol-lyeo-yo

My neck gets stiff frequently.

소화가 안 돼요.

so-hwa-ga an dwae-yo

I have poor digestion.

만성 피로가 있어요.

man-seong pi-ro-ga i-sseo-yo

I have chronic fatigue.

생리통이 심해요.

saeng-ni-tong-i sim-hae-yo

I have severe menstrual pain.

한약을 처방해 주세요.

han-yak-eul cheo-bang-hae ju-se-yo

Please prescribe herbal medicine.

한약을 어떻게 마시나요?

han-yak-eul eo-tteo-ke ma-si-na-yo

How do I take the herbal medicine?

하루에 몇 번 마나요?

ha-ru-e myeot beon ma-na-yo

How many times a day should I take it?

식전에 마시나요, 식후에 마시나요?

sik-jeon-e ma-si-na-yo, sik-hu-e ma-si-na-yo

Should I take it before or after meals?

한약 맛이 너무 써요.

han-yak mat-i neo-mu sseo-yo

The herbal medicine tastes too bitter.

효과가 나타나기까지 얼마나 걸려요?

hyo-gwa-ga na-ta-na-gi-kka-ji eol-ma-na geol-lyeo-yo

How long does it take to see results?

몇 번 정도 와야 하나요?

myeot beon jeong-do wa-ya ha-na-yo

How many sessions do I need?

얼마나 자주 와야 하나요?

eol-ma-na ja-ju wa-ya ha-na-yo

How often should I come?

언제쯤 좋아질까요?

eon-je-kkum jo-a-jil-kka-yo

When will I feel better?

일반 병원 약과 함께 먹어도 되나요?

il-ban byeong-won yak-gwa ham-kke meok-eo-do doe-na-yo

Can I take this with regular hospital medicine?

다른 의약품과 함께 복용해도 괜찮나요?

da-reun ui-yak-pum-gwa ham-kke bog-yong-hae-do gwae-ncha-na-yo

Is it safe to take with other medications?

복용 중인 약이 있는데 괜찮나요?

bog-yong jung-in yak-i i-neun-de gwae-ncha-na-yo

I'm taking other medications. Is that okay?

부작용이 있나요?

bu-jak-yong-i i-na-yo

Are there any side effects?

임산부도 받을 수 있나요?

im-san-bu-do ba-deul su i-na-yo

Can pregnant women receive treatment?

Traditional Korean Medicine (한의학)

Traditional Korean medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and remains popular in Korea today. Many foreigners find it very effective for chronic pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.

Common Treatments

Acupuncture (침) — Thin needles inserted at specific points on the body to restore energy flow.

Moxibustion (뜸) — Burning dried mugwort above the skin to warm and stimulate acupuncture points.

Cupping (부항) — Cups applied to the skin to improve circulation and relieve pain.

Herbal Medicine (한약) — Custom herbal decoctions prescribed based on diagnosis.

Treatment Duration

Results vary by condition. Chronic issues may require 4-8 weeks of regular treatment, while acute pain might improve in 2-3 sessions.

Insurance Coverage

Most Korean health insurance covers acupuncture and moxibustion at traditional medicine clinics. Check with your insurance provider.

Important Notes

Always inform the practitioner about other medications you're taking. Most herbal medicines are safe with regular medications, but it's important to verify.

Tip

한의원 (han-ui-won) is a traditional Korean medicine clinic. Many foreigners find acupuncture (침, chim) and herbal medicine (한약, han-yak) very effective. Most clinics accept health insurance.

Useful links

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