How to Visit a Pharmacy in Korea Without Speaking Korean: What to Say and What to Expect
How to Visit a Pharmacy in Korea Without Speaking Korean: What to Say and What to Expect
A practical Korean pharmacy guide for first-time visitors.
You wake up in your hotel in Korea with a headache.
Or maybe your stomach feels uncomfortable after a long flight. Your throat hurts. You have a small cut. You feel carsick. You need something simple, but you do not know the Korean word for your symptom.
You open your map and search for a pharmacy.
Then you see the Korean word:
약국
You walk inside.
The pharmacist looks at you and waits.
Now what?
Do you need to know the name of a Korean medicine? Should you ask for a specific brand? Can you simply point to where it hurts? What if the pharmacist asks you a question you do not understand?
Do not panic.
For many simple pharmacy visits, you do not need advanced Korean. You need a few symptom words, one or two useful sentence patterns, and the confidence to explain the problem as clearly as you can.
This guide will walk you through what happens when you visit a pharmacy in Korea, the Korean phrases you may actually use, the questions a pharmacist may ask, and the mistakes first-time visitors should avoid.
Important: This guide is for language and travel communication, not medical diagnosis. For severe symptoms, a serious allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, major injury, loss of consciousness, or another emergency, seek urgent medical help. In Korea, the emergency number is 119.
Table of Contents
- What Does 약국 Mean?
- The First Thing to Say at a Korean Pharmacy
- Essential Symptom Words
- How to Say Where It Hurts
- What the Pharmacist May Ask You
- Useful Medicine and Pharmacy Words
- Prescription Medicine vs. Pharmacy Medicine
- Can You Buy Medicine at a Convenience Store?
- Understanding Simple Medicine Instructions
- Real Pharmacy Conversations
- Common Traveler Mistakes
- Korean Pharmacy Culture Tips
- When a Pharmacy Is Not Enough
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does 약국 Mean?
The Korean word for pharmacy is:
약국
pharmacy
It is pronounced roughly like yak-guk.
You will often see a sign with 약국 outside a pharmacy.
The word 약 means medicine.
You will see 약 in many useful expressions:
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 약 | Medicine |
| 약국 | Pharmacy |
| 감기약 | Cold medicine |
| 두통약 | Headache medicine |
| 소화제 | Digestive medicine |
| 진통제 | Pain reliever |
| 처방약 | Prescription medicine |
If you remember only one sign, remember 약국.
2. The First Thing to Say at a Korean Pharmacy
You do not need to begin with the name of a medicine.
In many situations, it is better to explain your symptom.
The easiest pattern is:
[Body part or symptom] + 아파요.
아파요 means “it hurts” or “I am in pain.”
Examples:
머리가 아파요.
My head hurts.
배가 아파요.
My stomach hurts.
목이 아파요.
My throat hurts.
Another very useful sentence is:
이 증상에 맞는 약 있나요?
Do you have medicine for this symptom?
But beginners do not need to memorize a long sentence.
Start simply:
머리가 아파요.
감기인 것 같아요.
소화가 안 돼요.
Then let the pharmacist ask follow-up questions.
3. Essential Symptom Words
You do not need to learn every medical word in Korean.
For travel, focus on common symptom words you may need to recognize or explain.
| English | Korean | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | 두통 | 두통이 있어요. |
| Cold | 감기 | 감기인 것 같아요. |
| Cough | 기침 | 기침이 나요. |
| Runny nose | 콧물 | 콧물이 나요. |
| Sore throat | 목이 아파요 | 목이 많이 아파요. |
| Fever | 열 | 열이 있어요. |
| Stomachache | 복통 / 배가 아파요 | 배가 아파요. |
| Indigestion | 소화불량 | 소화가 안 돼요. |
| Diarrhea | 설사 | 설사를 해요. |
| Nausea | 메스꺼움 | 속이 메스꺼워요. |
| Motion sickness | 멀미 | 멀미약 있나요? |
| Allergy | 알레르기 | 알레르기가 있어요. |
Survival tip: If you do not know the exact Korean word, use your phone to show the pharmacist the English symptom or a translated sentence. Clear communication is more important than trying to sound fluent.
4. How to Say Where It Hurts
One of the easiest ways to explain a problem is to say the body part plus 아파요.
| Body Part | Korean | Useful Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Head | 머리 | 머리가 아파요. |
| Throat | 목 | 목이 아파요. |
| Stomach / belly | 배 | 배가 아파요. |
| Back | 허리 | 허리가 아파요. |
| Eye | 눈 | 눈이 아파요. |
| Ear | 귀 | 귀가 아파요. |
| Tooth | 이 | 이가 아파요. |
| Hand | 손 | 손이 아파요. |
| Foot | 발 | 발이 아파요. |
If you are unsure, you can also point and say:
여기가 아파요.
It hurts here.
This is one of the most useful emergency-style communication sentences for beginners.
5. What the Pharmacist May Ask You
This is often the hardest part for travelers.
You explain your symptom, and then the pharmacist asks several questions in Korean.
Do not try to understand every word.
Listen for key ideas.
| Pharmacist May Say | Meaning | Easy Response |
|---|---|---|
| 어디가 아프세요? | Where does it hurt? | 머리가 아파요. |
| 언제부터 그랬어요? | Since when? | 오늘부터요. / 어제부터요. |
| 열이 있나요? | Do you have a fever? | 네. / 아니요. |
| 기침하세요? | Are you coughing? | 네, 기침이 나요. |
| 알레르기 있으세요? | Do you have any allergies? | 네. / 아니요. |
| 다른 약 드세요? | Are you taking other medicine? | 네. / 아니요. |
| 임신 중이세요? | Are you pregnant? | 네. / 아니요. |
Two time expressions are especially useful:
오늘부터요.
Since today.
어제부터요.
Since yesterday.
You can also say:
이틀 전부터요.
Since two days ago.
6. Useful Medicine and Pharmacy Words
These words may appear in a pharmacy conversation or on a medicine package.
| Korean | Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 약 | Medicine | Basic word |
| 진통제 | Pain reliever | Pain-related medicine category |
| 해열제 | Fever reducer | Fever-related medicine category |
| 감기약 | Cold medicine | Cold symptoms |
| 기침약 | Cough medicine | Cough symptoms |
| 소화제 | Digestive medicine | Indigestion |
| 멀미약 | Motion sickness medicine | Bus, boat, or travel sickness |
| 연고 | Ointment | Skin application |
| 밴드 | Adhesive bandage | Small cuts |
| 처방전 | Prescription | From a clinic or hospital |
Important: Do not choose a medicine only because you recognize a category word. Explain your symptoms and any allergies, pregnancy, or other medicines you take to the pharmacist or doctor when relevant.
7. Prescription Medicine vs. Pharmacy Medicine
Travelers sometimes assume they can buy any medicine directly from a pharmacy.
That is not how the system works.
Some medicines can be purchased directly at a pharmacy after discussing your symptoms with a pharmacist.
Other medicines require a prescription from a clinic or hospital.
The Korean word for prescription is:
처방전
prescription
You may hear:
처방전이 필요합니다.
You need a prescription.
Useful question:
처방전이 필요한가요?
Do I need a prescription?
8. Can You Buy Medicine at a Convenience Store?
This is a common question from travelers.
Some designated household medicines are sold at convenience stores in Korea, including limited categories for common needs.
However, a convenience store is not the same as a pharmacy.
If you need advice about symptoms, have multiple medical conditions, take other medicines, have an allergy, or are unsure what is appropriate, a pharmacy or medical clinic is the safer place to ask.
| Place | Korean | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy | 약국 | Pharmacist consultation and medicines |
| Convenience store | 편의점 | Limited designated household medicines and travel items |
| Clinic / hospital | 병원 / 의원 | Medical assessment and prescriptions |
9. Understanding Simple Medicine Instructions
After the pharmacist gives you medicine, listen carefully to the instructions.
You may hear words related to how many times a day or whether to take medicine before or after eating.
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 하루 | One day / per day |
| 한 번 | Once |
| 두 번 | Twice |
| 세 번 | Three times |
| 식전 | Before meals |
| 식후 | After meals |
| 복용 | Taking medicine |
| 물과 함께 | With water |
하루 세 번 드세요.
Take it three times a day.
식후에 드세요.
Take it after eating.
물과 함께 드세요.
Take it with water.
If you are not sure, ask the pharmacist to repeat or write it down.
다시 말씀해 주세요.
Please say that again.
적어 주세요.
Please write it down.
복용 방법 적어 주실 수 있나요?
Could you write down how to take it?
10. Real Pharmacy Conversations
Conversation 1: A Headache
Pharmacist: 어디가 아프세요?
Where does it hurt?
Traveler: 머리가 아파요.
My head hurts.
Pharmacist: 언제부터 그랬어요?
Since when?
Traveler: 오늘부터요.
Since today.
Pharmacist: 다른 약 드세요?
Are you taking any other medicine?
Traveler: 아니요.
No.
Conversation 2: Cold Symptoms
Traveler: 감기인 것 같아요.
I think I have a cold.
Pharmacist: 기침하세요?
Are you coughing?
Traveler: 네. 기침이 나고 목이 아파요.
Yes. I have a cough and my throat hurts.
Pharmacist: 열이 있나요?
Do you have a fever?
Traveler: 아니요.
No.
Conversation 3: Indigestion
Traveler: 소화가 안 돼요.
I have indigestion.
Pharmacist: 배가 아프세요?
Does your stomach hurt?
Traveler: 조금 아파요.
It hurts a little.
Conversation 4: Motion Sickness Medicine
Traveler: 멀미약 있나요?
Do you have motion sickness medicine?
Pharmacist: 언제 드실 거예요?
When will you take it?
Traveler: 내일 아침이요.
Tomorrow morning.
Conversation 5: Asking How to Take the Medicine
Traveler: 이 약 어떻게 먹어요?
How do I take this medicine?
Pharmacist: 하루 세 번, 식후에 드세요.
Take it three times a day, after meals.
Traveler: 적어 주실 수 있나요?
Could you write that down?
Pharmacist: 네.
Yes.
11. Common Traveler Mistakes
Mistake 1: Asking for a Brand Without Explaining the Symptom
A medicine you use at home may have a different brand name, formulation, or availability in Korea.
Instead of insisting on a brand name, explain your symptom and show the active ingredient information from your current medicine if relevant.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to Mention Allergies or Other Medicines
If you have a medicine allergy or take other medicines, tell the pharmacist or doctor.
약 알레르기가 있어요.
I have a medicine allergy.
다른 약을 먹고 있어요.
I am taking another medicine.
Mistake 3: Saying Only “약 주세요”
약 주세요 means “Medicine, please,” but it does not explain what is wrong.
Better:
머리가 아파요.
목이 아파요.
소화가 안 돼요.
Mistake 4: Pretending to Understand the Instructions
If you do not understand how to take the medicine, ask again.
다시 말씀해 주세요.
Please say that again.
적어 주세요.
Please write it down.
This is much safer than guessing.
Mistake 5: Going to a Pharmacy for a Serious Emergency
A pharmacy is not an emergency room.
For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, significant injury, breathing difficulty, or another emergency, seek urgent medical help.
12. Korean Pharmacy Culture Tips
Pharmacists May Ask Several Questions
Do not be surprised if the pharmacist asks when the symptom started, whether you have a fever, or whether you take other medicine.
These questions help them understand the situation before discussing medicine.
Short Conversations Are Normal
A pharmacy visit can be quick and direct.
This is not necessarily unfriendly. Many pharmacies are busy, and the pharmacist may focus immediately on your symptoms and medication information.
Showing Your Phone Is Completely Fine
If you cannot explain a symptom in Korean, showing a translated sentence on your phone is practical.
You can also show a photo of a medicine package or the active ingredient information from a medicine you normally use. Do not rely only on a similar-looking package.
Opening Hours Vary
Pharmacy opening hours vary, and some pharmacies may close earlier than nearby convenience stores.
If you need a pharmacy late at night, check current local information rather than assuming the nearest pharmacy is open.
13. When a Pharmacy Is Not Enough
Sometimes the most useful Korean phrase is not a pharmacy phrase.
If your condition seems serious, you may need a clinic, hospital, or emergency service.
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 병원 | Hospital / medical facility |
| 의원 | Clinic |
| 응급실 | Emergency room |
| 응급 | Emergency |
| 119 | Emergency number |
병원에 가야 하나요?
Do I need to go to a hospital?
응급실이 어디예요?
Where is the emergency room?
도와주세요.
Please help me.
If you are in immediate danger or have a serious emergency, call 119.
Quick Pharmacy Survival Checklist
- Look for the sign 약국.
- Explain the symptom instead of only asking for “medicine.”
- Use [body part] + 아파요 to say where it hurts.
- Mention allergies and other medicines when relevant.
- Ask 처방전이 필요한가요? if you are unsure about a prescription.
- Do not pretend to understand dosage instructions.
- Use 적어 주세요 if you need the instructions written down.
- Seek medical help for severe or urgent symptoms.
Quick Korean Pharmacy Vocabulary Review
| Korean | English | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| 약국 | Pharmacy | Finding a pharmacy |
| 약 | Medicine | General pharmacy conversation |
| 증상 | Symptom | Explaining your problem |
| 아파요 | It hurts | Describing pain |
| 처방전 | Prescription | Prescription medicine |
| 알레르기 | Allergy | Medicine safety |
| 식후 | After meals | Medicine instructions |
| 하루 세 번 | Three times a day | Medicine instructions |
| 응급실 | Emergency room | Urgent medical care |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say pharmacy in Korean?
Pharmacy in Korean is 약국. Look for this word on pharmacy signs.
Can I visit a pharmacy in Korea without speaking Korean?
Yes. For a simple visit, short symptom phrases such as 머리가 아파요 or 목이 아파요 can help. You can also use a translation app or show written symptom information on your phone.
How do I say “I have a headache” in Korean?
Say 머리가 아파요, meaning “My head hurts,” or 두통이 있어요, meaning “I have a headache.”
How do I ask for cold medicine in Korean?
You can say 감기약 있나요?, meaning “Do you have cold medicine?” It is still helpful to explain your symptoms to the pharmacist.
How do I ask how to take medicine?
Say 이 약 어떻게 먹어요?, meaning “How do I take this medicine?”
What does 식후 mean?
식후 means “after meals.” You may see or hear it in medicine instructions.
What does 처방전 mean?
처방전 means prescription. Some medicines require a prescription from a clinic or hospital.
Can I buy medicine at a Korean convenience store?
Some designated household medicines are sold at convenience stores, but the selection is limited. A pharmacy is more appropriate when you need pharmacist advice or are unsure what medicine is suitable.
What should I do if I do not understand the pharmacist?
Say 다시 말씀해 주세요 for “Please say that again,” or 적어 주세요 for “Please write it down.” You can also use written translation on your phone.
What is the emergency number in Korea?
For emergencies in Korea, call 119.
Final Thoughts
Walking into a pharmacy in another country can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are already tired or unwell.
But you do not need perfect Korean.
Start with one simple sentence:
여기가 아파요.
It hurts here.
Or use a symptom phrase such as:
머리가 아파요.
목이 아파요.
소화가 안 돼요.
Then listen for key questions about when the symptom started, fever, allergies, and other medicines.
Real Korean becomes easier when you learn it through situations you may actually face.
Knowing a few pharmacy words will not replace medical care, but it can help you communicate more clearly and feel less helpless when you need assistance in Korea.
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