Korean Health & Medical Words & Phrases

두통

dutong

Headache

두통 is one of the most common ailments reported at Korean hospitals and clinics. Koreans often attribute headaches to stress from overwork or study pressure. Over-the-counter pain medications like 타이레놀 (Tylenol) are widely used for immediate relief.

복통

boktong

Stomachache

복통 refers to abdominal pain and is frequently caused by irregular eating habits common among busy Korean workers and students. Korean traditional remedies for 복통 often include drinking warm barley tea or ginger tea. Persistent 복통 is taken seriously as it can signal digestive disorders.

발열

baryeol

Fever

발열 is the medical term for fever in Korean, while the casual term 열이 나다 (heat rises) is more commonly used in everyday speech. Korean parents are especially vigilant about 발열 in children and will typically visit a pediatric clinic promptly. During cold and flu season, temperature checks are common in Korean workplaces and schools.

기침

gichim

Cough

기침 is a common symptom in Korea especially during the dry winter months and yellow dust (황사) season. Koreans are very conscious of coughing in public and it is considered polite to cover your mouth and wear a mask when you have a 기침. Korean pharmacies carry many cough syrups and throat lozenges specifically formulated for this symptom.

콧물

konmul

Runny Nose

콧물 literally means nose water and is the Korean word for a runny nose. It is extremely common during allergy season and winter colds in Korea. Many Koreans take antihistamines or use nasal sprays to manage 콧물 during high pollen or yellow dust periods.

처방전

cheobangjon

Prescription

처방전 is the prescription slip given by a Korean doctor to the patient to pick up medication at the pharmacy. Korea uses a separation system where doctors prescribe and pharmacies dispense, requiring patients to visit both. The 처방전 lists the medications, dosages, and treatment duration.

혈압

hyeorap

Blood Pressure

혈압 is a commonly monitored health indicator in Korea where high blood pressure (고혈압) is prevalent due to the salty Korean diet. Regular 혈압 checks are part of routine health screenings offered by employers. Many convenience stores and pharmacies in Korea have free 혈압 measurement machines.

당뇨병

dangnyo byeong

Diabetes

당뇨병 is a widespread chronic condition in Korea especially among older adults due to high-carbohydrate diets and sedentary lifestyles. The Korean government runs extensive public health campaigns about managing 당뇨병 through diet and exercise. Many Korean foods have been modified to be low-sugar for 당뇨병 patients.