Korean Dictionary
How to say "Acupuncture" in Korean
“Acupuncture” in Korean is 침술 (pronounced "chimsul").
침술
chimsul
Usage & Context
침술 is a traditional Korean and Chinese medical practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to relieve pain and promote healing. It is widely practiced in Korea and covered by national health insurance for certain conditions. Many Koreans prefer 침술 as a complementary treatment alongside Western medicine.
Example Sentence
어깨 통증 때문에 침술을 받으러 한의원에 가요.
I go to the oriental medicine clinic for acupuncture because of shoulder pain.
How to use 침술 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Acupuncture” is 침술, romanized as chimsul.
Usage tip
When describing symptoms, combine the word with where it hurts, when it started, and how severe it is.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 침술.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce 'chim-sul'. 'chim' sounds like 'chim' in 'chimney'. 'sul' is like 'sool' in 'school' but with a shorter 'oo' sound and a clear 'l' at the end, similar to 'sull' in 'sullen'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing treatment options for pain with a friend or family member.
허리 통증이 심해서 침술 치료를 고려 중이에요.
My back pain is severe, so I'm considering acupuncture treatment.
Describing a visit to a traditional Korean medicine clinic.
한의원에서 침술과 함께 한약을 처방받았어요.
I received acupuncture and herbal medicine at the oriental medicine clinic.
Expressing apprehension about needles but acknowledging the benefits.
침술은 무서운데 효과는 좋다고 하네요.
Acupuncture is scary, but they say it's very effective.
Cultural Context
'침술' is a deeply ingrained part of traditional Korean medicine (한의학) and is widely accepted and utilized alongside Western medicine. It's common for Koreans to visit a '한의원' (oriental medicine clinic) for various ailments, from musculoskeletal pain to digestive issues. '침술' treatments are often covered by national health insurance for certain conditions, making it an accessible and popular complementary therapy for many, who value its holistic approach.
Editorial note
We review entries like 침술 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
침 맞다
to get acupuncture (lit. to be hit by a needle)
침 놓다
to perform acupuncture (lit. to place a needle)
침술 치료
acupuncture treatment
Related Expressions
침
chim
acupuncture needle
뜸
tteum
moxibustion
한의원
hanuiwon
oriental medicine clinic
한의사
hanuisa
oriental medicine doctor
More Health & Medical Words
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