Korean Dictionary
How to say "Public Health Center" in Korean
“Public Health Center” in Korean is 보건소 (pronounced "bohgeonso").
보건소
bohgeonso
Usage & Context
보건소 is a government-run public health center that provides low-cost or free medical services to Korean residents. Services at 보건소 include vaccinations, prenatal care, chronic disease management, and mental health counseling. Many low-income Koreans rely on 보건소 for basic healthcare needs.
Example Sentence
무료 독감 접종을 맞으러 보건소에 갔어요.
I went to the public health center for a free flu shot.
How to use 보건소 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Public Health Center” is 보건소, romanized as bohgeonso.
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 보건소.
Pronunciation Guide
보 (bo) sounds like 'boh' in 'boat'. 건 (geon) sounds like 'gun' but with a softer 'g' and the 'eo' like 'o' in 'son'. 소 (so) sounds like 'so' in 'so'. Put it together: 'boh-gun-soh'. Fairly even stress.
More Example Sentences
Giving advice to a new parent about healthcare options.
아이 예방접종은 보건소에서 무료로 받을 수 있어요.
You can get children's vaccinations for free at the public health center.
Suggesting a cost-effective option for health screening.
저렴하게 건강 검진을 받으려면 보건소에 문의해보세요.
If you want a cheap health check-up, try inquiring at the public health center.
Informing someone about a specific public health service.
보건소에서 금연 클리닉을 운영하고 있어요.
The public health center runs a smoking cessation clinic.
Cultural Context
보건소 (Bohgeonso) plays a crucial role in Korea's public health system, providing accessible and affordable services, especially for preventative care and vulnerable populations. Unlike private clinics, they focus on community health, offering free vaccinations, health screenings, and specialized programs like prenatal care or smoking cessation clinics. Many Koreans, particularly those with lower incomes, rely on 보건소 for basic healthcare needs.
Editorial note
We review entries like 보건소 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
보건소에 가다
to go to the public health center
보건소 진료
public health center medical care
보건소 서비스
public health center services
Related Expressions
병원
byeongwon
hospital
의원
uiwon
clinic (smaller, local)
예방접종
yebangjeopjong
vaccination
건강 검진
geongang geomjin
health check-up
More Health & Medical Words
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