Korean Dictionary
How to say "Herbal Medicine" in Korean
“Herbal Medicine” in Korean is 한약 (pronounced "hanyak").
한약
hanyak
Usage & Context
한약 refers to traditional herbal remedies used in Korean medicine, often prescribed by a 한의사 (oriental medicine doctor). Korean herbal medicines are typically boiled into teas or prepared as concentrated packs called 탕약. Ingredients like ginseng (인삼), angelica root (당귀), and astragalus (황기) are commonly used.
Example Sentence
보약으로 한약을 달여 먹었어요.
I took herbal medicine as a health tonic.
How to use 한약 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Herbal Medicine” is 한약, romanized as hanyak.
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 한약.
Pronunciation Guide
To pronounce 한약 (hanyak), say "han" like the first part of "Hannah," and "yak" like "yacht" but with a crisp 'k' sound at the end. The 'a' in "yak" is short and sharp.
More Example Sentences
Discussing health preparations for seasonal changes.
환절기라 면역력을 높이려고 한약을 지었어요.
It's a change of season, so I had herbal medicine prescribed to boost my immunity.
Recalling childhood memories of home remedies.
어릴 때 감기에 자주 걸려서 엄마가 한약을 달여주셨어요.
When I was young, I often caught colds, so my mom would boil herbal medicine for me.
Considering options for combating fatigue.
요즘 피곤해서 보약으로 한약을 먹어볼까 생각 중이에요.
I'm tired these days, so I'm thinking of trying herbal medicine as a tonic.
Cultural Context
한약 (hanyak) refers to traditional Korean herbal medicine, a cornerstone of 한의학 (traditional Korean medicine). It's often prescribed by a 한의사 (oriental medicine doctor) and typically consumed as a decoction (탕약) after boiling various herbs. Many Koreans take 한약 for general wellness, to boost immunity (보약), or to treat specific ailments. It's common to see 한의원 (traditional Korean medicine clinics) throughout Korea, and the distinct smell of boiling herbs is a familiar scent in some neighborhoods.
Editorial note
We review entries like 한약 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
한약 먹다
to take herbal medicine
한약 짓다
to have herbal medicine prescribed/prepared
한약방
herbal medicine shop/pharmacy
Related Expressions
한의학
hanuihak
Traditional Korean medicine
한의사
hanuisa
Oriental medicine doctor
보약
boyak
Health tonic/supplement
탕약
tangyak
Decocted herbal medicine
More Health & Medical Words
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