Korean Dictionary
How to say "Pharmacy" in Korean
“Pharmacy” in Korean is 약국 (pronounced "Yakguk").
약국
Yakguk
Usage & Context
Pharmacies (약국) are common throughout Korea, identified by a green cross sign. Pharmacists can provide guidance on common remedies without a prescription for minor ailments. 약사 (pharmacist) is very respected in Korean society. Most are open daytime hours with some open late.
Example Sentence
가까운 약국이 어디예요? 두통약이 필요해요.
Where is the nearest pharmacy? I need headache medicine.
How to use 약국 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Pharmacy” is 약국, romanized as Yakguk.
Usage tip
Pair this travel word with polite request endings like -요 so it works in hotels, stations, taxis, and shops.
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 약국.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "Yakguk" sounds like "YAHK-gook." The first syllable, "Yak," rhymes with "sock" but with a 'y' sound at the beginning. The second syllable, "guk," is pronounced like "GOOK," similar to the "cook" in "cookie," but with a slightly harder 'g' sound. The stress is fairly even on both syllables.
More Example Sentences
After work, feeling a bit under the weather and needing remedies.
감기약 사러 약국에 들렀어요.
I stopped by the pharmacy to buy cold medicine.
Late at night, needing urgent medicine or supplies.
이 근처에 24시간 약국 있나요?
Is there a 24-hour pharmacy around here?
During flu season or when needing protective gear.
약국에서 마스크도 살 수 있어요.
You can also buy masks at the pharmacy.
Cultural Context
In Korea, pharmacies (약국) are easily recognizable by their prominent green cross signs. Unlike in some Western countries, pharmacists (약사) often provide basic medical advice and over-the-counter remedies for minor ailments without a doctor's prescription, making them a common first point of contact for health issues. Many pharmacies are conveniently located near clinics and hospitals, forming a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.
Editorial note
We review entries like 약국 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
약국이 어디예요?
Where is the pharmacy?
두통약 주세요.
Please give me headache medicine.
이 약은 어떻게 먹어요?
How do I take this medicine?
Related Expressions
병원
Byeongwon
Hospital
약사
Yaksa
Pharmacist
약
Yak
Medicine
처방전
Cheobangjeon
Prescription
More Travel Words
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