How to Communicate with Korean Dermatologists: Essential Phrases & Tips

Walking into a Korean dermatology clinic as a foreigner can feel intimidating. The receptionist hands you a form entirely in Korean, the doctor asks you something you cannot quite catch, and you are left pointing at your face hoping the message gets across. Sound familiar? You are not alone. Thousands of international visitors travel to Seoul every year for world-class skin treatments, and the language barrier remains one of the biggest challenges they face.

The good news is that you do not need to be fluent in Korean to have a successful dermatology visit. With a handful of essential phrases, a little preparation, and the right tools, you can communicate your skin concerns clearly and understand your treatment options with confidence. This guide will help you do exactly that.

Before Your Visit: Preparation Tips

A little homework goes a long way. Before you step into the clinic, take these steps to make your consultation smoother:

• Write down your skin concerns in Korean and English. Print or save a list of your key issues on your phone to show the doctor directly. Visual aids cut through language barriers faster than anything else.
• Bring photos. If you have before-and-after photos of your skin condition, or pictures showing what results you want, bring them along. Korean dermatologists are accustomed to visual consultations.
• Carry your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC). You will need identification to register as a patient. For first-time visitors, saying "처음 방문했어요" (cheo-eum bang-mun-haess-eo-yo) — meaning "This is my first visit" — lets the staff know you need to fill out new patient forms.
• Check for English support in advance. Many clinics in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong have English-speaking coordinators. Call ahead or check their website to confirm.
• Download a translation app. Having Papago or Google Translate ready on your phone serves as an excellent backup.

Essential Korean Phrases for the Clinic

Here are the phrases that will carry you through your entire appointment, organized by situation. Korean text is followed by romanized pronunciation in parentheses.

Greetings and Check-In

Starting politely sets the right tone. Korean medical culture values respect, so always use formal speech:

• 안녕하세요 (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) — Hello
• 피부과 진료 보려고 왔습니다 (pi-bu-gwa jil-lyo bo-ryeo-go wass-seum-ni-da) — I came to see a dermatologist
• 예약했습니다 (ye-yak-haess-seum-ni-da) — I have an appointment
• 처음 방문했어요 (cheo-eum bang-mun-haess-eo-yo) — This is my first visit
• 영어 가능한 분 계세요? (yeong-eo ga-neung-han bun gye-se-yo?) — Is there anyone who speaks English?

Describing Skin Concerns

Being able to name your specific issue helps the doctor diagnose you faster:

• 여드름이 있어요 (yeo-deu-reu-mi iss-eo-yo) — I have acne
• 기미가 있어요 (gi-mi-ga iss-eo-yo) — I have melasma/pigmentation
• 주름이 고민이에요 (ju-reu-mi go-min-i-e-yo) — I am concerned about wrinkles
• 피부가 건조해요 (pi-bu-ga geon-jo-hae-yo) — My skin is dry
• 피부가 민감해요 (pi-bu-ga min-gam-hae-yo) — My skin is sensitive
• 여기가 가려워요 (yeo-gi-ga ga-ryeo-wo-yo) — It is itchy here
• 여기가 아파요 (yeo-gi-ga a-pa-yo) — It hurts here
• 빨갛게 부었어요 (ppal-ga-ke bu-eoss-eo-yo) — It is red and swollen
• 흉터가 있어요 (hyung-teo-ga iss-eo-yo) — I have scars
• 모공이 커요 (mo-gong-i keo-yo) — My pores are large

Understanding Treatment Options

When the doctor recommends a procedure, these phrases help you navigate the conversation:

• 어떤 시술을 추천하세요? (eo-tteon si-sul-eul chu-cheon-ha-se-yo?) — What treatment do you recommend?
• 레이저 치료인가요? (re-i-jeo chi-ryo-in-ga-yo?) — Is this a laser treatment?
• 부작용이 있나요? (bu-jak-yong-i inn-na-yo?) — Are there any side effects?
• 시술 후 회복 기간은요? (si-sul hu hoe-bok gi-gan-eun-yo?) — What is the recovery time after treatment?
• 마취를 하나요? (ma-chwi-reul ha-na-yo?) — Will there be anesthesia?
• 몇 번 받아야 하나요? (myeot beon bad-a-ya ha-na-yo?) — How many sessions do I need?

Asking About Price and Duration

Korean clinics typically provide pricing upfront, but it never hurts to ask:

• 비용이 얼마인가요? (bi-yong-i eol-ma-in-ga-yo?) — How much does it cost?
• 카드 결제 되나요? (ka-deu gyeol-je doe-na-yo?) — Can I pay by card?
• 시간이 얼마나 걸리나요? (si-gan-i eol-ma-na geol-li-na-yo?) — How long does it take?
• 상담 비용이 있나요? (sang-dam bi-yong-i inn-na-yo?) — Is there a consultation fee?
• 할인이 있나요? (hal-in-i inn-na-yo?) — Is there a discount?

Post-Treatment Instructions

Understanding aftercare is crucial. These phrases cover what doctors commonly tell patients:

• 자외선 차단제를 꼼꼼히 발라 주세요 (ja-oe-seon cha-dan-je-reul kkom-kkom-hi bal-la ju-se-yo) — Apply sunscreen thoroughly
• 세안은 언제부터 가능한가요? (se-an-eun eon-je-bu-teo ga-neung-han-ga-yo?) — When can I wash my face?
• 딱지가 떨어지지 않게 주의해 주세요 (ttak-ji-ga tteol-eo-ji-ji an-ke ju-ui-hae ju-se-yo) — Be careful not to peel off the scab
• 연고를 하루에 몇 번 바르나요? (yeon-go-reul ha-ru-e myeot beon ba-reu-na-yo?) — How many times a day should I apply the ointment?
• 다음 예약은 언제인가요? (da-eum ye-yak-eun eon-je-in-ga-yo?) — When is my next appointment?

Translation Apps and Tools That Work

Even with prepared phrases, real-time conversations can be unpredictable. These tools are your safety net:

• Naver Papago — The best translation app for Korean. It handles medical terminology more accurately than most alternatives and offers real-time camera translation for reading Korean text on forms and signs.
• Google Translate — Reliable for quick phrases. The camera feature lets you point your phone at Korean text and see instant translations overlaid on screen.
• Flitto — A crowd-sourced translation app popular in Korea that can handle context-heavy medical conversations.
• KakaoTalk Translation — If you are chatting with a clinic via KakaoTalk (Korea's dominant messaging app), the built-in translation feature works seamlessly.

Pro tip: Before your appointment, type out your main concerns in a translation app and screenshot the Korean text. This way you do not need Wi-Fi in the consultation room.

Clinics with English-Speaking Staff

If you prefer to skip the language challenge altogether, these Seoul clinics are known for their foreign-language support:

• AMOA Skin Clinic (Gangnam) — Government-approved clinic with consultations available in English, Mandarin, Turkish, Russian, and Spanish
• Forena Clinic (Hongdae) — Specializes in regenerative medicine and aesthetic dermatology with dedicated English-speaking staff
• Renovo Skin Clinic (Gangnam) — Government-approved with English consultation services
• Hus-hu Dermatology — Offers support in English, Japanese, and Mandarin
• ToxNFill (Central Seoul) — Provides English consultation services with experienced dermatologists and offers online pre-consultation

Many of these clinics are registered with the Korean government's KAHF (Korea Accreditation for International Healthcare Facilities) program, which certifies medical institutions that meet international service standards for foreign patients.

Cultural Tips for Korean Medical Visits

Understanding Korean medical culture helps you get the most out of your visit:

• Punctuality matters. Arrive 10-15 minutes early, especially for first visits. You will need time to complete registration forms.
• Be direct about your concerns. Korean consultations tend to be efficient and quick. Do not hesitate to speak up about what you want. Prepare your questions in advance.
• Respect the hierarchy. Address the doctor as 선생님 (seon-saeng-nim), a respectful title used for doctors and teachers. This small gesture goes a long way.
• Expect a different consultation style. Korean dermatologists often suggest treatments proactively. Do not feel pressured — it is perfectly acceptable to say "생각해 볼게요" (saeng-gak-hae bol-ge-yo), meaning "I will think about it."
• Payment happens after treatment. Unlike some countries where you pay upfront, Korean clinics typically charge you at the reception desk after your consultation or procedure. Credit cards are widely accepted.
• Walk-ins are common. While appointments are recommended, many Korean dermatology clinics accept walk-in patients. Wait times vary, so calling ahead is still a good idea.

FAQ

Q: Do Korean dermatologists speak English? A: It varies widely. Dermatologists at international clinics in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Hongdae often speak conversational English. Smaller neighborhood clinics may not have English-speaking staff. Always check before visiting.

Q: Should I bring a Korean-speaking friend? A: If possible, yes. Having someone who can translate nuances — especially regarding treatment expectations and aftercare — is extremely helpful. Alternatively, some clinics offer in-house interpreter services.

Q: Can I use a translation app during the consultation? A: Absolutely. Most Korean doctors are accustomed to foreign patients using translation apps. Naver Papago is the most reliable for Korean medical terminology.

Q: Do I need insurance to see a dermatologist in Korea? A: No. You can pay out of pocket at any Korean dermatology clinic. Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by Korean health insurance anyway. Prices are often more affordable than in Western countries even without insurance.

Q: What documents should I bring? A: Bring your passport (or ARC if you are a resident), any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and allergy information. Having these details in Korean is a bonus.

Useful Phrase Cheat Sheet

Save this table on your phone before your appointment:

Final Thoughts

The language barrier at a Korean dermatology clinic is real, but it is far from insurmountable. With the phrases in this guide saved on your phone, a translation app at the ready, and a willingness to point, gesture, and smile, you will be surprised at how smoothly your consultation can go. Korean dermatologists are professionals who are increasingly accustomed to treating international patients, and most appreciate any effort you make to communicate in their language — even imperfectly.

Ready to book your Korean dermatology appointment? Start by choosing a clinic with English support, prepare your phrase list, and walk in with confidence. Your skin will thank you.

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes