Korean OB-GYN Vocabulary: Useful English & Korean Phrases
Essential words and phrases to help you communicate at a women's clinic in Korea
Quick answer: Knowing a few Korean words makes an OB-GYN visit easier: sanbuingwa (OB-GYN clinic), saengni (period), choeumpa (ultrasound), imsin (pregnancy), piimyak (birth control pill) and yakguk (pharmacy). Still, the safest option for medical decisions is a clinic where the doctor speaks English.
Even when your doctor speaks English, knowing a few key Korean words makes signs, forms, pharmacy visits and phone calls much easier. Below, each Korean term is written in romanized form (how it sounds) with its English meaning. Save this list on your phone before your next women's clinic visit.
Clinic Basics
- sanbuingwa — OB-GYN / obstetrics and gynecology clinic
- yeoseong-uiwon — women's clinic
- yeyak — appointment / reservation
- jeopsu — registration / reception desk
- jillyo — consultation / medical care
- daegi — waiting
- sunap — payment desk
- yeongsujeung — receipt
- geongang boheom — health insurance
- oegugin deungnokjeung — Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Body and Symptoms
- saengni — period / menstruation
- saengnitong — period cramps
- majimak saengniil — first day of your last period
- bujeong chulhyeol — abnormal bleeding
- bunbimul — discharge
- garyeoum — itching
- araetbae tongjeung — lower abdominal pain
- jagung — uterus
- nanso — ovary
- jillyeom — vaginitis
- banggwangyeom — bladder infection
Tests and Conditions
- choeumpa — ultrasound
- jagunggyeongbu-am geomsa — Pap smear/ cervical cancer screening
- seongbyeong geomsa — STD test
- hyeoraek geomsa — blood test
- sobyeon geomsa — urine test
- jagung geunjong — uterine fibroids
- nanso nangjong — ovarian cyst
- pyegyeong — menopause
Pregnancy and Contraception
- imsin — pregnancy
- imsin teseuteu — pregnancy test
- sanjeon geomsa — prenatal tests
- piim — contraception
- piimyak — birth control pill
- sahu piimyak — emergency contraceptive pill
- rupeu — IUD(common everyday term)
Useful Phrases
- Yeyak-hago sipeoyo. — I'd like to make an appointment.
- Yeongeo ganeunghan seonsaengnim gyeseyo? — Is there an English-speaking doctor?
- Yeoja seonsaengnim-kke jillyo batgo sipeoyo. — I'd like to see a female doctor.
- Saengni jung-ieyo. — I'm on my period.
- Imsin ganeungseong-i isseoyo. — I might be pregnant.
- Yeogi-ga apayo. — It hurts here.
- Allereugi-ga isseoyo. — I have an allergy.
- Biyong-i eolmayeyo? — How much does it cost?
- Yeongsujeung juseyo. — A receipt, please.
- Cheobangjeon juseyo. — A prescription, please.
At the Pharmacy (yakguk)
- Haru-e myeot beon meogeoyo? — How many times a day do I take it?
- sikhu — after meals
- sikjeon — before meals
Don't worry about perfect pronunciation — clinic staff in Gangnam are used to international patients, and many will happily switch to English once you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an OB-GYN clinic called in Korean?
An OB-GYN clinic is 산부인과 (sanbuingwa). Women’s clinics often use 여성의원 (yeoseong-uiwon) in their name.
How do I say I am pregnant in Korean?
You can say 임신했어요 (imsin-haesseoyo), meaning “I am pregnant”.
Can I rely on a translation app at the clinic?
Apps help with simple words, but medical details can be lost, so choose an English-speaking doctor for diagnosis and treatment discussions.
Related Guides
- How to Visit an OB-GYN in Korea as a Foreigner
- What to Expect at Your First OB-GYN Visit in Korea
- English-Speaking OB-GYN in Gangnam: A Guide for Foreigners
- How to Get Birth Control Pills in Korea
- Complete Guide to Women's Healthcare in Korea for Foreigners
Book an English-Speaking OB-GYN Visit in Gangnam
Sinsoe Women's Clinic is a female-led OB-GYN clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, a short walk from Eonju Station (Line 9, Exit 7) and Yeoksam Station (Line 2, Exit 6). All physicians are female, board-certified OB-GYNs, and consultations are available in English. Message us on WhatsApp (+82-10-9517-5719) to book.
Hours: Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Sundays
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Prices and procedures can change — please confirm details directly with the clinic.
