Korean Phrases You Need at Hospital Reception
What to say when you arrive at a Korean hospital — from checking in to filling out forms.
접수하려고요.
jeop-su-ha-ryeo-go-yo
I'm here to check in.
예약했어요.
ye-yak-haess-eo-yo
I have an appointment.
처음 왔어요.
cheo-eum wass-eo-yo
This is my first time here.
이 서류 어떻게 쓰나요?
i seo-ryu eo-tteo-ke sseu-na-yo?
How do I fill out this form?
여기서 기다리면 되나요?
yeo-gi-seo gi-da-ri-myeon doe-na-yo?
Should I wait here?
얼마나 기다려야 하나요?
eol-ma-na gi-da-ryeo-ya ha-na-yo?
How long do I need to wait?
건강보험증 있어요.
geon-gang-bo-heom-jeung iss-eo-yo
I have my health insurance card.
외국인등록증이요.
oe-gug-in-deung-rok-jeung-i-yo
Here's my foreigner registration card.
What happens at hospital reception?
When you arrive at a Korean hospital, you need to check in at the reception desk (접수, jeop-su) before seeing a doctor.
The check-in process
Take a number ticket from the machine (번호표, beon-ho-pyo), wait for your number, tell the receptionist you want to check in, show your ID and insurance card, fill out a medical questionnaire (문진표, mun-jin-pyo), then wait until your name is called.
What documents to bring
Have these ready: your passport or foreigner registration card (외국인등록증), health insurance card if you have one, and any previous medical records for referral visits.
The medical questionnaire form
Most hospitals ask you to fill out a form about your medical history, allergies, medications, and reason for visiting. These forms are usually in Korean only, so knowing common terms helps.
Tip
Look for the 접수 (jeop-su) sign — that's the reception counter. Take a number ticket first if there's a machine.
Useful links
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