Understanding Korean Medicine Dosage Instructions
How to understand medicine dosage instructions in Korean — before/after meals, times per day, and important warnings.
하루 세 번 드세요.
ha-ru se beon deu-se-yo
Take it 3 times a day.
식후에 드세요.
shik-hu-e deu-se-yo
Take it after meals.
식전에 드세요.
shik-jeon-e deu-se-yo
Take it before meals.
자기 전에 드세요.
ja-gi jeon-e deu-se-yo
Take it before bed.
3일분이에요.
sam-il-bun-i-e-yo
It's a 3-day supply.
물과 함께 드세요.
mul-gwa ham-kke deu-se-yo
Take it with water.
씹어서 드세요.
ssib-eo-seo deu-se-yo
Chew before swallowing.
술을 드시면 안 됩니다.
sul-eul deu-shi-myeon an doem-ni-da
You must not drink alcohol.
Common dosage patterns
Most Korean prescriptions follow the pattern of 3 times a day, after meals. The pharmacist will explain this when giving you the medicine.
Before vs after meals
식전 (before meals) means 30 minutes before eating. 식후 (after meals) means within 30 minutes after eating.
Reading the medicine packet
Each dose is usually in a small plastic packet labeled with the timing — 아침 (morning), 점심 (lunch), 저녁 (dinner), 자기 전 (before bed).
Important warnings
Some medicines come with warnings: don't drink alcohol, don't drive, or take with food. Always ask if anything is unclear.
Tip
식후 means after meals, 식전 means before meals. Most Korean medicine is taken 식후 (after meals) 3 times a day.