Korean Phrases for Getting Medicine at a Pharmacy
Essential Korean phrases when picking up prescription medicine at a Korean pharmacy.
처방전이요.
cheo-bang-jeon-i-yo
Here's my prescription.
약 받으러 왔어요.
yak ba-deu-reo wass-eo-yo
I'm here to pick up medicine.
약이 다 됐나요?
yag-i da dwaen-na-yo?
Is my medicine ready?
이 약은 어떻게 먹나요?
i yag-eun eo-tteo-ke meok-na-yo?
How do I take this medicine?
부작용이 있나요?
bu-jak-yong-i in-na-yo?
Are there side effects?
약이 안 맞는 것 같아요.
yag-i an mat-neun geot gat-a-yo
I think the medicine doesn't suit me.
How Korean pharmacies work
After seeing the doctor, take your prescription (처방전) to any pharmacy. The pharmacist will prepare your medicine, usually within 5-10 minutes.
Prescription vs over-the-counter
Some medicines require a prescription, while others can be bought directly. The pharmacist can advise you on basic medications.
Understanding your medicine
Always ask how to take the medicine — how many times a day, before or after meals, and for how many days.
Medicine packaging
Korean medicine is often individually packaged by dose in small plastic packets, making it easy to take the right amount at the right time.
Tip
Korean pharmacies (약국) are everywhere and usually have a green cross sign. Hand over your prescription and wait a few minutes.
Useful links
Related articles
Understanding Korean Medicine Dosage Instructions
How to understand medicine dosage instructions in Korean — before/after meals, times per day, and important warnings.
Buying Medicine Without Prescription in Korean
How to buy over-the-counter medicine at Korean pharmacies — headache pills, cold medicine, digestive aids.