2026.06.30 · Views 4,443
Hi everyone, I'm Yan. I'm recently considering going to Seoul for a medical aesthetics consultation, but I'm a bit worried about the language barrier. My English is okay, and my Chinese is definitely fine, but I don't understand Korean. I wanted to ask if anyone who has been there knows if it's usually possible to communicate in English at the hospitals or clinics? Or is it better to bring my own translator or prepare with translation software beforehand?
I'm a little afraid of not understanding the medical jargon the doctor uses during the consultation, or not being able to express my needs clearly. Especially when it comes to some details, I feel like using English might lead to misunderstandings. Has anyone used online translation services or hired a local translator? What are the approximate costs?
I feel like there are many international patients going to Seoul, so the hospitals should be used to it by now, right? But I'm really not sure. Can experienced ladies share how you solved this problem? Thanks~
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Hey there! I'm also a Chinese speaker and totally get your concerns 😅 I was wondering, have you considered reaching out via email or online consultation first to gauge their response speed and English proficiency? That way, you can get a sense of whether communication will be an issue before deciding if you need to bring a translator or use a translation app.
I understand how you feel! I had the same concerns. It was a relief when the staff spoke to me in English when I actually went for a consultation, but some of the technical terms were a bit difficult. I think having a translation app ready is a really good idea. Also, if you send your requests in English via email beforehand, it might make the day go more smoothly.