Korean word

보건소

Pronunciation

Romanizationpogeonso

Meaning

  • nounpublic health center

Example

오늘 보건소에 가서 예방접종을 받았어요.o neul po geon so e ka seo ye bang jeop jjong eul pa da sseo yo

I went to the public health center today and got vaccinated.

Illustration for 보건소 (public health center)

More examples

아이를 위해 보건소에 전화해서 예방접종 일정을 물어봤어요.a i reul wi hae po geon so e cheon hwa hae seo ye bang jeop jjong il jeong eul mu reo bwa sseo yo

I called the public health center to ask about the vaccination schedule for my child.

Core concept

A community-based public service office where residents prevent illness and manage their everyday health.

Common phrases

  • 보건소에 전화하다po geon so e cheon hwa ha da

    call the public health center

  • 보건소에서 예방접종을 하다po geon so e seo ye bang jeop jjong eul ha da

    get vaccinated at a public health center

  • 보건소에서 출산 상담을 받다po geon so e seo chul san sang da meul pat tta

    receive childbirth counseling at a public health center

Similar words

병원pyeongwon: A place where patients receive medical treatment and can remain for ongoing care.
의원uiwon: A small medical office that sees patients during the day and provides treatment or prescriptions.
약국yakkkuk: A place to collect prescribed medicine, buy common remedies, and ask how to use them.

Definition in Korean

지역 주민에게 예방과 건강 관리를 중심으로 보건 서비스를 제공하는 공공기관chi yeok chu mi ne ge ye bang gwa keon gang kwal li reul chung si meu ro po geon seo bi seu reul che gong ha neun kong gong gi gwan

Word origin

The word is a Sino-Korean compound combining ideas of protecting health and a place or office, so its form reflects an institution devoted to public health.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may expect a general medical clinic, but this term mainly points to routine preventive and community health services.

Related words

  • 보건복지pogeonbokjjihealth and welfarenoun
  • 보건관리pogeongwallihealth managementnoun

Word lists with this word