A Japanese greeting from Dr. Ko Sungmin

In this approximately 20-second Japanese video, Dr Ko introduces himself and mentions consultation in Japanese. Share your preferred date and consultation topic with the clinic to confirm an appointment. [1]

A greeting for patients visiting Seoul

The video contains a self-introduction, a welcome to Seoul and words of thanks. It is a brief greeting; treatment options, costs and the number of visits need to be discussed separately. [1]

Sharing your travel dates and concerns

Note your arrival and departure dates, available appointment times, symptoms and when they began. If you have previous treatment records, ask how to share them. Your travel dates help frame a discussion of the steps and follow-up that may be needed.

A Starting Point for Preparing for a Consultation in Japanese

In this short Japanese video, Dr Ko Sungmin introduces himself and greets patients he hopes to meet in Seoul. If you are planning a visit, use this as a starting point to understand the greeting and then organize the information you want to convey. Even those who are comfortable speaking Japanese may find the medical terminology unfamiliar, and you may need to discuss your stay in Korea and your treatment schedule. First, please indicate your preferred language, the purpose of your visit, and any available dates in your booking inquiry. The Japanese phrases below are examples created by the editing team, not additional dialogue from the video. Please only use the phrases that correspond to your actual situation, and adjust the numbers and dates to match your own records.

Briefly Describing Location and Discomfort

Even if you don't know the exact name of the tooth that's causing discomfort, you can indicate the location by saying something like, "I'm concerned about this area." Start by describing the general area, including whether it's upper or lower, left or right, and whether it's a specific tooth or a larger area that you're aware of. If the discomfort is felt while chewing, you can add details like, "I feel a strange sensation when chewing." However, avoid including symptoms that you haven't actually experienced in your description. If you're unsure of the cause, it's better to simply report what you've observed rather than trying to guess a diagnosis. If the location is unclear, you can simply say that you don't know, and then ask the medical staff to confirm whether the location you described matches the location they are checking. Example phrases: “このあたりが気になります。” / “噛むときに違和感があります。”

Identifying the Onset and Tracking Changes

Write down the timeframe in which you first noticed the problem. If you can recall the specific date, include it. If not, provide an approximate timeframe. It's also helpful to note any changes you've observed, such as whether the problem occurs at specific times or in certain situations, like during meals. The phrase "I'm not sure when it started," can be used when you don't clearly remember when the problem began. It's important to distinguish between what you know and what you don't know, rather than filling in the blanks with guesses. If you have had similar experiences in the past, be sure to mention what kind of treatment you received at that time. You can also contact the hospital in advance to inquire about the best way to provide them with the information you have. Example phrases: “いつからかは、はっきり覚えていません。”

Showing Your Stay Dates in a Calendar

It's best to provide a list of actual dates you'll be able to visit, rather than just your departure date. For example, you can say “I will stay in Korea until [Month] [Day]” and also indicate any dates or times when you cannot attend. If you plan to return to Korea after your initial visit, please let us know. It's important to note that your treatment may not be completed simply based on the length of your stay. Please confirm that your inquiry has been confirmed as a booking, and include the dates and times provided by the hospital in your calendar. If your schedule changes, it's helpful to know how to contact the hospital in advance so you can continue your preparations. Example phrases: “韓国には○月○日まで滞在します。”

Hearing the Explanation in Simpler Terms

If unfamiliar terms come up, you can ask for a simpler explanation, such as "Could you please explain that in a more straightforward way?" If you're looking at the screen together, ask the dental team to point again to the area being explained. When confirming your understanding, start with "Let me confirm that I understand." You can then briefly recap the current state and the next steps. It's not necessary to perfectly pronounce or remember all the terms to continue the consultation. Instead, let's confirm what information is needed for your decision, and I'll let you know if there are any areas you haven't understood. Keeping notes of your questions will be helpful for reviewing what you've heard during the explanation. Also, please check the scope and possible methods of language support during the booking process. Example phrases: “もう少しわかりやすく説明していただけますか。” / “理解できているか確認させてください。”

Ask about options and concerns in the same order

If you are presented with multiple options, start by comparing them based on the problems they address. You can ask questions like, "What other options are available?" and then request the reasons for recommending this method by asking, "Please explain why this method is being recommended." Afterwards, ask about the expected process, considerations, and any questions you have regarding the visit and subsequent care, all in the same order. When discussing costs, it's also important to confirm which items are included to better understand what you're comparing. If there are conditions that are difficult to adjust in your daily life, please let us know during the discussion. These phrases are examples of questions to ask in order to receive an explanation that is tailored to your specific situation, rather than demanding a specific treatment. Example phrases: “ほかの選択肢にはどのようなものがありますか。” / “この方法を勧める理由を教えてください。”

Prepare for Care After Returning Home

When planning your visit to Korea, ask about the care you will need after returning home as well. The Japanese phrase “帰国後のケアについて教えてください。” asks for an explanation of that care. If follow-up checks are needed, ask when they should take place and what they are for. Distinguish questions that can be discussed by message from issues that require an in-person examination. If you need clinical records or written guidance, enquire about the available information, languages and procedures for obtaining them. Time zones and contact methods may differ once you are home, so check how to ask questions and receive replies. Tell the clinic your departure plans from the start and, once the plan is agreed, check whether anything remains to be confirmed.

How to Leave Questions After a Visit

After the consultation, summarize the current situation, the next steps, and the instructions you were given in your own words. There may be points you understood during the explanation, but later find yourself wondering about. By reviewing the materials and notes together and asking clarifying questions about any areas you understand differently, you can ensure that everything is clear. If you found it difficult to speak in Japanese, prepare short phrases or relevant materials to discuss during the next consultation. It's important to focus on distinguishing between what was resolved during this visit and what needs to be checked later, rather than trying to address everything at once. After reviewing Ko Sungmin's Japanese greeting, write down the specific situation and the type of explanation you need. This can serve as a bridge between the video and the in-person visit.