외국인 관광객 사이 뜨는 '약국 쇼핑' 열풍
Pharmacies Become a New Shopping Stop for Tourists in Korea
Part of the August 3, 2026 daily edition
요즘 외국인 관광객이 한국 약국에 많이 갑니다. 올리브영과 다이소는 예전부터 인기가 많지만, 지금은 약국도 인기가 많습니다. 약국은 새로운 쇼핑 장소가 되고 있습니다. 벨기에에서 온 마리나 씨는 한국 약이 좋다고 들어서 일부러 약국에 갔습니다. 홍대와 성수의 큰 약국에서는 약사에게 직접 물어볼 수 있습니다.
Translation
These days, a lot of foreign tourists go to pharmacies in Korea. Olive Young and Daiso have long been popular, but now pharmacies are popular too. Pharmacies are becoming a new shopping destination. Marina, a tourist from Belgium, heard that Korean medicine is good, so she went to a pharmacy on purpose. At the big pharmacies in Hongdae and Seongsu, you can ask a pharmacist directly.
Vocabulary
- 관광객명사 (noun)tourist
- 약국명사 (noun)pharmacy, drugstore
- 약사명사 (noun)pharmacist
- 인기가 많다형용사구 (adjective phrase)to be popular
- 일부러부사 (adverb)on purpose, especially
- 직접부사 (adverb)directly, in person
Grammar points
-지만but, although
Attached to a verb or adjective stem to join two clauses that contrast: 'A, but B'. In the past tense it becomes -았/었지만.
Example: 저는 커피를 좋아하지만 우유는 안 좋아합니다.
I like coffee, but I don't like milk.
-고 있습니다is ~ing (in progress)
Attached to a verb stem for an action going on right now, or a change that is under way. 되고 있습니다 means 'is becoming'.
Example: 동생은 지금 한국어를 배우고 있습니다.
My younger brother is learning Korean right now.
-아서/어서so, because
Attached to a verb stem to give the reason for what follows: 'because A, B'. 듣다 is a ㄷ-irregular verb, so 듣다 + -어서 becomes 들어서.
Example: 비가 많이 와서 우산을 샀습니다.
It rained a lot, so I bought an umbrella.
-(으)ㄹ 수 있습니다can, be able to
Attached to a verb stem to say something is possible or that someone is able to do it. Use -을 수 있습니다 after a final consonant, -ㄹ 수 있습니다 after a vowel.
Example: 우체국에서 소포를 보낼 수 있습니다.
You can send a parcel at the post office.
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