Using interpretation and translation services

You can call an interpreter when Korean is hard. Don't go alone and come back without understanding.

What is available

1. Family Center interpretation — specialist interpreters accompany you or interpret by phone; document translation too.
2. 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline — 13 languages, 24-hour phone interpretation.
3. 1345 Immigration Contact Center — multilingual advice on stay and administration.
4. 112 and 119 reporting — an interpreter joins the call.
5. 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor — interpreted labour advice.
6. Hospital international clinics — at some large hospitals.
7. Court interpretation — you have the right to request it in trials and investigations.

Steps

1. Decide the date and place.
2. Apply to the Family Center in advance. Accompaniment needs booking.
3. If it is urgent, call 1577-1366. Phone interpretation works on the spot.
4. Handle your business with the interpreter.
5. Note or photograph anything important.

What you need

• Alien Registration Card
• The office you are visiting and your purpose
• Relevant documents

Where to go

• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
• Your local Family Center (accompaniment and translation)
• 1345 Immigration Contact Center
• 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor (work)
• Ask for interpretation when calling 112 or 119

Questions people ask

Does it cost money? Public interpretation services are mostly free. There is no need to pay a lot to a private interpreter.

I need it urgently today. Use phone interpretation (1577-1366). Put it on speaker so everyone can hear.

I need a document translated. Family Centers sometimes support translation. Documents needing notarisation may require a separate process.

No interpreter was provided during police questioning. You have the right to one. Say clearly that you need an interpreter, and do not sign a statement you did not understand.

Take care

Relying only on an acquaintance or your spouse to interpret can distort what is said. For important matters — contracts, divorce, investigations — request an official interpreter.

Related

multicultural-services · emergency-interpretation-1345 · danuri-helpline · family-center

Source

Danuri www.liveinkorea.kr / As of 2026-08