Your right to an interpreter during questioning
Interpretation in criminal proceedings is a right, not a favour you ask for.
When you can request it
- Police or prosecution questioning (as suspect, witness or victim)
- Court hearings
- Reading and signing statements
- Arrest and detention procedures
How to request it
- Say it clearly at the start. "I do not understand Korean well. I need an interpreter."
- Wait until the interpreter arrives. Do not let questioning begin.
- Phone interpretation is possible. If none is present, request it by phone.
- Say so if the interpretation seems wrong. "The interpretation differs from what I said."
- Ask for the statement to be read back through the interpreter before you sign.
What you need
- Being able to name your language is enough
- ID
Where to go
- Ask directly at the investigating body
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (free legal advice)
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
- Your country's embassy or consulate
- Your local support centre for foreign workers
Questions people ask
I speak some Korean — can I still ask? Yes. Everyday conversation and legal language are different. Do not waive the right because you know a little.
Someone from my company offers to interpret. Refuse. If a party to the case interprets, the content can be distorted. Request a neutral interpreter.
Do I have to pay for the interpreter? Interpretation costs in criminal proceedings are not borne by you.
The interpreter seems poor. Say so on the spot. You can also have it recorded in the statement that you object to the interpretation.
Take care
Questioning that starts without an interpreter is hard to undo later. Wait for the interpreter even if it takes time. Memorise the one sentence now: "I need an interpreter."
Related
detained-by-police · arrest-rights · lawyer-right · emergency-interpretation-1345
Source
Korean National Police Agency www.police.go.kr / Korea Legal Aid Corporation www.klac.or.kr / As of 2026-08