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
- Family Center interpretation — specialist interpreters accompany you or interpret by phone; document translation too.
- 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline — 13 languages, 24-hour phone interpretation.
- 1345 Immigration Contact Center — multilingual advice on stay and administration.
- 112 and 119 reporting — an interpreter joins the call.
- 1350 Ministry of Employment and Labor — interpreted labour advice.
- Hospital international clinics — at some large hospitals.
- Court interpretation — you have the right to request it in trials and investigations.
Steps
- Decide the date and place.
- Apply to the Family Center in advance. Accompaniment needs booking.
- If it is urgent, call 1577-1366. Phone interpretation works on the spot.
- Handle your business with the interpreter.
- 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