Korean Language
Reach 77M Korean Speakers with Expert Translation Services
Korean is one of the world’s oldest living languages and a core focus area of our professional translation services at 1-StopAsia.
You feel it is high time you focus on what matters most - your clients? We can assist.
Why Professional Korean Translation Requires Expertise?
The Written Language
Korean isn’t just another language. It has a unique structure, deep cultural layers, and regional sensitivities. Translating it accurately means understanding not just grammar but how the language works.
Different Structure
Korean uses a Subject-Object-Verb sentence structure unlike most Western languages. It also relies on postpositions (or particles) that change form depending on what follows them. This means a word-by-word translation approach simply won’t work and text must be carefully adapted to make sense and flow naturally in Korean.
Grammar Built on Particles
In Korean, grammatical roles change depending on whether the next word starts with a vowel or consonant. Even simple English sentences like “Eva dislikes John. John dislikes Eva.” become more complicated in Korean:
에바는 존을 싫어한다. 존은 에바를 싫어한다.
The meaning is simple but the structure is not and that’s where experienced linguists bring real value.
Cultural Sensitivity
Certain topics, especially related to North Korea or Japan, require special care in Korean. For example, “Sea of Japan” should be adapted as “East Sea (동해),” and “Liancourt Rocks” as “Dokdo Island (독도).” Even the naming of South Korea can vary based on context, often appearing as “Korea” or “Republic of Korea (한국 or 대한민국).”
Deep Expertise
1-StopAsia began as a Korean translation agency, and Korean remains one of our core strengths. Today we deliver precise localization powered by native linguists and cultural specialists who understand the language inside and out.
The Spoken Language
Korean can be challenging for non-native speakers, mainly because of its honorifics and regional dialects.
Honorifics:
Korean is rich in honorifics, with four distinct levels of formality:
- Hashipsyo-che (formal)
- Haeyo-che (semi-formal)
- Haera-che and Hae-che (informal)
Choosing the right level of formality based on the context and audience is crucial for accurate and respectful translation. Mistakes in honorifics can make you sound impolite or even disrespectful, which is why understanding when and how to use them is vital.
Dialects:
Korean has multiple regional dialects. The six main are:
- Gyeonggi dialect (경기 방언) – Spoken in Seoul and Incheon – the standard dialect taught in schools and used in the media.
- Gangwon dialect (강원 방언)
- Chungcheong dialect (충청 방언)
- Gyeongsang dialect (경상 방언) – Spoken in cities like Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan, and known for its faster pace.
- Jeollado dialect (전라도 방언)
- Jeju dialect (제주 방언)
Each of these dialects carries distinct linguistic features, so understanding which one to use depending on the region and audience is essential for ensuring accurate communication.
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How We Can Support You
Native Translators with Local Expertise
s a Korean-founded company we have a team of native speakers who have grown up with both the language and the culture and each of them has mastered their skills over years of producing precise, culturally relevant translations.
We offer flexible, cost-effective Korean language services that fit your budget and requirements, backed by a smooth and adaptable production process. Whether you need AI-driven translations, machine translations, or traditional human translation, we’ll collaborate with you to achieve the results you’re aiming for.
25 Years of Expertise
Through our 25 years in the industry, we’ve built a team of professionals who truly understand the challenges of translation workflows. They quickly assess clients’ needs and provide professional translation services to match them. Always ready to assist with your inquiries, they also save you time while delivering you accurate translations.