> Languages > Korean
As opposed to both Chinese and Japanese, written Korean uses a purely phonetic alphabet, called Hangul, comprising 10 vowels and 14 consonants. Although Chinese characters, or Hanja, are still used, especially in newspapers and academic works, their use is steadily decreasing in favour of the simpler Hangul alphabet.
Korean Translation
The vast majority of texts can be readily and easily translated between English and Korean. Nevertheless the differences between Korean and Western traditions, thought and culture can create challenges when dealing with certain concepts and subject areas. However Korean-English translators are trained in techniques and approaches to overcoming these difficulties.
English company and personal names will generally be transliterated in Korean – the approximate sounds of the English name reproduced in Korean characters.
Korean Typesetting
Whilst Microsoft Office applications and web design programs can handle Korean fonts (double byte characters), most English graphic design programs cannot. InDesign and Illustrator are exceptions, and with these programs Korean translations are normally supplied as standard files with the Korean text typeset and then outlined to curves. For other programs, the Korean translation is normally typeset in Illustrator then placed in the design file as outlined eps files.
Typesetting Korean text poses no particular difficulties or problems for the experienced Korean typesetter, although occasionally space issues can arise as Korean translations can sometimes take up a little more space than the equivalent English text. As with all character-based scripts, very small point sizes should be avoided as the characters tend to ‘fill in’ and become hard to read.
In addition to an appreciation of Korean design aesthetics, appropriate font selection is vital for Korean typesetting, and should be left to our Korean typesetters. Choosing fonts based on European aesthetic considerations frequently results in a less than optimal impact to the Korean reader.
The International Language Company Advantage:
The Best Translators
We use only experienced, professionally qualified Korean translators
with a proven track record of consistent professional-quality
work.
Quality Assurance
All translations undergo full checking and proofing procedures
to ensure accuracy and eliminate ‘human error’. All typesetting
is double checked and subject to translator sign off before
delivery.
Confidentiality
Full confidentiality of all material is guaranteed at all times.
Experience!
We have over 18 years experience translating and typesetting
all types of materials in over 80 languages.
