Korean suppliers, manufacturers and partners often speak some English, but prices, specifications and delivery terms are where misunderstandings cost money. A business interpreter keeps the conversation moving and the numbers exact.
Consecutive is usually enough
Most business meetings, factory tours and dinners use consecutive interpreting: one person speaks, then the interpreter repeats it in the other language. It needs no equipment and one interpreter. Plan for meetings to take a little longer. Conferences with continuous speeches need simultaneous interpreting with a booth and two interpreters.
Send materials in advance
- Company profile and product list
- Quotations, specifications and model numbers
- Recent emails with the other side
- Internal abbreviations your team uses
Product names and model numbers are the hardest things to interpret on the spot. A short list saves real time.
Confirm the numbers twice
A good interpreter repeats back prices, quantities, lead times, currency and shipping terms. After the meeting, send a short email summarizing what was agreed, so both sides have it in writing.
Factory and site visits
Tell us if the interpreter needs safety shoes, a clean room gown or a site induction, and whether photos are allowed. On noisy lines the interpreter stays next to you and interprets in short pieces. Travel time between sites counts as interpreting time.
Video meetings
Interpreters can join Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. Invite them as a participant and do a sound check 10 minutes before. Write the time in both your time zone and Korean time.
How to book
SIC Seoul Interpreting Center has 370+ registered interpreters in 21 languages and has worked with 100+ companies and hospitals. Call or text us with the date, place and languages.