@article{ART003348796},
author={Minjung Kim},
title={Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training},
journal={The Journal of Translation Studies},
issn={1229-795X},
year={2026},
volume={27},
number={2},
pages={199-239},
doi={10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007}
TY - JOUR
AU - Minjung Kim
TI - Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training
JO - The Journal of Translation Studies
PY - 2026
VL - 27
IS - 2
PB - The Korean Association for Translation Studies
SP - 199
EP - 239
SN - 1229-795X
AB - This study aims to analyze the backgrounds, roles, and role perceptions of medical interpreters working in South Korean healthcare settings and explores implications for interpreter education and training. Drawing on survey responses from 72 medical interpreters, the study found that most hospital in-house interpreters held college degrees, while agency and freelance interpreters tended to have fewer than two years of professional experience. Almost all respondents lacked formal qualifications or had only completed short-term training, highlighting the urgent need for educational opportunities for both novice and practicing interpreters. The survey also revealed differences in work assignments across employment settings: hospital in-house interpreters undertook more translation tasks, while agency and freelance interpreters were more involved in dialogue interpreting and frequently performed additional duties such as patient services and marketing. These findings suggest that a code of ethics and proper training programs should be established to help medical interpreters maintain professional standards of accuracy and neutrality while meeting institutional demands. Although respondents generally reported a preference for explaining cultural differences before rendering speech faithfully, the survey was unable to capture how such mediation is carried out in practice. By encompassing interpreters from diverse institutions and minority language groups, this study contributes to a broader understanding of medical interpreting in South Korea and provides context-specific recommendations for training.
KW - Medical interpreting;role perceptions;cultural mediation
DO - 10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
ER -
Minjung Kim. (2026). Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training. The Journal of Translation Studies, 27(2), 199-239.
Minjung Kim. 2026, "Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training", The Journal of Translation Studies, vol.27, no.2 pp.199-239. Available from: doi:10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
Minjung Kim "Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training" The Journal of Translation Studies 27.2 pp.199-239 (2026) : 199.
Minjung Kim. Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training. 2026; 27(2), 199-239. Available from: doi:10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
Minjung Kim. "Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training" The Journal of Translation Studies 27, no.2 (2026) : 199-239.doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
Minjung Kim. Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training. The Journal of Translation Studies, 27(2), 199-239. doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
Minjung Kim. Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training. The Journal of Translation Studies. 2026; 27(2) 199-239. doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
Minjung Kim. Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training. 2026; 27(2), 199-239. Available from: doi:10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
Minjung Kim. "Medical interpreters in South Korea: Professional backgrounds, role perceptions, and implications for training" The Journal of Translation Studies 27, no.2 (2026) : 199-239.doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.2.007
