Understand the service
BBB Korea is a nonprofit service connecting people with volunteer telephone interpreters. Its supported languages include English and Korean, with 20 languages listed in its guidance.
Volunteers answer calls alongside their ordinary lives. A request may take time or fail to connect, so do not treat the service as a guaranteed immediate response.
Call without installing the app
Within Korea, dial 1588-5644 and follow the recorded language instructions. When connected, explain the situation briefly and say who needs to speak with whom.
From overseas, the published number is +82 2 818 1500, followed by the relevant language extension. Check the current instructions before calling. International telephone charges may apply.
Set up the app before you need it
The bbb 통역 interpreting app provides language selection, a request process and three-way calling. Complete phone-number verification while you have a reliable connection, then follow the current setup screens.
Once connected to a volunteer, the app can add another person by phone number or contact. Ask that person before connecting them. During a call, text or photographs can help clarify a sign or unfamiliar word.
Interpretation is free, but the app uses a connection that may incur data charges. Telephone conference calling outside the app depends on your carrier's service and charges.
Make the conversation easier to interpret
Speak in short sections and pause for interpretation. Explain names, dates and amounts carefully, and ask the other person to confirm important details. If you cannot hear clearly, say so rather than guessing the answer.
For a booking or payment, keep the relevant reference or receipt ready. Do not share more personal information than the conversation requires.
Use it within its limits
BBB volunteers help communicate; they do not negotiate or make decisions on your behalf. The service does not provide in-person interpreting, long professional assignments or document translation.
For a tourism question, 1330 offers visitor information and interpretation. For an emergency, call 112 for police or 119 for fire, an ambulance or rescue first. Ask the emergency dispatcher for language assistance rather than waiting for a volunteer.
