Interpreting Fees
Rates for Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpreting Per Person (Excluding VAT)
A. English, French
- Up to One Hour : KRW 700,000
- Up to Six Hours : KRW 1,000,000
- Over Six Hours : KRW 200,000 per additional hour
B. Other Languages
▶ German
- Up to One Hour : KRW 700,000
- Up to Six Hours : KRW 1,000,000
- Over Six Hours : KRW 150,000 per additional hour
▶ Japanese, Chinese
- Up to One Hour : KRW 700,000
- Up to Six Hours : KRW 900,000
- Over Six Hours : KRW 150,000 per additional hour
▶ Spanish, Italian, Vietnam
- Up to One Hour : KRW 800,000
- Up to Six Hours : KRW 1,000,000
- Over Six Hours : KRW 150,000 per additional hour
▶ Russian
- Up to One Hour : KRW 800,000
- Up to Six Hours : KRW 1,000,000
- Over Six Hours : KRW 200,000 per additional hour
General Principles
▶ Duration of Service
The duration of interpreting service includes the entire period of service from start to finish, excluding a one-hour lunch break. The lunch hour is included in the service duration when interpreting is provided during lunch.
▶ Number of Interpreters
Simultaneous interpreting requires at least a pair of interpreters, even when interpreting is needed for only 30 minutes. Depending on the duration or difficulty of a subject, particular occasions may call for a team of three interpreters.
Consecutive interpreting generally requires one interpreter. Depending on the duration or difficulty of a subject, particular occasions may call for a team of two interpreters.
▶ Cancellation Penalty
30% of the interpreting fee (corresponding to 6 hours) is charged when reserved interpreting is cancelled four to seven days before the service date. 40% of the interpreting fee (corresponding to 6 hours) is charged two to three days before, 50% is charged one day before and 100% if cancelled on the day of the event.
▶ Pre-meeting
An interpreter is paid KRW 200,000 per hour for participating in a pre-meeting requested by the client. Any materials to be used in the meeting should be delivered by the client as soon as possible before the event via e-mail or express delivery. Any pre-meetings on the service date are included in the duration of service.
▶ Interpreting at night
For interpreting services that are provided between 22:00 pm and 6:00 am, a nighttime interpreting premium of KRW 50,000 per person per hour will be charged.
▶ Rehearsal
Any rehearsals performed on the date of service are included in the duration of service. Rehearsals conducted on a day other than the service date are equally charged at official rates.
▶ Recording & Broadcasting
Recording and broadcasting of interpretation require a prior consent from the interpreters involved. Recorded interpreting is charged at 200% of the official service rate, and broadcasted interpreting at 200%. When interpreting is recorded and published for sharing within the organization, it is also charged at 150%.
*Legal grounds
Interpretation is protected by international law (the Berne Convention). When interpretation is physically captured in any formats, including printed document, publication, voice recording, video recording, vinyl record, CD and cassette tape, the interpretation is regarded as a translation based on the Berne Convention, and the copyright belongs to the interpreter, the author of the translation.
Allowance for Business Travel
Interpreting provided outside of Seoul for less than six hours is charged at the six-hour rates posted above.
A. Domestic Travel (All areas outside Seoul)
- Allowance for travel days: KRW 400,000 allowance is charged for an interpreter who travels to/from a location a day before/after the service day.
- Allowance for stays outside of Seoul: KRW 200,000 is charged per each day on which interpreting service is provided and KRW 400,000 per each day on which service is not required.
- The selected means of transportation should ensure the minimum possible travel time and the related fees should be borne by the client.
- Accommodation expenses (1 hotel room per person) during the days on which interpreting services are provided should be borne by the client.
- Therefore, airfare should be provided by the client to interpreters traveling to a location within Korea, or KTX (express train, executive car) tickets if the destination is not equipped with an airport.
- In cases where an interpreter makes use of his/her own vehicle, fuel costs should be remunerated by the client.
B. Overseas Travel
- Allowance for traveling days: KRW 500,000 allowance is charged for an interpreter who travels to/from a location a day before/after the service day.
- When an interpreter travels for eight hours or longer, she/he should be provided two rest days: one before and one after the day of interpreting. Should the travel take 16 hours or longer, the interpreter should be provided four rest days: two before and two after the service date.
- Allowance for overseas stays: KRW 200,000 is charged per each day on which interpreting service is provided and KRW 500,000 per each day on which service is not required.
- Round-trip airfare and other travel expenses, as well as accommodation expenses (1 hotel room per person) should be provided by the client.
* Note: An interpreter may use a taxi to travel from/to a train station or bus terminal to/from the interpreting location. (Only with the client's prior consent)
Interpretation Equipment and Microphone System
We provide interpretation equipment services, including booths, receivers and microphones, in partnership with a specialized equipment and sound service provider. Please contact the office for a quotation.
Translation Cooperative
318-14, Unit 201, Seongsan-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03716, ROK
T. +82-2-388-0003
F. +82-2-338-0043
M. +82-10-9090-3355
E-mail: jjc@transcoop.net