You're in Korea and you see a sign in English. But the grammar is wrong and the words make no sense. What is going on? Seoulmates, let us introduce you to Konglish!
What Is Konglish?
Konglish is the term used to describe English words and phrases that have been adapted to Korean culture. It's a unique language of its own, often mixing English and Korean together in ways that are both funny and confusing for native English speakers.
Image Credits: Courtesy of Darcy via Pinterest
Konglish can be found everywhere in Korea, from shop signs and posters to slogans used in advertisement campaigns. If you take a walk around any city in Korea, you will likely come across Konglish signs that make you chuckle.
What Kinds of Konglish Are There?
English is one of the hardest languages to learn. So it's no surprise that translating it can be difficult.
First, there are specific rules for grammar and punctuation. Some Konglish sentences may be spelled right, but have a comma or period out of place.
Image Credits: In My Korea via deMilked
Another reason for Konglish fails is that some English letters don't exist in the Korean alphabet ("R"), while others are hard to pronounce and can sound like an entirely different letter ("B" and "P"). So you'll get spelling errors like this one.
Image Credits: DC CopyPro via Instagram
And finally, there are signs where the words don't make sense at all. You end up with messages that are bewildering, awkward, or ridiculous, even if you can guess the original meaning.
Image Credits: Steve Mohundro via Flickr
The Funniest Konglish Signs and Posters!
Now that you know more about Konglish, we'd like to share some of our favorite posters and signs that made us laugh.
Warning: Some rude language and innuendoes due to mistranslation.
Image Credits: DC CopyPro via Instagram
Hand-washing? Masking? Apparently, one of the best ways to curb COVID-19 is to be naked. We wonder how long this translation stayed up before someone changed it.
Image Credits: Journalist on the Run
We appreciate the thoughtfulness that went into this sign. We didn't know littering was such a threat to tourists.
Image Credits: Jimmy Kwon via Instagram
The Korean words for "red" and "enemy" are similar. Apparently, Google Translate confused the two. Another reason why you shouldn't let robots make your signs.
Image Credits: Image via In My Korea
Go to Korea, and you'll find many hilarious bathroom signs. This one takes the cake: is it the toilet that's in pain, or the people? Either way, maybe it's better not to use the toilet here.
Image Credits: Eillie Brown via Flickr
When you combine a love of coffee, poetry, and Konglish, you get this beautiful mess of a sign.
Image Credits: Bored Panda via Pinterest
While it's not entirely wrong, we don't think seniors will appreciate this translation for "cane"! We also don't know why it's paired with a raincoat.
Image Credits: findingminwoo via Instagram
Like "red" and "enemy," "beach" and "b*tch" are very similar in Korean. We're as confused as BTS' V: where are we going?
Image Credits: fusion311intro via Flickr
We love signs that tell us exactly where we need to go.
Image Credits: Courtesy of In My Korea
What do you get when you cross a movie quote with Konglish? This food truck sign. The angry mascot makes the mistranslation even funnier.
Image Credits: DC CopyPro via deMilked
More bathroom signs! The second one should say "Don't flush except for toilet paper." We wish our troubles could be flushed away that easily.
Image Credits: Bored Panda via Pinterest
We're pretty sure the sign means "Delicious food made with love for you." There's no other cooking going on at this cafe.
Image Credits: Kimmo Raisanen via Flickr
The book has a good message. We can't say the same for its spelling.
Image Credits: Image via In My Korea
Good English starts and ends here!
Image Credits: Image via RedBubble
Our last sign is clearly a work in progress. Fully translated, this poster says, "This Waegukin loves soju." If you like soju and visiting pojangmachas (or pochas), then we've got something for you.
Seoulbox: Korean Snacks That Make Sense
Konglish is a fun way to explore the Korean culture and get a glimpse into how English and Korean interact. But why not pair it with a delicious, and less confusing, Seoulbox?
Image Credits: Image via Seoulbox
Seoulbox is a monthly subscription box service that provides unique snacks from South Korea. Inside, you'll receive an array of sweet and savory Korean snacks that are sure to satisfy any taste buds. You'll also get Kpop merch, a drink, and a beautiful magazine. Sign up for Seoulbox today!
Image Credits: Image via Seoulbox
Did any of these signs make you laugh or puzzled? What are some other funny Konglish signs you've seen? Take care, and happy Konglish-ing!
2 comments
Best email ever! Lots of fun.
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