Korea has A LOT of signs. They are on buildings, street corners, and just about any place you can think to put a sign. Most of them are in Korean, but some are in Korean and English. These are the signs that can be really interesting, and fun. Following is a sampling of signs, labels, and other English-to-Korean translations that we found amusing.
This sign is a lighted digital board above school a crossing. It alternates between the cute Korean policeman and the snail, to remind everyone to go slow. They are lighted because children here go to school early and get out late, which means they are often navigating treacherous Korean streets in the dark.
Product labelling has its own charm. Here, a package of chopsticks labelled as teaspoons.
How about some "lion chops" for dinner?
You can always start the day with 1% "self-control body milk."
His and her soup mugs, designed on a line of canned soups. They make us feel good every time we use them.
Retail establishments can be quite fun. We are always charmed by the mascots for Mister Donut.
Not in the mood for donuts? How about the potato bar?
Shop here and put romance into your life!
The mannequin has every reason to be disgruntled - his men's clothing shop has yet to change the "Wonder Woman" sign left over from the previous occupant. Oops!
Restaurants are often the source of a good chuckle. This one is in our neighborhood. It opened early in 2010, proudly states "Since 2010" and really does serve octopus and chicken.
Not in the mood for octopus? Then how about this childhood favorite?
Looking for liquid refreshment? How about this joint?
And if you spent a little too much time in "Pub's Pub" last night, you can have this soup for breakfast.
If you don't feel like going out, you can order in. Delivery scooters are ubiquitous, and a mence to other drivers. But your food will arrive quick and hot.
My all-time favorite! The word "taang" means soup in Hangul. This halfway translation is just too funny.
Sometimes (often) the translation proofreader misses a word or two.
A word-for-word translation gives rise to some interesting reading. This one is on the rear windshield of a car. First of all, Hades? Really? Second, we aren't at all clear about this message - if you are, let us know. Third, you could only read a messagel like this if you were stuck in a slow-moving traffic jam. Good thing there are a lot of those here, or this expensive window decor would go to waste!
This sign was on the inside of a bathroom stall. I have no idea what it says, but whatever it is, if you look in the lower right-hand corner, you can see that it is endorsed by the KTA - Korea Toilet Association. Who knew?
Shindegae is a big, upscale department store that sells all the designer brands at full retail pricing. Must be how they could afford to use Jeff Koons in their advertising. He may love Shinsegae. We have found in our two years here that there is much about Korea that we love, including the interesting attempts at the English language. They may produce some crazy stuff, but whatever I may have to say about Korean English (known as Konglish), it certainly outdoes my 12 Korean phrases.
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