The Konglish often seen around Korea I always find humorous, but the Seoul city government has launched a crackdown to try and fix many of its signs:
On left, an English sign referring to a public stage in front of Seoul City Hall is wrongly translated as “Vitality Charging Station.” On right, “Muggyo Annex,” nearby the hall’s entrance, is misspelled as “Emuggyo Annex.” / Korea Times photo by Hong Dam-young, Lee Jin-a
The Seoul City government recently launched an ambitious project to crack down on errors in English-language signs. But maybe they should take a look at their own building first.
Walking around Seoul City Hall, reporters from The Korea Times spotted several errors in English-language signs.
The first sign that caught their attention was “Vitality Charging Station” at an information display kiosk on the first floor. Referring to a public stage in front of the building, the English wrongly translated the original meaning.
One of the reporters asked a passing Canadian if he could guess the meaning of “Vitality Charging Station.” He thought for a while and said: “I think it means ‘battery’ or ‘male stamina.’
It’s the best guess I can make. I’m not sure what it means, though.” [Korea Times]
“guess the meaning of ‘Vitality Charging Station.'”
Hmmm… let me guess.
Bouncy little secretaries fresh out of university… slim bodies in tight, tailored uniforms having short skirts with a long slit up the side… slender legs ending in impossibly high heels… glossy red lips outlining inviting smiles?
Shiiiiit… I don’t even need to go to the station.
My vitality got charged just thinking what it might be all about.
Jax
10 years ago
With all of the hagwon teachers and English-speaking business/military/TV show people in the country, it’s amazing that no one asks for a translation check before going to print.
“guess the meaning of ‘Vitality Charging Station.'”
Hmmm… let me guess.
Bouncy little secretaries fresh out of university… slim bodies in tight, tailored uniforms having short skirts with a long slit up the side… slender legs ending in impossibly high heels… glossy red lips outlining inviting smiles?
Shiiiiit… I don’t even need to go to the station.
My vitality got charged just thinking what it might be all about.
With all of the hagwon teachers and English-speaking business/military/TV show people in the country, it’s amazing that no one asks for a translation check before going to print.
Except all they offer is Vita500 or vegan burgers, No cigarettes…
The slippery language was half of the Sparkling!