What is it about?
The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, the study aims to explore unique conditions in Korea under which issues concerning medical interpreting have been addressed. Second, the study aims to diagnose problems with the medical communication in ordinary hospitals between Korean medical personnel and limited Korean proficient (LKP) patients. These two purposes are achieved using a descriptive and explanatory approach.
Why is it important?
One might see medical interpreting in Korea not as a type of PSI but as ‘business interpreting’ performed for international clients. According to the MITC website, the ultimate goal of the program is to “attract medical tourists and enhance the competitiveness of the medical tourism (MT) industry through interpreter training”. As Lee (2009) argues, medical interpreter services in Korea may be considered a means to an end in the health care business and thus it is necessary to reconsider the conventional view that the socio-legal dynamics of medical interpreting is linked with demographic changes and growing streams of immigration.