South Korea tries hard to make their 10 million visitors per year welcome. English is not only the language of business but most street signs, advertising slogans, and announcements on the subway and public transportation are bilingual, there are about 150,000 multilingual signs across Seoul. English speakers say they feel pampered and have no problem getting around or eating in a restaurant. But as in any non native English speaking country there are a lot of strange translations like “observe the mind of fashion” and typos like “Uniersity” (University without a V.) So, to help them get the English right, the Seoul City Council has decided on the innovative solution of offering free meals to anyone who points out bad English signs.

English is cool and trendy so even if the city council gets their English right, restaurant owners will still use online translation tools to offer dishes like “weird meal” instead of “special menu deal,” and Korean business will go on overusing English slogans on things like t-shirts reading “my belongs on and on” and “love you forever of road.” But The Seoul initiative is a hospitable step towards the acceptance of globalization, let’s be grateful that the Koreans are trying to get it right, and a good giggle is always welcome.

Reference:
BBC World Service 4.11.16