Translators and interpreters may be one of the oldest of the professions, facilitating the communication and exchanges between people speaking different languages. The first translation and interpreting graduate school in Korea was established around 30 years ago, and has since nurtured a number of professional translators and interpreters; they have stood at the forefront of globalization, promoting Korea to other countries while introducing foreign cultures into Korea. The role of translators and interpreters will grow more significant as we are living in a globalized world where communications between countries have become important and competitions at economic and cultural level fiercer.

Despite such important role assumed by translators and interpreters, low recognition and understanding of the profession resulted in unfair payment and unreasonable working conditions. This is partially due to a cutthroat competition among the professionals; the supply has surpassed the demand as more graduate schools have been established and have produced translators and interpreters without common standards. Now is the time to address the fundamental issue – quality control of the professionals and their services. As part of the effort, the Korean Association of Translators and Interpreters (KATI) was launched in 2007 as an incorporated association under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. We aim to build the network of professional translators and interpreters, protect their rights and interests, and improve the quality and specialty of translation and interpreting services provided in the market. Not only do we protect our members’ rights and interests, but we will contribute to preventing any waste of time, money and effort caused at the national level by the non-professionals.

Regardless of the education background, any professional having career in translation and/or interpreting of any area in any language may apply for the membership as long as he/she meets the qualifications set by the Association. We invite you the professional translators and interpreters to join us. Let’s find a way together where both the professionals and the society can prosper.