Your Ultimate Guide to Korean Mobile Learning (m-learning) Localization (P2)

Many mobile-learning businesses come to Korea and use their connections to reach out to more Korean customers through Korean Mobile Learning (m-learning) Localization services.

After part 1, in this part 2, we’ll look at more essential guides to your Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization projects.

Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization – how to make yours succeed

Localization changes the application of words to fit the locale of your translation, which requires work beyond a word-for-word translation and needs a deep understanding of Korean culture and daily expression.

Though localization for the Korean market poses a lot of challenges, if you do it right, the advantages are worth the challenge. Here’s how:

#1. Pay attention to honorifics for your Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization

Honorifics are used by Koreans in everyday situations. When speaking with their parents, bosses, teachers, or even random strangers on the street, Koreans use different levels of speech to express their respect for others or to represent the formality or informality of the situation. By understanding these levels of speech, you can assess which usage fits your learners. 

For example, if your audiences are the elderly, the use of higher levels is a must. However, if your company targets young learners, using lower levels of speech is a suitable option as it will not come off as too informal and will help to create a friendly connection.

#2. Customize your UI design and content for your Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization

• UI design in Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization

Korean materials and services tend to contain more words, information, and call-to-action compared to Western ones. The Western-style prefers a simple and clean look with more pictures.

Due to these differences, Korean users are less likely to use Western-style services/products because they find it difficult to obtain the information they want. That is why you have to adapt your UI design to the preferences of Koreans.

• Content adjustment for leading search engines in Korea

Google holds a monopoly in most search markets around the world, but that is not the case in South Korea. Based on different sources of data, Google’s search engine market share in this market is between 75 and 80%, whereas Naver’s market share is between 15 and 30%. Bing, another Korean search engine, comes in at 2%.

Even Google’s share of the search market in South Korea is a respectable figure, it is substantially lower than most countries. Hence, when targeting South Korea, it would be wise to consider other search engines like Naver and Bing. 

Also, as the layout of each search engine results page is different, you need to customize your m-learning content for each of them. 

In terms of content, to prevent your targeted learners from leaving your courses, localizing your content is essential. As cultural preferences in Korea change rapidly, it’s critical that you keep up-to-date on the best practices to address with your target audience. If possible, you should use a native specialist to help with localization.

•  Analyze your competitors is vital for your Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization process

By analyzing your competitors from the beginning to the end of your m-learning development, you can avoid the additional cost, work, and time. 

For example, while your global competitor keeps their Western-styled services in English or their native language, you can differentiate your brand with localized content that the Korean audience can understand and appreciate.

*** Here are some Korean localization details and locale specifics that you should consider for your Korean learners:

• The Korean language is typically 15-20% shorter than English. Make sure to check it out to get your captions/subtitles in the courses easy-to-follow. 
• People in Korea employ the metric system of measuring, as well as sometimes the traditional Korean unit of measurement, the ‘pyeong,’ which is around 3.31 square meters or 35.58 square feet.
• Instead of ‘KRW,’ you should utilize the Korean ‘₩’  for products and services. Avoid using decimal points, such as 3,000 instead of 3,000.00, to make the pricing seem less crowded.
• Year-month-day is the date format. (For example, 2022.01.02)
• In Korea, both 24-hour and 12-hour clock notation are extensively used. In writings, the 24-hour notation is more commonly used, although the 12-hour notation is more popular in daily life. 
• The full name format is a family name that is followed by the given name.

The future of learning is mobile and global

The popularity of mobile learning is skyrocketing. Mobile learning localization allows you to expand the reach of your course to potential students not only in Korea but all around the world. 

Localizing your m-learning is the best method to get the most out of your training and learning resources.

Pick your right Korean mobile learning (m-learning) localization

As a Korean translation & localization company, GTE Localize is here to satisfy all your Korean Mobile Learning (m-learning) Localization.

We can provide you with a native and professional translator from our network, ensuring that you get an accurate, and cost-saving Korean translation anytime you need it.

To eliminate errors and improve accuracy, we only employ the latest language technologies. Our customers appreciate our precise translations, helpful experts, and fast delivery. Here’s a link to our case study.

Check out more about our Korean Mobile Learning (m-learning) Localization here.

Ready to get started? Book a free test with one of our Korean localization experts now!