“Easy-to-read information” means information that anyone can understand without difficulty, including people with intellectual disabilities, people who are not comfortable with reading and writing, and people who are reading in a language that is not their first language. This is not simply a matter of being considerate; it is an international standard that guarantees everyone’s right to access information. MAP (Migration to Asia Peace) created this guide based on that principle, so that refugees can read and understand information easily. MAP applies it directly in Refugee News. When more organisations adopt this practice, more refugees will be able to access information, learn new things, and take part in Korean society together.

1. Text Structure and Layout

Write Simple Sentences

  • Put only one idea or key point in each sentence.
  • Even when you need to add an explanation, keep the sentence short. Split it into several sentences instead.
  • Avoid complex sentence structures.

Keep Paragraphs Short

  • Cover only one topic in each paragraph.

Use Headings and Subheadings

  • Create clear, intuitive headings that let readers see the key content straight away.
  • Use headings and subheadings to organise information in a logical order.
  • Choose words for subheadings that best represent the content below them.

Text Layout

  • Choose a font and font size that suit the age and home country of your readers.
  • Use generous line spacing and leave enough white space around the text.
  • For languages that are read from right to left (such as Arabic or Persian), align the text to the right.

2. Vocabulary and Grammar

Choose Words That Are Easy to Understand

  • Avoid complicated or technical terms. When you must use one, always include an explanation.
  • Do not use abbreviations unless the context makes them truly necessary.
  • Use words that people use in everyday life.

However, keep official terms exactly as they appear in official documents. This prevents confusion when readers search online or check official paperwork.

  • Official terms: activity permitted outside status of sojourn (체류자격 외 활동 허가), Immigration Control Act (출입국관리법), unregistered child (미등록 아동), and similar
  • Document names: integrated application form (통합신청서), lease agreement (임대차계약서), and similar
  • Organisation names: National Health Insurance Service (국민건강보험공단), Korea Immigration Service (출입국·외국인청), and similar

Use Correct Grammar

  • Always run a spelling check before you publish a document.
  • Follow the grammar rules of each language.
    • Korean: subject, predicate agreement, honorific speech levels (높임법), and correct spacing between words
    • English: subject, verb agreement, consistent tense, correct use of articles, and active voice
  • If something sounds awkward when you read it aloud, rewrite it so it reads naturally.

Keep Language and Tone Consistent

  • Maintain a tone that suits the nature of the document, from beginning to end.
  • Once you have decided on a term, use it consistently throughout the whole document.

3. Information Layout

Present Key Information Clearly

  • Organise the content so readers can find and read the key information quickly.
  • Before the main text begins, add a short overview that previews the whole content.
  • Arrange information in order so readers can follow the flow easily.
  • When listing several pieces of information, use bullet points (·, -, ○, etc.).
  • Include specific examples or evidence to help understanding.
  • For external information, provide a link rather than a long explanation.

4. Respecting Diversity

Keep a Neutral Tone

  • When delivering information, make sure your own values, nationality, and culture do not show through.
  • Use “Korea” rather than expressions like “our country.”

Choose Words That Respect Diversity

  • Remember that the same word can be understood differently depending on a reader’s cultural or political background.
  • Use gender-neutral expressions.

Reach a Range of Readers

  • Provide Braille files or audio files for readers who are blind or deaf.

5. Images and Symbols

Use Images, Symbols, and Diagrams Thoughtfully

  • Images and symbols must have a clear meaning and be directly related to the content in the text.
  • Avoid images that are vague or that might be interpreted differently across cultures.

6. Feedback

Check with Readers Directly

  • Collect feedback on whether the content is truly easy to understand, from readers who are not comfortable with reading and writing, readers with intellectual disabilities, and refugee readers whose first language is different.
  • Revise the content based on the feedback you receive.

7. Accessibility and Delivery

Deliver Information Through a Range of Channels

  • Distribute information through various channels such as social media and websites.
  • Put detailed content on a website and make card news more concise, to improve readability and accessibility.

Help Searching Readers Find Your Content Easily

  • Refer to the keywords suggested by search engines when writing titles and body text.

  • Remove words and conjunctions that are unrelated to the key term from titles.

  • Use proper nouns consistently throughout the whole document.

  • Make active use of hashtags (#). For example: #난민정책 #RefugeePolicy

The People Who Made This Guide

This guide is MAP 1.0 from MAP (Migration to Asia Peace). It was created together by:

Kim Dong-gyu, Kim Young-a, Kim Ye-hyeon, Kim Hyeon-bin, Park Jae-yeong, Lee Na-gyeong, Jo Ju-yeon