If you spot a confusing foreign-language sign in Seoul, report it to the city government and it will take action as a high priority.

That is what the Seoul City Government said when it kicked off a 50-day campaign Wednesday to correct awkward expressions on foreign-language signs around the capital.

Foreign residents or tourists in Seoul may participate in the drive, which will last until Jan. 28 through English, Japanese or Chinese versions of its tourism homepage (www.visitseoul.net). Korean nationals can also report poor wording through the website of WOW Seoul (www.seoul.go.kr).

Reports will be examined by a municipal advisory committee on foreign language signs, which will then notify related district offices of more understandable expressions.

“Hangang,” for example, is understandable to Koreans, but may confuse foreigners who don’t know what gang means. A more agreeable sign is “Hangang (River),” Seoul officials said.

Participants can check if current signs are understandable by looking on the online dictionary for signs (dictionary.seoul.go.kr), compiled by Seoul in August.

The city government plans to give souvenirs to participants who make frequent or important reports.

Earlier, Seoul had received about 500 reports on awkward foreign-language expressions on signs from February and May, and is currently revising signs based on them.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)