Translation services will be offered by community health care centers for foreign wives of Korean men.

The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said the service will target foreign women who've settled in rural areas after marrying Korean men.

It noted that foreign women have difficulty at community health centers due to language barriers.

The translation service was introduced in 2007 on a trial basis, which led to a 25 percent increase in the use of health centers by foreign women.

The ministry expects the service to help foreigners better adapt to life in Korea and maintain their health.