Seoul’s subway system is set to become more tourist-friendly with the expansion of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) interpretation system in 11 stations. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Mar. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul’s subway system is set to become more tourist-friendly with the expansion of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) interpretation system in 11 stations, facilitating real-time conversations between foreign visitors and station staff in their native languages.
Seoul Metro announced on March 14 that the ‘Simultaneous Foreign Language Conversation System’ will be extended to stations with high foreign usage, including Myeong-dong, Hongik University, and Gimpo Airport stations. This innovative system allows for natural dialogue through a transparent OLED display that instantly translates and presents the conversation text.
Supporting a total of 13 languages, including Korean, the system offers translations in English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Spanish, French, German, Arabic, and Russian. Users can select their preferred language on the startup screen to access the service.
In addition to facilitating real-time conversations, the system provides a variety of supplementary services such as subway route searches based on the map, information on transfers, travel times, fares, and the status of locker facilities (T-Locker) and manned storage (T-Luggage). These services are available in 13 languages through a touchscreen interface.
Following a three-month pilot at Myeong-dong station starting last December, the corporation monitored tourist usage and satisfaction, improving the system’s capabilities through AI learning of station names and railway terminology.
Efforts were also made to overcome noise-related recognition and translation issues within the station environment by integrating noise-canceling technology.
The system is now accessible at key locations including Jongno 5-ga on Line 1, City Hall, Hongik University, Euljiro 1-ga, and Gangnam on Line 2, Gyeongbokgung on Line 3, Myeong-dong on Line 4, Gwanghwamun and Gimpo Airport on Line 5, and Itaewon and Gongdeok on Line 6.
Baek Ho, president of Seoul Metro, stated, “As the first ‘Simultaneous Foreign Language Conversation System’ in the country, it will provide a seamless and convenient subway experience for foreign visitors of various nationalities. We plan to further improve convenience and utility by offering a range of additional services through AI technology beyond simultaneous conversation.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
