Seoul Introduces Real-Time Translation Screens to Enhance Tourist Experience
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has taken a significant step towards improving the tourist experience in the capital city by introducing real-time translation screens at tourist information centers. Designed specifically for non-Korean speakers, these interactive screens aim to provide assistance to tourists in their preferred language. Equipped with artificial intelligence and voice-to-text conversion technology, the translation service displays the translated text on a transparent screen, enabling face-to-face conversation.
As part of an initial pilot project, these translation service screens will be installed at two tourist information centers: the Gwanghwamun Tourist Information Center and Seoul Tourism Plaza. The plan is to expand the installation to other locations across the city in the future.
To cater to a diverse range of visitors, the translation services will be available in 11 languages. These languages were determined based on data from the Korea Tourism Organization, which considered the number of tourists from each country who visited South Korea in 2019. The supported languages include English, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and French.
Beginning November 20, tourists can try out the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s real-time translation service at the two designated tourist information centers in central Seoul. As more tourists utilize the translation service, the accuracy of the translations will improve, as the AI translation engine continues to learn and adapt.
The city government is keen on further enhancing the tourist experience and convenience by introducing this groundbreaking service. Kim Young-hwan, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Department of Tourism and Sports, expressed hope that tourists visiting Seoul would be able to enjoy the city without facing language barriers.
In addition to the translation service launch, the city government has planned a pilot project event until December 31. Participants who try out the translation service will have the chance to enter a random draw for a discount coupon that can be redeemed at a duty-free store in Seoul or for a souvenir. This initiative aims to encourage more tourists to experience the benefits of the real-time translation service.
With these real-time translation screens, Seoul strives to provide greater convenience and satisfaction for tourists, allowing them to explore and enjoy the city without language limitations. As the translation technology continues to evolve and improve, it is expected to become an invaluable tool for travelers from around the world.
