Seoul Metro expands real-time translation at subway stations

SEOUL - Seoul Metro, one of two major operators of the Seoul Subway, has expanded a real-time translation service for travellers from overseas to cover 11 stations in the South Korean capital.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based translations,

which allow foreign travellers and station staff to communicate in their respective languages while facing each other through a transparent Oled screen, was unveiled at Myeong-dong station on Subway Line 4 in December 2023 for a trial run.

After the trial, Seoul Metro began to offer real-time translation services at 10 more stations starting in late February: Jongno 5-ga station on Line 1; City Hall, Hongik University, Euljiro 1-ga and Gangnam stations on Line 2; Gyeongbokgung station on Line 3; Gwanghwamun and Gimpo International Airport stations on Line 5; and Itaewon and Gongdeok stations on Line 6.

The translation service is available in 13 languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Spanish, German and Arab.

In addition to the service, travellers can plan their route, search for destinations and view information on the storage system, subway fees, transfers and travel time via the transparent Oled screen.

“Hoping to provide more accessible, comfortable subway and travel experience to tourists from across the globe, Seoul Metro will make the most out of AI technology to enhance tourists’ convenience,” a Seoul Metro official said in a press statement on March 14. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK