The Korea Tourism Organization is implementing an AI assistant service to alleviate inconveniences for both domestic and international tourists visiting traditional markets.
The service was first launched on October 9 at three locations: Mangwon Market in Seoul, Haeundae Market in Busan, and Suwon Nammun Market in Gyeonggi Province. By the end of this month, the service will expand to include Kyungdong Market in Seoul, Andong Gu Market, and Danyang Gu Market, bringing the total to six traditional markets.
All six markets are part of the second phase of the 'K-Tourism Market' initiative, selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization this year. The K-Tourism Market project aims to promote traditional markets as representative tourist destinations, with 11 markets chosen from 10 regions nationwide in this phase.
Traditional markets are popular among tourists for their local food and cultural experiences. However, complicated layouts, long lines at popular shops, and predominantly Korean-language information can pose challenges for foreign visitors. The AI assistant aims to address these issues by providing essential information in one convenient service.
Visitors can access the service by scanning QR codes placed throughout the market, without needing to install a separate application or register. Key features include AI maps, real-time crowding information, and multilingual translation services.
The AI map guides users to the locations of shops, restrooms, and parking areas, suggesting optimal routes. By entering information such as age and companions, visitors receive tailored recommendations for courses and shops.
Real-time crowding information utilizes closed-circuit television (CCTV) video analysis and LiDAR sensor technology to measure congestion levels in different market areas. LiDAR detects the location and movement of people and objects using lasers. The service provides updates on less crowded areas and wait times at popular shops based on these measurements.
For foreign tourists, the AI assistant translates Korean menus into 10 languages and offers real-time interpretation in 34 languages to facilitate communication between vendors and customers.
Specialized services reflecting the characteristics of each market and the types of visitors have also been developed. For instance, Mangwon Market, known for its many food stalls and high foreign visitor traffic, has diversified its AI map and multilingual translation features.
Haeundae Market, located next to Haeundae Beach and popular among foreign visitors in the evening, has enhanced its multilingual translation and crowding information for nighttime navigation. Suwon Nammun Market provides a route service connecting market information with nearby Suwon Hwaseong Fortress for tourists visiting the area.
Moon Sun-ok, head of the Korea Tourism Organization's AI Innovation Division, stated, "Traditional markets are attractive spaces where visitors can experience Korean culture up close, but navigating them and language barriers can hinder travel. We aim for the AI assistant to serve as a convenient guide for tourists while extending their stay and boosting spending in local markets."
This service integrates technologies from four AI companies participating in the Korea Tourism Organization's open innovation project: Deepfine, Triplett, Beatsensing, and Flitto.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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