Korea Tourism Organization introduces ‘AI Tourism Concierge’ at six traditional markets, offering directions and interpretation

The Korea Tourism Organization announced on the 20th that it had introduced ‘AI Tourism Concierge,’ an artificial intelligence (AI)-based service offering tourists visiting traditional markets directions, congestion information and multilingual translation and interpretation.
The service launched on the 9th at three markets—Mangwon Market in Seoul, Haeundae Market in Busan and Suwon Nammun Market in Gyeonggi Province—and will expand to three more by the end of October: Gyeongdong Market in Seoul, Andong Gu Market and Danyang Gugyeong Market.
Tourists can access the service by scanning QR codes installed throughout the markets, without installing a separate app or signing up for an account. The AI map provides locations and directions to shops, restrooms and parking lots, and also recommends customized routes and shops based on information entered by visitors, such as their age and companions.

The real-time congestion feature uses analysis of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and LiDAR sensors to provide information on congestion in different market areas and wait times at popular shops. Korean-language menus are translated into 10 languages, and conversations between merchants and foreign tourists are interpreted in real time in 34 languages.
Market-specific features have also been developed. At Mangwon Market, which receives many foreign visitors, map and translation and interpretation features have been enhanced. At Haeundae Market, the service provides nighttime congestion information and route guidance. At Suwon Nammun Market, it provides routes connecting Suwon Hwaseong Fortress with the market.
Mun Seon-ok, head of the Tourism AI Innovation Office at the Korea Tourism Organization, said, “I will work to make AI Tourism Concierge a convenient guide for tourists and help extend their stays at local markets and stimulate spending.”
[email protected] Jeong Sun-min Reporter