Over 90,000 Users in Two Years
Supports 13 Languages
Seoul Metro announced on December 23 that its "Foreign Language Simultaneous Conversation System," the first of its kind introduced in the domestic subway, has been selected as an exemplary case of active administration for 2025 by the Board of Audit and Inspection. The system was recognized for its contribution to improving service quality for foreign passengers by utilizing artificial intelligence.
The Board of Audit and Inspection's Exemplary Active Administration Awards program is held annually to encourage exemplary public officials and outstanding departments or organizations that take the lead in enhancing public convenience and administrative efficiency.
Seoul Metro was highly praised for its proactive efforts to resolve communication difficulties between foreign passengers and station staff by successfully completing the construction of the Foreign Language Simultaneous Conversation System. The company was also recognized for incorporating improvements to overcome technical challenges during the system's development, enabling a smooth and rapid expansion.
Starting with Myeong-dong Station in 2023, Seoul Metro has installed the Foreign Language Simultaneous Conversation System at 11 subway stations in Seoul. Over approximately two years, 91,788 people have used the system. By leveraging artificial intelligence technology, the system is breaking down language barriers between station staff and foreign tourists.
The simultaneous conversation system features a transparent screen placed between the foreign passenger and the station staff. When both parties speak in their native languages, the conversation is automatically interpreted and displayed on the screen. The system supports 13 languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay, and Indonesian.
After a pilot installation at Myeong-dong Station in December 2023, the company expanded the system to 10 additional stations with high foreign passenger traffic, such as Hongik University Station and Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, in February of the following year. The 11 stations where the Foreign Language Simultaneous Conversation System is available are Jongno 5(o)-ga Station on Line 1; City Hall Station, Hongik University Station, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, and Gangnam Station on Line 2; Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3; Myeong-dong Station on Line 4; Gwanghwamun Station and Gimpo International Airport Station on Line 5; and Itaewon Station and Gongdeok Station on Line 6.
Tourists who have used the system have responded positively, saying, "It's a great system for sightseeing," and "I hope it will be installed at more stations with many attractions nearby."
Han Younghee, Head of Planning at Seoul Metro (Acting President), stated, "The Foreign Language Simultaneous Conversation System is the result of active administration that began with the inconveniences experienced by foreign tourists and station staff due to language barriers. Going forward, Seoul Metro will continue to strive to provide innovative services that passengers can experience firsthand by utilizing artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies."
Commemorative photo after the 2025 Exemplary Active Administration Awards Ceremony held at the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 19th. Provided by Seoul Metro.
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