Seoul Metro will install its artificial intelligence-based simultaneous interpretation service to 11 more stations. Shown are foreign visitors in December last year using the system at Myeongdong Station. (Choi Jin-woo)

By Cao Thi Ha

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based service offering real-time interpretation in 13 languages will be installed at 11 more subway stations in Seoul.

This is expected to make using the capital's subway system easier and more convenient for foreign visitors and expats.

Seoul Metro on March 14 announced that it will expand its service, which bridges the language gap between foreign travelers and subway staff, to 11 more stations frequented by international users like Myeongdong, Hongik University and Gimpo International Airport.

The system allows simultaneous communication between foreign users and station staff in front of a transparent organic light-emitting diode display. Spoken language is automatically interpreted and displayed on the screen.

The service supports 13 languages including Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese. Simultaneous dialogue is also possible.

The touchscreen allows functionality in 13 languages for additional services like route searches based on subway maps, transfer and travel time data, fare information and availability of the storage service T-Luggage.

The stations with the high-tech interpretation system are Jongno 5-ga on Line 1; City Hall, Hongik University, Euljiro 1 (il)-ga and Gangnam on Line 2; Gyeongbokgung on Line 3; Myeongdong on Line 4; Gwanghwamun and Gimpo International Airport on Line 5; and Itaewon and Gongdeok on Line 6.

shinn11@korea.kr