AI takes hassle out of navigating Korea's traditional markets

Exploring Korea’s traditional markets — with their narrow alleys, handwritten menus and long queues — can be as overwhelming as it is exciting for out-of-town visitors and international tourists. Artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping in as a digital concierge as the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) launched its AI Tourism Butler service across key traditional markets nationwide, aiming to dismantle the spatial and linguistic barriers that often hamper the traditional market experience. First deployed on Oct. 9 at Mangwon Market in western Seoul, Haeundae Market in Busan and Suwon Nammun Market just south of the capital, the service expands by the end of October to three more regional hubs: Gyeongdong Market in eastern Seoul, Andong Gu Market in southeastern Korea and Danyang Gugyeong Market in the central part of the country. Rather than requiring travelers to download proprietary mobile apps or navigate registration forms, the service functions instantly when users scan QR codes placed on signposts throughout the market. Once activated, the web interface opens access to a suite