AI-powered translation to eliminate language barriers at APEC meetings

Hwabaek International Convention Center is seen in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Aug. 21. The facility will be used as the main conference hall for the upcoming APEC meetings. Yonhap

An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interactive interpretation and translation system supporting the languages of all 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members will be installed throughout key locations during the upcoming APEC meetings in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

The translation devices will be set up at 12 designated hotels for national leaders as well as major hubs including Gimhae International Airport, Gyeongju Station and the city’s main bus terminal for the events, set to begin at the end of October, according to city officials Friday.

These devices can instantaneously translate conversations between individuals speaking any of the APEC languages.

Each of the hotels will operate help desks staffed by professional interpreters dedicated to supporting government delegates with the Economic Leaders' Meeting set for Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

General participant hotels, grouped into zones of four or five, will be supported by similar help desks and interpreter services, ensuring summit-level hospitality across the board.

To further support guests, the city has designated 150 “world restaurants” for international visitors’ convenience. These establishments will be equipped with outdoor price boards, QR-coded multilingual menus and servers who have been received specialized customer service training.

More than 1,000 taxis operating in Gyeongju and nearby areas will also be outfitted with AI translation services, which drew positive feedback during February’s meeting among senior APEC officials.

Passengers can use the service by connecting via QR code to converse with drivers in their native language, with the system translating in real time for both parties.

All visitors to the city during the period will receive high-grade digital welcome cards linked with QR code guides. The system provides instant access to information about schedules, transportation, accommodations, restaurants, tourism and more, available in both English and Korean.

More than 20,000 visitors, including world leaders, government officials and CEOs of international companies, are expected to visit Gyeongju between late October and early November.