On the afternoon of October 28, in the waiting room of KTX Gyeongju Station in Geoncheon-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, a foreign man with a large backpack stood in front of the information desk. After selecting Chinese on a tablet PC screen and pressing the microphone button to speak, a Korean translation appeared on the monitor. It was the 'Interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI) Translation System' capable of real-time interpretation in the languages of the 21 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). When a staff member replied in Korean, “You can take the city bus,” a sentence translated into Chinese was displayed on the screen again. The man smiled and gave a thumbs up.

The ancient city of Gyeongju has been newly adorned with advanced technology in preparation for the APEC Summit. New technologies such as AI translation, autonomous buses, and XR tourism have been introduced throughout the city, showcasing a blend of historical past and future technology.

The AI translation device was introduced to quickly guide conference delegations and foreign tourists with information on conference venues, transportation, restaurants, and tourism. It has been installed at locations frequently visited by foreigners, such as Gyeongju Station, Gimhae International Airport, city restaurants and accommodations, and the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center (HICO). One-on-one interpretation devices have also been distributed to accommodations. Gyeongju resident Kim Cheol-jun (39) said, “Translating into 21 languages makes it much easier for foreigners to ask for directions or obtain information,” adding, “It would be great if such equipment remains at tourist sites even after the conference ends.”

In the Bomun Tourist Complex area, the autonomous circular bus 'ROii' is in operation. The 8-seater minibus ROii, which has no driver's seat, is equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving technology. Four LiDAR sensors and seven cameras on the front and rear of the vehicle recognize road conditions in 360 degrees, traveling between Gyeongju Expo Grand Park, HICO, and summit accommodations. It automatically reduces speed when a vehicle cuts in, ensuring stable driving. A representative from the APEC Summit Preparation Support Team stated, “We are showcasing Korea's future car technology by deploying four ROii buses and one 20-seater autonomous vehicle.”

Gyeongju City is also operating an XR tourism bus that recreates the Silla royal capital from 1,400 years ago. The bus windows transform from transparent glass to XR screens, displaying the landscapes of Silla's golden age, such as Hwangnyongsa, Cheomseongdae, and Wolseong. It will operate for summit participants until November 2, and from the 5th, it will be available to general tourists.

At Cheomseongdae, the nighttime media art program 'Silla's Moonlit Night' is underway. The outer wall of Cheomseongdae is used as a screen to project videos themed on Silla astronomy and constellations. The video begins with scenes of a Silla-era astronomer observing stars, capturing the flow of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and comets, followed by the display of 1,467 stars, 28 constellations, and the Four Symbols (Blue Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise) in sequence. The screening time is about 7 minutes. Gyeongju City is considering operating this program as a regular nighttime content even after APEC.

Popular News