Convenience store ”CU” launches AI interpretation service for foreign Korean customers = Korea

BGF Retail, which operates the convenience store chain "CU," has announced that it has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) interpretation service to improve convenience for foreign tourists.
BGF Retail is the first to launch this service. Prior to this, the company had launched the service in Myeongdong and Hong Dae areas of Seoul, as well as Incheon, Seoul on March 24.
The company is currently implementing an AI interpretation service using PDAs (personal digital assistants) at five directly managed stores with many foreign customers, such as at international airports. This makes it possible to provide interpretation in 38 languages, including English, Japanese, and Chinese.
The AI interpretation service utilizes the PDAs that have been used in stores up until now, and is characterized by its ease of use. Customers can scan the QR code generated by the PDA on their smartphones.
After scanning with the phone, the user presses the microphone button to speak and a chat window opens, translating what is said. The company is able to provide accurate responses to foreign customers through its AI interpretation service.
The company plans to gradually expand the service to other stores in the future. Oh Hyun Jin, head of the store system team at BGF Retail, said, "The AI interpretation service will improve convenience for foreigners.
"It will also benefit the store's operational capabilities and sales."