Lotte Department Store Launches AI Translation Service for Foreign Customers

Lotte Department Store just made it easier for foreign visitors to shop by launching its AI translation service. This service was initially available at the chain’s branch in Jamsil.

Lotte Department Stores’ artificial intelligence language translator is reportedly based on SK Telecom’s TransTalker, which supports 13 languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, German, and Russian. The telecom firm plans to add more languages later.

TransTalker in Lotte Department Store

Korea’s EconoVil reported that foreigners may use the AI translation service “TransTalker” at information desks inside the Lotte World Mall in Jamsil. There is one on the first floor and one in the basement. It was further reported that six information desks in the mall are already receiving more than 700 inquiries from foreign customers per day on average.

When a foreigner uses the microphone in front of the transparent screen to ask something in his or her native language, the question is translated into Korean, which appears on the screen of the information desk representative. The representative then answers in the foreigner’s language in real-time, which is viewable on the monitor.

Lotte’s Goal for the Addition of AI Translator in Its Store

Lotte Department Store said that it decided to add an artificial intelligence (AI) interpretation service in its Jamsil branch to offer the best shopping experience to its foreign visitors. According to The Korea Economic Daily, foreign tourists can also shop without hassles through The AI Translator.

The department store chain also noted that its foreign visitors have been increasing steadily, so the AI TransTalker will greatly help them. It was reported that compared to 2022, Lotte Department Store recorded a 100% increase in foreign shoppers, and in fact, sales from Jan. to March this year were more than 50% higher.

Photo by: Lotte Department Store Website