AI-powered translation glasses enhance Korean theater accessibility for international audiences

South Korean theater productions are increasingly incorporating AI-powered translation glasses to make performances accessible to non-Korean speaking audiences. These glasses, developed as part of the Korea Tourism Organization's Smart Theater program, provide real-time translations in Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese directly onto the lenses. Yuroy Wang, a 22-year-old retail worker from Taipei, tested the technology during a touring production of "The Second Chance Convenience Store" last fall. The system connects to a smartphone app where users can customize font size and text placement. AI software listens for cue words and matches translations to dialogue, creating a seamless viewing experience. While Wang noted some technical glitches, he found the glasses improved his ability to follow the story and would use them again. The Smart Theater program funded the glasses' implementation in Seoul and select overseas events throughout 2025. This initiative supports South Korea's broader effort to export its theatrical productions globally, similar to Broadway's international reach. The Always Theater in Seoul has hosted productions featuring this technology.