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Visitors to the National Sejong Arboretum can now use an artificial intelligence-powered smart docent service that provides location-based audio commentary for 22 major exhibition sites, according to the Korea Arboretum Gardens Administration. Launched on August 11, 2026, the system allows smartphone users to scan a quick response code at the park entrance to access plant information and navigation features without downloading a separate application or creating an account.
How the AI Smart Docent Works at National Sejong Arboretum
The system determines a visitor’s position within the grounds and automatically plays audio descriptions for nearby plants and exhibition zones. According to the Korea Arboretum Gardens Administration, the setup removes the need for visitors to follow rigid tour schedules or wait for fixed group briefings. Instead, guests can inspect specific plants at their own pace, bypassing areas of little interest while spending more time at preferred exhibits.
Content for the 22 locations, including the Four Seasons Exhibition Greenhouse, was developed using internal plant data and insights from field guides. The administration updates the commentary to reflect seasonal blooming phases and current display changes, allowing visitors to observe shifts in the gardens over time.
Navigation Features and Facility Locators
Beyond plant identification, the platform functions as an on-site guide for spatial orientation. Visitors can select a destination to receive walking routes from their current spot. The interface also highlights nearby restrooms, rest areas, and food and beverage outlets. These tools are designed to assist families traveling with young children or elderly members through the expansive grounds.
The National Sejong Arboretum, recognized as South Korea’s first urban national arboretum, spans multiple specialized zones including a traditional Korean garden, a bonsai garden, and a rare plant greenhouse. Its Four Seasons Exhibition Greenhouse features tropical and Mediterranean flora, operating as an all-weather attraction.
Future Upgrades and Expansion Plans
During the initial trial phase, the Korea Arboretum Gardens Administration plans to gather visitor feedback to refine audio scripts and walking paths. Future updates include multi-language audio support for international travelers and augmented reality smart glasses that display video and graphic overlays of nearby plants. The administration also intends to share the underlying technology and operational framework with smaller, privately run arboretums that face staffing shortages for visitor interpretation.
“Starting with this service, we will provide new viewing experiences using AR smart glasses and other technologies,” said Shim Sang-taek, president of the Korea Arboretum Gardens Administration, emphasizing the goal to make botanical explanations more accessible to the public.
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