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Korean universities turn to AI translation tools to support international, Korean students

Published: 24 Feb. 2026, 16:57

LEE TAE-HEE
[email protected]

An English lecture is being translated into Korean, with the translation shown like captions in the screen, during Pusan National University's 80th Anniversary Special Lecture on Feb. 4. [PUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY]

More universities are implementing AI translation tools to better support international students who aren't comfortable in Korean, as well as helping Korean students and staff learn and communicate better in other languages.

Pusan National University recently introduced an AI lecture translation tool that recognizes the lecturer’s speech and translates it into languages such as Korean and English. To use the service, the professor or event host shares a link with participants, who can then access real-time translation of the lecture via their devices.

The university trialed the AI translation tool during its 80th Anniversary Special Lecture on Feb. 4, translating English lectures into Korean. Going forward, it plans to expand the AI tool's application across classes, events, overseas business trips and consultations for its international students.

The university has also started translating Korean course syllabuses into English using Sanjinee AI, a multimodal large language model, starting with classes for the upcoming spring 2026 semester. The AI tool has been offered to students, faculty, and general users starting in December 2025, with students and faculty able to ask questions about university administrative matters after logging in with their university ID.

"The expansion of AI-based multi-language services will transform how languages are translated and interpreted on campus, changing how members of our university communicate in the educational, administrative and research environments," said Choi Yoon-ho, head of the university's Office of AX & Information Innovation.

"Through Sanjinee AI, we plan to create more services that we can implement on campus and have all members of our university use AI and benefit from its effectiveness."

Kyungpook National University has introduced a similar lecture translation tool, TransLive, starting the fall 2025 semester, becoming the first national university to implement a translation system for all its courses.

Using TransLive, students can translate lectures into 80 different languages and create lecture summary notes. The tool is also available for university events featuring international speakers.

Daegu University introduced an AI chatbot, accessible on the university website starting the fall 2025 semester, that students can use in seven languages, including English, Chinese and Vietnamese. Students can ask questions about the university and receive admissions consultations.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [[email protected]]