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Seoul Metro to Test AI Subway Announcements on Lines 3, 4 and 6

The agency will train the system on Kang Hee-sun’s recordings to keep the sound familiar to riders.

Overview

  • Trial operations will replace onboard studio clips with text-to-speech on the three lines after nearly three decades of the same recorded voice.
  • Seoul Metro said relying on one individual made it hard to update audio files and that a more stable system was needed.
  • The AI system is intended to support faster changes for new scripts or station-name updates and to closely replicate natural human intonation.
  • AI announcements already run on the Shinbundang, Sillim and Gimpo Goldline light rail lines, offering a model within the network.
  • Kang Hee-sun, the long-time Korean-language voice of the subway, is stepping down as she receives treatment for colon cancer.