Jongno-gu has launched a “Multilingual QR Code Menu Translation Service” to enhance convenience for foreign tourists. The service, offered to 60 restaurants in the Cheonggye Tourism District, allows foreign visitors to scan a QR code to view menus in multiple languages, making it easier to order food in Korea.

[koreantoday] Jongno-gu Introduces Multilingual QR Menu Translation Service for Foreign Tourists  © Ji Seungju Reporter

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Mun-hyun) has officially rolled out a “Multilingual QR Code Menu Translation Service” to promote local economic growth and improve convenience for foreign tourists. The service will be available at 60 restaurants in the Cheonggye Tourism District, a popular tourist area, and was launched after receiving applications in June.

The Cheonggye Tourism District is known as one of the key tourist attractions in Jongno, located near areas such as the Gwangjang Market, Jewelry Street, and Stationery Street, drawing both domestic and international visitors. Given the high demand from foreign tourists, this service aims to provide them with a more accessible way to experience Korean cuisine.

The main feature of the multilingual menu translation service is that foreign tourists can simply scan a QR code to access translated menus in five languages—English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Thai, and Vietnamese—without needing to install any special apps. This allows them to easily understand the menu and place orders, ensuring a smoother dining experience.

In addition to menu translations, the service also includes explanatory features for dishes that may be unfamiliar to foreign visitors, providing insights into the ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural context of the food. This will help bridge any language gaps and enhance understanding of Korean cuisine.

A Jongno-gu official commented, “As the number of foreign tourists in the Cheonggye Tourism District continues to rise, this service will help businesses that have been struggling to explain their menus in foreign languages. We hope it will make dining more convenient for foreign tourists and promote the local economy.”

Jongno-gu expects that the new multilingual QR menu service will reduce the burden on restaurant staff when serving foreign customers, while also creating a more welcoming environment for tourists to enjoy Korean food. The initiative is expected to positively impact the local economy by attracting more foreign visitors and providing better customer service.