Google brings AI companion experience to BTS festival in Busan

Google will serve as the official AI companion for “BTS The City Arirang - Busan,” a citywide cultural festival running across Busan from Friday to June 21, offering a range of online and offline AI experiences powered by its Gemini AI platform.

Through the partnership, Google aims to help domestic and international visitors explore Busan's attractions and local culture using generative AI. Gemini-powered programs will be available at key tourist hubs, including Busan Station, Haeundae and Blueline Park, offering personalized itinerary planning, voice-based real-time local information and interactive digital missions, according to BTS's agency BigHit Music on Friday.

The festival coincides with BTS's "Arirang" world tour shows in Busan, set to run on June 12 and 13.

A highlight of the partnership is the integration of Google Gemini into the stamp rally page for the “BTS The City Arirang - Busan” project on Weverse, the global fan platform. This marks the first time a partner app has been officially incorporated into a “BTS The City Arirang” stamp rally course on Weverse. Participants can chat with Gemini about Korean traditions and culture, complete missions and collect digital stamps.

At Haeundae Blueline Park, a sky capsule car wrapped in Gemini's signature colors runs along the coastline as a moving billboard. Visitors who scan a QR code inside the capsule and use Gemini to decorate a photo taken during the ride can print a photo card at the Gemini booth at Mipo Station and receive it along with a luggage tag.

Google is also running a campus ambassador program with students from Pusan National University. Selected student ambassadors will promote Gemini experience zones at key locations, including Busan Station and Blueline Park, and help operate programs based at the university.

“The showcases a new possibility for AI to go beyond simply finding information while traveling, helping people experience a city and its culture in a more personal and immersive way,” said a Google spokesperson for the project. “The company hopes visitors will discover the diverse charms of Busan more naturally through Gemini.”

Full details on Gemini programs and on-site experiences during the festival are available on the official campaign page on Weverse.

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]