The Independence Hall of Korea (Director Kim Hyung-seok) announced on the 28th that it will launch an eco-friendly XR (Extended Reality) Experience Shuttle in May to circulate through approximately 2.3KM, encompassing the ‘Tower of the Nation,’ ‘Hill of National Reunification Aspirations,’ ‘Place of Remembrance,’ and ‘Great Hall of the Nation,’ in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation. This initiative, jointly developed by the Independence Hall of Korea and SK Telecom in 2024 to revitalize outdoor exhibition viewing, will undergo a pilot operation from April 26th (Saturday) to April 30th (Wednesday) and will officially commence operations (with a fee) on May 1st.

XR, an umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), is the technology behind the XR Experience Shuttle being introduced by the Independence Hall this year. Equipped with AR glasses and transparent OLED displays, the shuttle is designed to allow visitors to naturally reflect on the meaning and value of the independence movement while enjoying interactive content linked to outdoor exhibits.

Tickets can be purchased at the Tower of the Nation stop, allowing visitors to hop on and off at four designated stops. At each stop and surrounding exhibits, visitors can experience various ICT-based digital content, including ▲AR Coloring & Photo Zone (Tower of the Nation), ▲5GX Outdoor Magic Photo Studio (Great Hall of the Nation), and ▲AR Bell-Striking Experience (Hill of National Reunification Aspirations).

Inside the shuttle, the ‘Independence Guardian Corps,’ led by the Corps Leader and a historian, will provide commentary on the exhibits and symbolic structures along the shuttle route. The Independence Guardian Corps comprises twelve animal characters based on the zodiac, each representing an independence activist. The storyline of exploring the Independence Hall and searching for treasure with the Independence Guardian Corps via the XR Experience Shuttle is designed to be engaging for all age groups. Additionally, a new V Coloring theme developed by SK Telecom featuring the Independence Guardian Corps and the XR Experience Shuttle will be introduced.

The Independence Hall of Korea has been collaborating with SK Telecom through a five-year (2020-2024) MOU, undertaking various projects that integrate ICT technology with history and nature. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation this year, the MOU has been extended for another year (2025) to further expand and build new ICT-based historical experience content.

An official from the Independence Hall stated, “This year, we aim to enhance the convenience and accessibility of outdoor viewing by introducing and operating the XR Experience Shuttle and further expand the development of historical experience content in outdoor spaces to become a smart Independence Hall that everyone can enjoy. Furthermore, various events targeting visitors using the XR Experience Shuttle will be held throughout May, and we ask for your keen interest and participation.” 

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