AI Revives Ancient Knowledge in South Korea

Intermediate | July 21, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Bringing the Past Back to Life

Faded Words, Modern Solutions

Imagine holding a book from hundreds of years ago, but time has faded the words and damaged the pages. How can we read it or understand its history? In South Korea, artificial intelligence (AI) is providing exciting answers. Today, AI preserving cultural heritage in South Korea is becoming one of the most innovative and meaningful applications of this technology.

From Paper to Preservation

Far from just fixing old paper, experts are actively using AI to preserve and provide access to South Korea’s rich cultural heritage. This includes everything from restoring old photographs to deciphering ancient texts that were once unreadable. It’s a truly modern approach to keeping history alive.

How AI is Transforming Preservation

Partnerships That Power Progress

South Korea’s commitment to cultural preservation is clear through its collaborative initiatives. Government bodies often work with universities, like Sungkyunkwan University and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, to push these technological advancements forward.

Technology in Action

Specific AI technologies are key. For instance, experts use Face Image Restoration (GFP-GAN) to transform old black-and-white historical photographs into vivid, high-resolution color images. This allows us to see historical figures and events with incredible clarity. Beyond images, AI models skillfully decipher fragmented or unreadable ancient languages and texts, unlocking secrets from the past.

Access for Everyone

Companies are also contributing significantly to digitization and accessibility. Woongjin ThinkBig is launching its “Booxtory” platform in March 2025. This platform uses AI to scan books, understand their content, and instantly convert them into audiobooks or digital text. It can even translate texts into multiple languages, making old stories available to a global audience.

Training the Next Generation

Universities, such as the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage, are building curricula focused on digital heritage, ensuring new experts are trained in these innovative methods.

A Global Trend: AI Preserving Cultural Heritage in South Korea

These efforts in South Korea are part of a larger global trend where AI helps researchers around the world restore damaged texts and understand past cultures better. Through these remarkable initiatives, AI is not just fixing the past; it’s giving it a new voice.

Vocabulary

restoration (noun): The process of returning something to its original condition.
- Example: “The restoration of the old painting took many months.”
deciphering (verb): Interpreting or discovering the meaning of something obscure or difficult to understand.
- Example: “Scientists are working on deciphering an ancient scroll.”
collaborative (adjective): Produced by or involving two or more parties working together.
- Example: “The project was a collaborative effort between two different departments.”
initiatives (noun): New plans or processes to achieve something.
- Example: “The company launched new initiatives to improve customer service.”
advancements (noun): Improvements or progress in development.
- Example: “Technological advancements have made our lives easier.”
digitization (noun): The process of converting information into a digital format.
- Example: “The museum began the digitization of its entire collection.”
accessibility (noun): The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
- Example: “The new ramp improved the building’s accessibility for people with disabilities.”
curricula (noun): The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
- Example: “The university is updating its curricula to include more courses on AI.”
archiving (verb): To place or store in an archive.
- Example: “They are archiving all the old documents in a secure digital format.”
preservation (noun): The act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition.
- Example: “The preservation of historical sites is very important for future generations.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the main idea of the article about AI in South Korea?
Can you name two specific ways AI is used to restore cultural heritage in South Korea?
What is the “Booxtory” platform, and how will it help with accessibility?
Why are collaborations between government and universities important for these projects?
How does the article connect South Korea’s efforts to a global trend in AI and heritage?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you think using AI to restore ancient artifacts is a good idea? Why or why not?
What are some other ways AI could help us learn about history or culture?
Are there any potential risks or downsides to relying on AI for cultural preservation?
If you could choose any historical item to be restored by AI, what would it be and why?
How important do you think it is for countries to invest in preserving their cultural heritage?

Related Idiom

Breathe new life into

Meaning: To bring new energy, ideas, or vitality into something that was previously dull, uninteresting, or in decline.
Example: “AI technology is helping to breathe new life into ancient texts, making them readable for a new generation.”

📢 Want more tips like this? 👉 Sign up for the All About English Mastery Newsletter! Click here to join us!

Want to finally Master English but don’t have the time? Mastering English for Busy Professionals is the course for you! Check it out now!

Follow our YouTube Channel @All_About_English for more great insights and tips

This article was inspired by: July 16 2025 – The Korea Times