In honor of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Switzerland, an intriguing exhibition titled 'Travel Beyond Boundaries' is underway at Seoul's Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). This immersive showcase is a collaborative initiative of the Seoul Design Foundation and the Swiss Embassy in Korea, designed to reinforce future friendship while reflecting upon the shared history of technological and cultural cooperation between the two nations. 

▲ The logo for the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Han and Switzerland, Courtesy of DDP.

Recognizing the increasing influence of digital technology on our society, culture, and natural environment, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this exhibition presents a harmonious blend of the physical and the digital. The University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich have both contributed to the exhibition's conception, presenting work that reflects the application of AI and metaverse technologies in various research contexts.

 

▲ Metatourism, Courtesy of DDP.

As attendees step into the exhibition hall, they are welcomed by floral mascots symbolizing the friendship between Switzerland and South Korea - the Edelweiss and Mugunghwa respectively. The exhibition is partitioned into two experiential segments: 'Meta-Tourism' and 'Triggered by Motion,' both making use of cutting-edge digital technologies to offer a 'dimensional travel' experience.

'Meta-Tourism', curated by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, combines Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to create a unique hybrid reality exhibition. Here, attendees can interact with a life-sized AR representation of Einstein, an alumnus of the Institute, simply by scanning a QR code on the floor. Additionally, attendees can immerse themselves in a VR depiction of a Swiss classroom or a journey to Zermatt, Switzerland, to marvel at the breathtaking alpine scenery, all from the comfort of DDP.

'Triggered by Motion', on the other hand, a project by the University of Zurich, showcases the application of AI technology in wildlife research. Through a series of video installations, the exhibit offers an insight into the study of animal habitats, population density, and behavioral patterns, leveraging AI to analyze the footage from camera traps around the world.

▲ Triggered by motion, Courtesy of DDP.The exhibition is open to the public at the DDP Gallery until June 11th. While prior reservation is recommended, on-site registration is also available for visitors. This unique exhibition, at the crossroads of diplomacy, technology, and art, truly transcends boundaries and offers a glimpse into the increasingly intertwined future of our physical and digital worlds.

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Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com