Embracing the Metaverse in Everyday Life

The metaverse is not just a buzzword in South Korea; it has become a part of daily life for many citizens and businesses alike. From virtual shopping experiences to AI-driven avatars, the digital landscape is evolving at an impressive pace, making life in South Korea a whole lot more exciting (and possibly a little bizarre).

Revolutionizing Retail: The Virtual Shopping Experience

Leading the charge in this digital revolution, GS Shop has incorporated metaverse technology into their home shopping experience. Last Tuesday, they introduced a feature that lets shoppers tour a 3D representation of their food production facility. How does it work? Customers with augmented reality devices can explore the virtual world to witness firsthand the cleanliness and quality controls in place. This tactic reassures consumers about the products they are purchasing – not to mention, it’s a great way to keep an eye on the competition while wearing slippers in your living room.

Meet Lucy: Your New Shopping Companion

Lotte Home Shopping, which boasted sales exceeding $14 billion in 2020, has also jumped on the metaverse bandwagon with their charming virtual model, Lucy. Lucy will not only be strutting her virtual stuff in videos but she’s also got her own Instagram account (’cause, of course, she does!). It’s rumored that Lotte plans to integrate Lucy into their metaverse store, allowing customers to engage with her while browsing products. Who knew shopping could come with a personal avatar sidekick?

Metaverse in the Public Sector: A Game Changer?

Even government entities are recognizing the potential of the metaverse! The Seoul City government aims to launch the “Metaverse 120 Center” by 2023, allowing residents to file civil petitions without needing to step out of their homes. This could change the way bureaucratic procedures are carried out—think of it as avoiding long lines at the DMV while still getting that sense of instant gratification.

Training for the Future: South Korean Military’s Metaverse Plans

The South Korean military plans to phase in metaverse applications into soldier training programs by the 2030s. Yes, you heard that right—your future soldiers may be perfecting their skills in a virtual battlefield. This initiative promises to enhance training, ensuring that recruits won’t just be great on the ground but also masters of the digital realm (cue the sci-fi music).