Cultural Heritage Enjoyed by All Through Inclusive Technology

Heritage Stories Read by Touch and Told by Sound

Since 2020, over a five-year period, the NRICH has developed six types of braille sensory books and tactile tools through its project “Heritage Stories Read by Touch and Told by Sound.” The braille sensory books, which incorporate braille into illustrations and photographs, are a pioneering attempt to enable visually impaired individuals to understand cultural heritage through touch, helping them expand their imagination.
To capture the detail of the images, the size of the braille dots was adjusted across three levels, and a special technique called “water-drop braille printing” was applied to prevent peeling with high-strength adhesion. Another highlight was the “AI voiceactivated pen experience.” This device uses AI to generate voices from 20-minute recorded text, allowing sentences in the books to be heard in the voices of celebrities and national athletes.
Visitors could also directly interact with tactile models such as “Seokguram at Your Fingertips” and “Representative Architectural Heritage of Korea,” experiencing cultural heritage in a vivid and hands-on way.

On the second day of the Expo, the NRICH hosted a special talk event titled “Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Technology TALK with Fabien” on the main stage of the exhibition hall.
Fabien, the Institute’s ambassador, served as host, while experts from various fields who participated in the braille project joined as panelists. Together, they shared reflections and achievements, making it a meaningful and insightful occasion. Director-General Lim Jongdeock remarked, “Cultural heritage belongs to everyone. This project began with the belief that people with visual impairments should also be able to experience it firsthand.” Jo Hang-tae, CEO of Jeil Special Planning, led the project from initial planning through the application of braille printing technology.
He stated, “We wanted people to feel cultural heritage not with their eyes, but with their hands,” emphasizing the project’s intention to go beyond delivering information by designing a multi-sensory experience.

Kim Ji-min, Senior Researcher at NeoLAB Convergence, who oversaw the development of the talking pen, shared that participating in the project reminded her of her late father, who was visually impaired. She added that knowing this book would have brought him great joy made her feel even more responsible and fulfilled as a technologist. Fabien, the host of the talk concert, concluded the event by saying, “This project felt especially meaningful because it showed that technology can be people-centered, and cultural heritage can truly be for everyone.”

The braille sensory books, talking pens, and tactile learning tools introduced in this exhibition are symbols of “inclusive technology”—designed to help everyone experience cultural heritage more widely and deeply. They represent a practical model for a new way of enjoying cultural heritage.
Through this expo, the NRICH showcased the achievements of its “Braille Project” and highlighted “inclusive technologies.” The talk concert also spotlighted the sincerity behind the technology development and the significance of collaboration through the voices of those directly involved.
In particular, this project—carried out in cooperation with national institutions, private companies, experts, and citizens—reflects the growing movement toward a shared approach that allows everyone to enjoy cultural heritage together.
Thanks to the technologies, content, and the spirit of heartfelt collaboration showcased at this expo, we are one step closer to realizing the vision of “Cultural Heritage for All.” The NRICH will continue its research and technological innovation to ensure that everyone can experience and engage with cultural heritage.