In Seoul, a Conversation About Research That Keeps Listening
Park's summer research visit put lasting relationships with older adults at the center of AI and robotics design.
Original LinkedIn post: Published on ELARA:
Chorong Park brought a relationship-centered view of technology research to a summer visit at Seoul National University. Hosted by Hyunggu Jung's lab in the College of Nursing, she shared recent work on aging, AI, and companion robots. [1]
A presenter speaks beside a projected slide about aging in the digital future. Original LinkedIn image 1 of 17.Audience members sit at classroom desks facing a presenter and screen. Original LinkedIn image 2 of 17.A presenter holds a microphone behind a university lectern. Original LinkedIn image 3 of 17.A closer view of a presenter speaking into a handheld microphone. Original LinkedIn image 4 of 17.
In her August 19, 2026, reflection, Park emphasized what happens beyond recruitment: returning, listening, offering support, and involving older adults in design over time. She described that sustained engagement as central to building trust. [1]
A classroom audience watches the presenter at the front of the room. Original LinkedIn image 5 of 17.A presenter speaks behind a lectern with a university emblem. Original LinkedIn image 6 of 17.A presenter smiles while addressing the room from the lectern. Original LinkedIn image 7 of 17.
The discussion also challenged technoageism, including the tendency to treat older adults as passive users or people to be monitored. Park instead emphasized their role in shaping technologies that respect privacy, autonomy, dignity, and joy. [1]
A wide view of classroom participants, desks, and the presenter. Original LinkedIn image 8 of 17.A presenter gestures while speaking beside a lectern. Original LinkedIn image 9 of 17.Visitors take an outdoor photograph near trees and buildings. Original LinkedIn image 10 of 17.Two visitors smile for an outdoor photograph. Original LinkedIn image 11 of 17.
The visit included exchanges with researchers from Taiwan and a follow-up conversation with Yung-Ju Chang of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University about possible future collaboration. [1]
Two visitors pose together on a sunlit pedestrian path. Original LinkedIn image 12 of 17.A classroom audience watches a projected research slide. Original LinkedIn image 13 of 17.A presentation slide is shown at the front of a university classroom. Original LinkedIn image 14 of 17.
The research lesson Park highlighted travels across settings: participation is not a box to check once. It is an ongoing relationship that can change the questions a team asks and whose perspective guides the work. [1]
Participants face a projected slide comparing research approaches. Original LinkedIn image 15 of 17.A wide rear view of a classroom presentation and audience. Original LinkedIn image 16 of 17.A presenter stands beside a projected slide about robot interactions. Original LinkedIn image 17 of 17.
Sources
Adapted from Chorong Park's LinkedIn post. LinkedIn images are presented in their original order.
