The subway system in South Korea is one of the most extensive and efficient
public transportation systems in the world. With over 25 million people living
in the greater Seoul metropolitan area alone, the subway system plays a vital
role in connecting people to their workplaces, schools, and other
destinations.
➤History of the South Korea Subway System
The first subway line in South Korea was opened in Seoul in 1974, and since
then, the system has expanded significantly. Today, there are 21 subway
lines operating in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, covering a
distance of over 950 kilometers (590 miles). The subway system in Seoul is
managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation (SMRT), which is
a subsidiary of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
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Korea subway history
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➤Infrastructure of the South Korea Subway System
The infrastructure of the South Korea subway system is state-of-the-art,
with modern trains and stations that are equipped with advanced technology.
Most stations are underground, which helps to reduce congestion on the
streets above. The trains are air-conditioned and provide comfortable
seating for passengers. The subway system is also wheelchair accessible,
with elevators and ramps available at most stations.
The trains run on electric power, and the tracks are separated from road
traffic to prevent accidents. The trains are also equipped with automatic
train control systems, which ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently.
The subway system is also equipped with advanced signaling technology, which
helps to prevent accidents and minimize delays.
➤Ticketing and Fare System
The South Korea subway system uses a smart card called T-money, which is
similar to the Oyster card used in London and the Octopus card used in Hong
Kong. T-money cards can be purchased at ticket vending machines located in
subway stations and can be recharged at convenience stores, subway stations,
and other locations. The cards can also be used to pay for other modes of
transportation, such as buses and taxis.
The fare for the subway system is based on the distance traveled, with the
minimum fare being 1,350 won (approximately 1.20 USD) for journeys up to 10
kilometers (6.2 miles). The maximum fare is 2,550 won (approximately 2.30
USD) for journeys over 40 kilometers (24.9 miles). The fare for transfers
between lines is also calculated based on the distance traveled.
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Korea subway ticket barrier
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➤Operating Hours and Frequency
The South Korea subway system operates from approximately 5:30 AM to
midnight, with trains running at intervals of two to ten minutes, depending
on the line and the time of day. During peak hours, trains can run as
frequently as every two minutes. The frequency of trains is adjusted based
on passenger demand, with more trains running during rush hour and fewer
trains running during off-peak hours.
➤Seoul Subway lanes
The Seoul Subway is a rapid transit system serving the metropolitan area of
Seoul, South Korea. It consists of multiple lines, each denoted by a
specific color and number. Here is a list of the subway lines in Seoul:
Line 1 (color: dark blue) - runs
from Soyosan Station in the north to Incheon Station in the southwest, passing
through the downtown area of Seoul.
Line 2 (color: green) - runs in a
circular loop around the downtown area of Seoul, connecting major transfer
points for other subway lines.
Line 3 (color: orange) - runs from
Daehwa Station in the north to Ogeum Station in the southeast, passing through
Gangnam and other areas of Seoul.
Line 4 (color: light blue) - runs
from Danggogae Station in the north to Oido Station in the southwest, passing
through the downtown area of Seoul.
Line 5 (color: purple) - runs from
Banghwa Station in the west to Sangil-dong Station in the east, passing
through Yeouido and other areas of Seoul.
Line 6 (color: brown) - runs from
Eungam Station in the northwest to Bongeunsa Station in the southeast, passing
through the downtown area of Seoul.
Line 7 (color: olive green) - runs
from Jangam Station in the northwest to Bupyeong-gu Office Station in the
southwest, passing through the Gangnam and other areas of Seoul.
Line 8 (color: pink) - runs from
Amsa Station in the east to Moran Station in the northwest, passing through
the eastern and northern parts of Seoul.
Line 9 (color: gold) - runs from
Gaehwa Station in the southwest to VHS Medical Center Station in the
southeast, passing through Gimpo International Airport and other areas of
Seoul.
Additionally, there are several other commuter rail lines that connect to the
Seoul Subway system, such as the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, the Gyeongchun Line,
and the Airport Railroad Express (AREX).
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| Seoul subway map |
➤Security Measures
The South Korea subway system is one of the safest in the world, with low
levels of crime and high levels of security. The subway stations are
equipped with CCTV cameras, and security personnel are present at most
stations. In addition, the subway system is equipped with emergency alarms
and intercom systems, which can be used by passengers in case of
emergency.
➤Environmental Sustainability
The South Korea subway system is also committed to environmental
sustainability, with efforts being made to reduce energy consumption and
minimize the system's carbon footprint. The trains are powered by
electricity, which is generated from renewable sources such as solar and
wind power. In addition, the subway system is equipped with energy-efficient
lighting and ventilation systems, which help to reduce energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions.
➤Future Developments
The South Korea subway system is constantly evolving and expanding, with
plans underway to extend existing lines and build new lines. In 2020, the
government announced plans to invest 83 trillion won (approximately 75
billion USD) in public transportation infrastructure over the next five
years, which includes the expansion of the subway system.
