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A sabbatical I enjoyed in Seoul remains one of my life's best memories. I lived in Songpa-gu and worked with Korean colleagues and university students for six months. I relied upon the Seoul subway system everyday. It's a massive and impressive example of Korean technology and an example to the world. This year marks its 40th anniversary.
I caught the train at Gandong-gu Office Station near my apartment in Pungnapdong. The ride to Korea or Hanyang Universities took only one or two transfers. The fares were cheap (and still are!). Clean, modern, and cool (so wonderful during the rainy season) cars transported me.
I connected to virtually any locale in the Seoul Metropolitan area. With no more than several blocks to walk from most stations, travel was so easy! I enjoyed exploring the city using the subway lines. I made my share of mistakes, such as traveling to Sichon instead of Sinchon. But I made all my appointments on time. I rarely waited long for a train, even during peak periods.
Emerging to the city on evenings and weekends, I could see cars standing in traffic. They waited for minutes and parts of hours. They struggled to traverse crowded bridges, highways, and thoroughfares. Automobiles are a wonderful convenience, but you'll find it easier to use the Seoul subway. Try it for yourself.
I appreciated the hospitality of Korean citizens who occasionally talked to me on the trains. They inquired about my needs when I looked lost, or shared with me something they knew about Americans and the States. Korean seniors are a corps of unheralded ambassadors!
The civility or civic-mindedness of Korean citizens impressed me too. People gave up their seats when an elder, woman-with-child, or special needs person appeared. Begging, proselytizing or scamming passengers occurred rarely. I did see people collecting used newspapers for recycling.
These positive benefits of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway remain today. They continue to grow as well, with increased usage, coverage, and ongoing national and local investment. Millions of rides occur daily and billons annually.
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway consists of an expanding network of 19 rail lines over the greater Seoul metropolitan region. Seoul Metro, Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit, and Korail operate most of the lines.
Improvements to existing stations, new stations, and new rail lines chart the life of this world-class system. Digital signage, ubiquitous connectivity, and convenient forms of payment typify the rider experience. It's easy to plan your route with the system maps!
The trains are foreigner-friendly, and not just for English language speakers. Messages and helpful hints appear in several languages. Convenient subway, station, and exit maps convey clear and accurate information.
Many stations feature artwork, exhibits, and interesting touches. Most have some form of newspaper stand, soft drink stations, or small convenience shop. Seniors and the disabled ride for free and may use more convenient entrances and exits at many stations.
I do have some suggestions. Korean national, provincial, and local authorities should develop further the subway systems of other metropolis cities such as Busan, Daejeon, and Daegu. The Incheon and Bundang areas, for example, have rapidly developed because of new rail lines and subway connections. The same can happen in other new towns and areas.
I also suggest extending service hours. In the 21st century, it will become increasingly important to have 24-hour service. Further operating hours, even on a reduced schedule, will increase the possibilities for safe and timely travel at all hours of the night.
Korea should invest in the creation of a 22nd century, fully green subway and rail cars. Already an exporter of high-speed train technology, the comparative advantages of Korea as a constructor of heavy equipment should be furthered through investment in rail and subway technology.
One fair complaint some make is that Seoul subways leave one in need of a fan or air in the summer. To enhance transit comfort, attend to the air quality of passengers along the system's many busy and congested passageways. Surely forced air or some other means of cooling the waiting and through areas could be developed.
One sign of Korea as an advanced nation is the Seoul Metropolitan subway system. No wonder Seoul Mayor Park Won Soon recently recommended another global city, Manila, adopt such a system. Many global cities should do the same. This vital Korean technology deserves to be imitated by many other nations and peoples over this century and the next.
Happy Anniversary, and long live the Seoul subway!
Bernard Rowan is assistant provost for curriculum and assessment, professor of political science and faculty athletics representative at Chicago State University, where he has served for 20 years. He can be reached at browan10@yahoo.com.
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