Seoul’s Subway

The subway in Seoul is said to be the best in the world.  Based on my limited experience, I can’t argue with that.

One of the best things about it is the glass wall between the riders and the tracks.  Like the shuttle trains in airports.  This not only provides rider safety, but it also allows the platforms to be air-conditioned.  I love that!  Here’s Andrew waiting for a train.

Click any image for a larger view 15-andrewat-doorThe cars are also air-conditioned and both station and cars are generally clean.

Like Americans, Korean riders pass the time with naps and electronics.  Lots of electronics!

Seoul's subway, adventurequilter.com/blog

Korea is very accessible to those with handicaps.  The subway stations and sidewalks have what I call “yellow brick roads.”  These look like Lego pieces imbedded into the flooring.  They’re used to help blind people navigate:  rectangular bricks in the straight areas and round circles at stairs, roads, platform edges, etc.  Ingenious.
Seoul's subway, adventurequilter.com/blog
This I was not expecting:  gas masks and emergency supplies at every platform.
Seoul's subway, adventurequilter.com/blog
Along with instructions for use.
Seoul's subway, adventurequilter.com/blog
A side effect of having North Korea as a neighbor, I guess.
Young couples in Korea often dress alike.
Seoul's subway, adventurequilter.com/blog

Seoul's subway, adventurequilter.com/blog

 

And finally, there is this.  A common sight everywhere we went.  Ajummas wearing huge visors.  Ajumma technically means “aunt,” but it’s used to refer to women who are 55+.  This group delights in the preferential treatment given them due to their age.  Well, more accurately, they demand preferential treatment.

 

Seoul subway, adventurequilter.com/blog

And they REALLY like to wear these huge visors.  They’re big!  The bills must be 8+ inches long and the sides come all the way down to nose level.  They must not have any
peripheral vision.
(My advice: if you see one of these giant visors coming your way, give way.)
It’s so fun learning about other cultures.
Ellen Lindner