Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Seoul commuters move underground as Iran war sends gas prices soaring

Seoul’s subway system, known for its relatively low fares and accessibility, has seen a sharp increase in ridership since the outbreak of the Iran war, as soaring gas prices and government curbs on vehicle use push commuters away from driving.

2026-04-20

Rising oil prices push commuters out of cars and into public transportation

Rising oil prices driven by the Iran war are pushing more people in Korea out of their cars and into public transportation as local governments consider expanding subway and bus services and offering rebates.

2026-04-05

Subway congestion could fall by up to 9.5% with limited free rides for older adults: Study

A government study found that limiting free subway rides for adults aged 65 and older during rush hours could reduce congestion by up to 9.5 percent, with President Lee Jae Myung calling for a review of the decades-old policy.

2026-04-01

Sookmyung Women's University Station to update name following Seoul education office's relocation

Sookmyung Women’s University Station will update its name as the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education relocates to the campus neighborhood.

2026-03-26

Subway Line No. 9 express train services resume following signal failure

Express train services on Seoul Subway Line No. 9 resumed operations on Tuesday after being suspended for about two hours due to a signal failure.

2026-03-17

Tourists now able to use overseas-issued credit cards to purchase subway tickets in Seoul

Foreign tourists in Seoul will be able to purchase single-journey subway tickets and Climate Cards with overseas-issued credit and debit cards starting Tuesday.

2026-03-16

[WHY] Seat warmers: Cause for comfort or pain point for Korea's commuters

Commuters in Seoul express frustration over overly heated subway seats, often referred to as 'eong-ddeu.' Complaints have surged in recent months, with temperatures regulated by an overall heating system, not intentional seat warmers.

2026-02-28

Seoul to extend public transportation to 1 a.m. during Lunar New Year holiday

Seoul will extend late-night subway and bus services during the Lunar New Year holiday to ease congestion for travelers heading home and returning to the capital, the city government said on Monday.

2026-02-09

Court upholds 12-year prison sentence for man who set fire to subway train

A man who set fire to a Seoul subway train was sentenced to 12 years in prison in his appeal trial, the same sentence that was handed down by a lower court.

2026-01-15

Unionized railway workers again pause strike plan after temporary deal reached

Unionized railway workers once again put their strike plans on hold after the union and the government reached a temporary deal on bonus payments, union sources said Tuesday.

2025-12-23