August 15, 1974: Opening ceremony of Seoul Subway Line 1 “the Jongno Line” (Photo courtesy of Seoul Museum of History)

On August 15, 2024, Seoul Metro celebrated its 50th anniversary, a significant marker that proves its integral role in the city’s history. The opening of the Jongno Line, the inaugural line that connected Seoul Station with Cheongnyangni Station across nine stops, revolutionized transportation in the capital. Over the past five decades, Seoul’s subway system has transported more than 80 billion passengers, covering a distance equivalent to 50,000 trips around the Earth. 

To commemorate this milestone, the Seoul Museum of History is hosting a special exhibition titled “Subway of Seoul” until November 3. The exhibition invites citizens and visitors to explore the evolution of this remarkable network through three distinct sections. The first examines the origins of Korea’s inaugural subway line, highlighting the technical and engineering achievements that made it possible. The second section focuses on the cultural significance of the subway stations themselves as they transformed into vital meeting places for Seoul’s residents. The last section features interviews with past and present subway employees as well as regular passengers, adding a human touch to illuminate the subway’s storied past.

Seoul’s subway system is celebrated for its punctual service, remarkable cleanliness, safety, affordability and vast reach, with numerous lines interconnecting across the city. These qualities have earned it a reputation as one of the world’s best public transportation systems. The network’s efficiency is reflected in its precise scheduling, which allows trains to arrive within minutes of each other. This efficiency reassures passengers and helps make the subway a reliable and convenient option for daily commutes.

All subway stations in Seoul are equipped with platform screen doors. These doors reduce the risk of accidents for passengers and improve air quality by greatly reducing fine dust rising from the tracks. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Safety has always been a top priority for Seoul Metro. Over the years, the system has undergone continuous upgrades to incorporate the latest technology and materials. All subway cars are now constructed with fire-resistant materials, and emergency systems have been enhanced by installing illuminated evacuation signs, CCTV cameras and communication devices that link the train operators directly to the control room. Introducing screen doors on platforms has also significantly reduced accidents, providing passengers with an added layer of security.

In recent years, the subway system has evolved beyond its primary function as a transportation network to become a dynamic urban space. In collaboration with Seoul Metro, the city launched “Subway Station Innovation Project: Fun Station” to transform underutilized spaces within subway stations into vibrant community areas. This initiative began last year with a series of events to highlight these spaces’ potential.

The platform in Runner's Station (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)

One such event allowed participants to explore a previously inaccessible area between City Hall and Euljiro 1-ga stations (Line 2). This event not only gave citizens a glimpse of the subway’s hidden potential but also inspired a contest for public ideas on effectively using these underground spaces.

Collaborations with popular brands have also contributed to the subway’s growing appeal as a cultural space. For instance, a pop-up store called “Vans Station” at Sindang Station (Line 2) attracted over 9,500 visitors in just two days. More recently, a monthlong pop-up café, “Kanu Rest Station,” was set up at Jayang Station (Line 7), drawing 25,000 coffee enthusiasts.

Unpowered treadmill experience area at Runner's Station (Photo courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government)

Building on these successes, in May 2024, the first official Fun Station opened at Yeouinaru Station (Line 5): “Runner’s Station” caters to health enthusiasts and attracted 25,000 visitors in just three months. The station offers non-powered treadmills, professional coaching services and even guided running classes for visually impaired individuals.

By the end of the year, the city plans to create Fun Stations at Jayang Station (Line 7), Ttukseom Station (Line 2) and Sindang Station (Line 6), each with a unique concept. Plans include transforming long-vacant retail spaces in stations into public service areas, such as rest areas for mobile workers and pop-up stores supporting young entrepreneurs.

As Seoul’s subway system celebrates its 50th anniversary, it has become much more than just a mode of transportation. It has grown into a space where the city’s history and culture intersect, providing citizens convenience, safety and a sense of community. With ongoing innovations and projects like the Fun Station, the subway is poised to continue evolving, offering new experiences and opportunities for people traveling around Seoul in the years to come.