I’m sure you’ve heard many times about how crowded the subway gets during rush hours in Asia, especially in Korea. When public transportation is as convenient and affordable as it is here, there is no reason not to use it. As a tourist, simply taking Line 2 will get you to all the popular tourist destinations and attractions you want to visit.
Before arriving in Seoul and during the first few days, public transportation was one of my biggest worries. For the first two days, I stayed in the area I was lodging in and didn’t use public transportation until I took the bus to a department store a few blocks down the street. I’m not sure what exactly scared me so much about public transportation. Maybe it’s because I’m directionally challenged or because I didn’t know enough Korean to ask for directions if I got lost. Or perhaps it was simply the fact that I was in a foreign country. I used the subway before starting work to familiarize myself with the system before my first day. I even considered commuting to work the day before to ensure I knew the way before my first official day.
Luckily for me, I was able to be escorted to work by a few coworkers who had been working at the company for a few weeks. As soon as I saw the train pass by the gates of the subway platform, I could tell it would be a tough ride. All the seats were taken, and there wasn’t much room left on the handrails to hold onto. Barely making it in, all six interns (including myself) pushed our way onto the subway as it started to move forward. Thankfully, most of the people packed into the train got off at the next stop, and there was room to breathe. This experience was startling at first, but it also felt surreal, as if I hadn’t fully woken up yet. Since my first rush hour experience, here are a few tips I’ve picked up to help me get through my commute peacefully:
- Bring headphones! I found that listening to music or podcasts helped me get my mind off being squeezed into a train. Although I only had to worry about the packed subway for one stop, I’m usually pretty particular about my personal space. Once I started bringing my AirPods and blasting music into my ears, my commute experience became much more bearable.
- Stay with a friend. If possible, try to commute with a coworker or friend going in the same direction! There have been a few times when not all the interns could make it onto the subway, but we always paired up so no one was left alone. Having a buddy with you if you miss your train makes it a lot less stressful and nerve-wracking.
- Time your commute well. Rush hour is the most crowded time for the subway. If possible, try to leave a little earlier or later to avoid the peak times. Departing before 8 AM can allow you to take a less crowded train.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You may have to stand for a long time on the subway during rush hour, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential. Comfortable feet make standing for extended periods much less tiring.
- Use a small bag. Large bags can be difficult to maneuver in a crowded subway and can inconvenience others. Using a small bag that can carry your essentials makes commuting much easier.
- Be polite. It’s important to be considerate of other passengers on the subway. Avoid pushing or shoving, try to be as quiet as possible, and respect others’ personal space.
These tips have made my subway commute much more comfortable and less stressful. Initially, I was anxious, but now I’ve become familiar with and comfortable using Seoul’s public transportation system.
Life in Seoul presents new challenges and learning opportunities every day. Using public transportation has provided me with many new experiences, and I’ve learned a lot in the process. I look forward to continuing to embrace new challenges and making the most of my time in Seoul. The experiences here have greatly contributed to my personal growth.
