Seoul Metro, which manages lines No.1 to No.4, announced that it will open stores that buy used mobile phones at 12 subway stations including Seoul Station, in a bid to stop wasting resources and promote reusing and recycling. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec.21 (Korea Bizwire) – Stores that purchase used cell phones are set to open at subway stations in Seoul.
Seoul Metro, which manages lines No.1 to No.4, announced that it will open stores that buy used mobile phones at 12 subway stations including Seoul Station, in a bid to stop wasting resources and promote reusing and recycling.
The selected stations are Dongdaemun Station, Seoul Station, Chungjeongno Station, Sindorim Station, Sillim Station, Seolleung Station, Wangsimni Station, Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, Oksu Station, Express Bus Terminal Station, Mia Sageori Station and Sadang Station.
The new businesses will pay rent to Seoul Metro as well as commissions.
The charges per phone were calculated to be at least 7,660 won including VAT. During the contract period of two years, which is the standard agreement period per store, it is expected that 28,800 phones will be purchased.
Seoul Metro has stipulated that the businesses will only be permitted to purchase used phones, and the contract will be invalidated if other forms of business are conducted or the location of the store is changed. In these cases, 10 percent of the security deposit will be withheld.
In addition, using the store as collateral or transferring operating rights to another entity will be seen as a breach of contract.
Clauses forbidding the sale of other items at the store, and limiting the opening hours to within the subway’s hours of operation will be added to the contract.
However, due to the strict conditions, Seoul Metro is having a hard time attracting investors for the new businesses.
Seoul Metro officials emphasized that they are starting the venture to strengthen their management efficiency and enhance the convenience of customers. The additional business could be a countermeasure to overcome the organization’s chronic deficit.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
