Gangnam Station in southern Seoul (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — Seoulites, living in one of the world’s most congested metropolitan cities, are reflecting on the dangers of overcrowding following the Itaewon crowd crush.
Just like any other day, the evening rush hour in Seoul is met by heavy congestion in the subway. Now, however, people seem to have a new perspective on safety.
“There were small women who died in the crowd crush. People actually died. Now, I am scared of the overcrowded trains and I try to be more careful,” a Seoulite said.
A 29-year-old office worker surnamed Kong now deliberately lets two or three trains go by during rush hour just to get on a less crowded train.
Although it takes her 15 to 20 minutes longer to get to work, Kong said she realized that safety comes before speed after the Itaewon tragedy.
“My thoughts about crowds have changed after what happened in Itaewon,” she said. “In the past, congestion was no more than an inconvenience. Now, it has become a safety issue.”
Others say there wouldn’t be much change in society, despite the change in perspectives.
“Whoever gets on the subway has to get on the subway, so I don’t think much is going to change soon,” said a 50-year-old Seoulite named Kang who also skipped a full train.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
