Senior citizens wait in line for free meals along the wall of a park in Seoul on Aug. 1, 2023, as South Korea is hit by a heat wave with the temperature hitting 35 C in the capital. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — The number of elderly citizens seeking refuge from the stifling summer heat in subway stations or on subway trains due to financial difficulties is on the rise.
According to Seoul Metro, the city-run operator of the subway system in Seoul, 14.68 million elderly citizens over 65 used subway lines 1 to 8 from July 1 to 25, up by about 750,000 from a year ago.
South Korea’s mobility policy offers free rides for all people aged 65 and older.
Another factor behind the increase in the number of such senior citizens is the reduced burden of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to last summer when wearing masks inside subway stations was mandatory.
A 74-year-old senior citizen surnamed Kang, who lives in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, stays at Jongno-3-ga station in central Seoul from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
The subway station is close to Tapgol Park, a pagoda park that serves as a symbolic meeting place and hangout for seniors.
“In the summer, my monthly electricity bill surges by 150,000 won (US$116) due to air conditioning,” Kang said.
An 82-year-old senior citizen named Choi spends time on Line 1 subway trains instead of staying at home in Yeongdeungpo, southwestern Seoul.
“I live alone without an air conditioner,” said Choi.
“I only have two or three old electric fans. When I stay at home, I have no other option but to open the window to endure the heat.”
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
