A new policy that allows passengers to reboard Seoul subways within 15 minutes after using the restroom or for other reasons has emerged as the most popular proposal by a Seoul city government official this year. (Image courtesy of Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – A new policy that allows passengers to reboard Seoul subways within 15 minutes after using the restroom or for other reasons has emerged as the most popular proposal by a Seoul city government official this year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government revealed on December 25 that the proposal topped the ‘Creative Proposal of the Year Top 5′ online poll, conducted from December 1 to 15, with the participation of 6,517 citizens. The subway re-entry policy secured the first place with 2,932 votes (12.5%).
This new policy allows subway passengers who exit the station turnstiles to re-enter within 15 minutes without being charged the basic fare, instead applying it as a single transfer.
The city determined that this advantage gained significant public approval, especially for passengers who accidentally pass their destination or need to briefly exit for emergencies like using the restroom.
Other proposals ranking second to fifth included: ‘Making Seoul Flood-Proof Despite Torrential Downpours’ with 1,910 votes (8.14%), operating a ‘Digital Information Center’ in collaboration with the three major mobile carriers with 1,869 votes (7.97%), ‘Warm Warehouse’ companion stores for small villages with 1,753 votes (7.47%), and ‘Wrist Doctor 9988 X Seoul Trail’ with 1,658 votes (7.07%).
Overall, proposals that addressed everyday inconveniences and considered socially disadvantaged groups garnered significant public empathy.
Detailed voting results can be accessed on the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s website (https://www.seoul.go.kr).
Kim Sang-han, Director of the Planning and Coordination Office of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, “We plan to further encourage ‘Creative Administration,’ gathering innovative ideas from city officials and turning them into actual policies. We will continue to work hard to discover new policies that may be small but can change daily life.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
