Respect designated seating
Priority seats are marked for passengers who need them, including older people, disabled passengers and pregnant passengers. If you do not need a designated seat, choose another seat or stand.
Do not judge another passenger's need by appearance. Some disabilities, illnesses and stages of pregnancy are not visible. If you need a seat yourself, you can ask politely or seek staff assistance.
Keep wheelchair spaces and the route to them clear. A suitcase or pushchair should not prevent a passenger from using an accessible area.
Leave pregnancy seats available
Seoul's pink pregnancy seats are intended for pregnant passengers. The city's guidance encourages other passengers to leave them empty, so someone does not have to announce a pregnancy or ask another passenger to move.
Seat placement and markings vary across trains and operators. Follow the signs in the carriage rather than relying on one layout for the whole network.
Keep sound to yourself
Quiet conversation is normal. Keep your voice low, use headphones for music or videos and avoid speakerphone calls. If a call needs a long or animated conversation, continue it after leaving the train where practical.
Announcements need to remain audible, so keep headphone volume at a level that lets you notice instructions. Smoking and disruptive behaviour are not acceptable on the train or in the station.
Manage bags and doors carefully
In a crowded carriage, take a backpack off your back and hold it close or place it securely by your feet without blocking the aisle. Keep luggage under control when the train accelerates or brakes.
Move away from the doorway after boarding when space allows. Before your stop, prepare to leave without pushing, and let passengers off before you enter.
For large suitcases, bicycles or powered mobility equipment, check the relevant operator's current carriage rules. Permission, size limits and designated cars can differ; a rule for one operator is not automatically the rule for the entire connected network.
Avoid spills and food that disturbs others
Keep drinks closed and avoid eating food that could spill, leave litter or create a strong smell in the carriage. Waiting until you are off the train is often easier, particularly when it is crowded.
Do not assume that food and drink rules are identical on buses, subways and intercity trains. Follow the signs and the operator's instructions for the service you are using.
If the air-conditioning feels too cold
Some Seoul Metro lines provide 약냉방칸, carriages with less intense air-conditioning. Check the carriage signs or current operator information to find them; they are not available on every line.
A light layer can help when moving between summer heat and an air-conditioned train. Do not choose a reserved seat simply because you expect its temperature to be more comfortable.
