Seoul launches English-based subway application for foreign passengers

[Courtesy of Seoul Metro]

SEOUL -- To help foreigners reach their destinations without difficulties, Seoul has launched the first subway app that provides various train-related information such as a line map and direction guidance inside stations. Users can find the nearest station just by entering their destinations even if they don’t know station names. The smart app notifies users if they get on the wrong train on the opposite side.
 
The English language-based app called "Seoul Subway" was released on April 27. The app devoted to foreigners also provides tourist information near subway stations. Foreign tourists can figure out when the next train would arrive by clicking on their transfer stations. Users can also learn how to purchase transport cards through the app currently available on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store
 
The location-based app can recognize users' location and informs them which side of the train they should take. It also guides passengers on various facilities in stations such as bathrooms and exits. Users can also find out a subway train’s congestion level by compartment.
 
Seoul Metro said the service will be operated in 14 stations frequently used by foreigners including Itaewon, a district near central Seoul with many clubs and bars, and Myeongdong, a shopping district filled with department stores.
 
The capital city currently has nine different lines. Data released by Seoul on February 2022 showed that the average number of daily subway passengers in Seoul in 2021 was about 5.3 million. As of June 2022, Seoul had more than 360,000 registered foreign residents.