How To Get A Seat On The Subway

Picture it. You decide to go to north Seoul to do some sightseeing or shopping. Maybe you're heading to west Seoul to Ho Bar it up in Hongdae. These places are easily accessible thanks to Seoul's fantastic and efficient subway system. It's the best MRT I've ever used. But these trips take time... maybe 30 minutes or more, and when you get there you're going to be walking around a lot. You're not going to feel much like walking if you've stood on the subway the whole way to your destination. Also, a 30 minute trip can feel like 15 minutes if you're just sitting and reading or watching something on your ipod OR it can feel like an hour if you're just standing there. Mel and I have gotten pretty savvy (and maybe a little over-calculated) with getting seats on the subway so here are a few tips for you, fellow travelers:

Know where to wait:

It's my experience that the front of the train is usually less busy, especially on line 3, which we use the most. The rear cars might be full but the first couple of cars will often have a free seat or two, even at peak hours.

Don't wait in front of the cars that have the handicapped symbol on them. You will be getting on the train next to the seniors/handicapped seats and you shouldn't sit there. Don't get on one of the bike cars either- they don't have any seats at all.

Know who to wait with:

This is an ajumma. She is public enemy number one when it comes to getting a seat on the subway. You will never get to the chair before her (she'll throw you out of her way, if need be), plus you're an ass for taking her seat if you do get there first because- hey, she's an old lady. Never, ever wait in line for the subway with an ajumma. You can't win.

Know who to stand in front of:

This guy aint going anywhere

Okay, so the above tips didn't work because the train is just too busy. Don't stand in the middle of the car or against a wall- this is never going to get you a seat! You need to stand in front of a sitting person and hope to get their seat when they stand up. You need to choose this person carefully. If a University station is coming up soon, wait in front of a young adult. Chances are, that's where they're going. Avoid people who are reading, watching TV or sleeping- they probably won't move anytime soon. If you're a couple, stand in front of another couple or family, because they'll probably get off together and free up seats for both of you.

So, use these strategies and hopefully you will be enjoying a ride to Hongdae with your feet up, too! And by the way, you owe me a seat sometime if you see me on the subway. You'll know me- I'll be the one pouting like a baby because he's standing up. Happy travels!