[Report] "Masks Must Be Worn" First Day of Mandatory Subway Mask Policy, Citizens' Reactions 'Positive'

Restriction on Boarding Without Masks in Crowded Subways
Citizens Respond Positively: "A Natural Measure," "A Necessary Policy"
Transportation Corporation: "Hope Mask Wearing Is Well Observed"

On the morning of the 13th, citizens commuting to work by subway. The citizens interviewed by the Asia Economy reporters on this day emphasized that wearing masks is essential not only for themselves but also for others.
Photo by Suwan Kim suwan@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "We must wear masks for the sake of others as well."

Starting today (the 13th), if passengers do not wear masks during crowded times such as commuting hours on the Seoul subway, their use of the subway will be restricted.

At major congested stations, if users do not wear masks, staff may require them to put on masks and can control access to prevent boarding the subway.

According to Seoul Metro, congestion is a predicted value representing the number of passengers relative to the subway car capacity. When 160 people board one subway car, congestion is shown as 100%.

Subway congestion is classified as △80% or less 'Comfortable' △80~130% 'Normal' △130~150% 'Caution' △150% or more 'Congested'.

Wearing masks is mandatory starting from the congested stage (150~170%) marked in red. At this stage, the train is so crowded that movement inside is impossible, and passengers without masks cannot use the subway.

Also, if congestion exceeds 170%, trains may pass through congested sections without stopping based on the judgment of station staff, control center, and train operators.

On the morning of the 13th, citizens commuting using Seoul Subway Line 1. On this day, the Asia Economy reporters met citizens who welcomed the mandatory mask policy on the subway.
Photo by Suwan Kim suwan@asiae.co.kr

At 8 a.m. this morning, announcements recommending mask-wearing were continuously broadcast inside the subway station at Seoul Station on Line 1.

Reporters from Asia Economy met citizens around Line 1, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station on Line 2, and Chungmuro Station on Line 4, who welcomed the mask mandate.

They emphasized that wearing masks is essential not only for themselves but also for others. However, some citizens expressed concerns about whether mask non-wearers could be properly identified.

Inside the overcrowded subway stations, almost no one was seen without a mask. Commuters using the subway unanimously stressed the importance of wearing masks.

A woman in her 50s, housewife A, met at Seoul Station on Line 4, said, "My daughter lives near Sadang. I go to look after my grandchildren every day." She added, "I use the subway daily, but I hardly see anyone without a mask. It's for everyone's safety. Masks must be worn without exception."

Regarding the policy that passengers not wearing masks during crowded commuting hours cannot use the subway, she said, "It may be a bit late, but I think the city made the right decision now."

A man in his 40s working in finance, met on his way to work, said, "I am aware of this policy. It is right to wear masks in densely populated areas." He added, "I believe masks must be worn during crowded times like commuting hours. Policies requiring masks when many people are present are desirable."

A railway cleaner in his 70s, met at the restroom in Seoul Station on Line 1, said, "Actually, even before the policy was implemented, everyone wore masks well." He added, "I think citizens have great awareness. Sometimes staff forget to wear masks when coming to work, but they learn by watching the citizens."

Between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. around Seoul Station, only two people without masks were seen.

A man in his 50s, B, who said he works at a company near Seoul Station, said, "Of course, I wear a mask in crowded places. I took it off briefly because I couldn't breathe while walking." He added, "Wearing a mask is essential during commuting hours."

Subway 'Everyday Social Distancing' Seoul Metro Corporation Poster.
Photo by Suwan Kim suwan@asiae.co.kr

At around 9:30 a.m., after commuting hours, a man in his 70s, C, met at Chungmuro Station on Line 4, said, "Isn't this a social agreement?" He added, "I think it's a good policy. Due to relaxed social distancing, confirmed cases keep appearing. Some people say masks are uncomfortable, but that's very selfish." He continued, "Masks must be worn until the end of COVID-19. It's for your own and others' health."

However, some concerns were raised. A 20-something office worker, D, met at Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station on Line 2, pointed out, "Many people take off their masks after getting on the subway because they feel suffocated. How will they catch those people?"

The city plans to reduce confusion for citizens who forget to bring masks by making dental masks available for purchase at market prices at 448 vending machines, 118 integrated sales points, and 157 convenience stores in all stations.

At the vending machines inside Seoul Station on Line 1, KF94 protective masks can be purchased. Also, masks can be bought at convenience stores and kiosks, so passengers who accidentally forget masks can easily buy them inside the subway.

Notice for Mask Sales Locations inside Seoul Station on Line 1. Masks can be purchased at vending machines, convenience stores, and kiosks.
Photo by Suwan Kim suwan@asiae.co.kr

Meanwhile, the city will analyze data to derive expected congestion by time and line and provide this information on a weekly and daily basis. Weekly congestion information will be available through Facebook, Twitter, portal sites, the Seoul Metro website, and apps like 'Ttota Subway'.

Daily information will be provided via TV and radio broadcasts, portal sites, and station announcements. Bus information will be provided through the 'Bus Information Terminal (BIT)' and can be checked on the bus arrival information website.

A Seoul Metro official said, "Currently, a public notice has been issued to deploy staff at 20 stations with heavy crowds to detect mask non-wearers." He added, "On the first day of enforcement today (the 13th), no passengers without masks were found. I hope this continues."