Over 100 'Living Logistics Support Centers' Established in Seoul Subway Stations for Parcel and Luggage Storage

Seoul Metro Corporation Increases Citizen Convenience by Utilizing Vacant Stores and Idle Spaces

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Seoul Metro announced on the 1st that it will install and operate up to 100 "Living Logistics Support Centers" within Seoul subway stations by 2022. The plan is to establish an urban rail-based living logistics system and provide living logistics services within the subway to enhance citizens' convenience beyond just transportation.

The Living Logistics Support Centers will offer integrated living logistics convenience services, including storage, receipt, and pickup of manned and unmanned parcel deliveries, personal item storage (self-storage), personal transportation management, and smartphone battery rental. These centers will be installed by utilizing vacant commercial spaces or idle areas within subway stations.

The Metro plans to first install 20 support centers this year, providing single logistics services focused on item storage, and increase the number to 50 next year to offer living logistics services closely related to daily life, such as parcel receipt and delivery, and laundry services. By 2022, the scale will expand to 100 centers, broadening the scope to include fresh logistics and convenience store distribution services.

To this end, the Metro will use big data reflecting regional population, commerce, facilities, and logistics characteristics to classify project sites and provide customized services for each station. For example, at Euljiroipgu Station, located in a central business district with many office workers and high demand for parcel services, a parcel-focused support center will be installed. Meanwhile, near tourist spots like Hongdaeipgu Station, which have many cultural, tourism, and lodging facilities and high demand for luggage storage, a manned storage and item rental-focused support center will be established.

Previously, the Metro has continuously expanded the infrastructure for the Living Logistics Support Center service, currently operating 5,557 unmanned parcel lockers (T-Locker) throughout all Seoul subway stations. Since April this year, it also launched a dedicated mobile app that allows reservation, payment, and customer service for locker use.

Manned storage facilities (T-Luggage) providing services related to small cargo such as suitcases have been installed and operated since last November at Hongdaeipgu Station on Line 2, Seoul Station, Myeongdong Station, and Jamsil Station. These facilities not only provide storage but also offer convenient services such as delivering suitcases to Incheon International Airport.

Kim Sang-beom, President of Seoul Metro, stated, "The 21st-century subway should establish itself not only as a simple passenger transport system but as a center of local life." He added, "We will promote living logistics projects in line with social changes and fulfill our social responsibility as a public enterprise by enhancing citizen convenience and creating complex added value through these efforts."