Seoul Subway to Expand 'Digital Screen Advertising' to Lines 1-8... Expected Additional Revenue Generation

Seoul Metro Corporation to Improve Subway Multivision Advertising Business... Meeting Advertiser Demand and Generating Additional Revenue

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul Metro announced on the 7th that it will improve and newly promote its multi-vision advertising business using monitor screens installed inside subway stations. With steady demand from various advertisers including public institutions and private companies, this is expected to help generate revenue to restore the corporation's financial soundness.

Currently, subway multi-vision advertising is operated on a limited basis using 70 monitors installed at 33 stations on Lines 1 to 4. The corporation plans to expand the advertising target lines to all Lines 1 to 8 to meet the increasing demand for digital advertising and to operate unified media after the integration of Seoul Metro and Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation. The number of operating stations and the quantity of advertisements will also increase to 120 monitors across 53 stations.

In line with the recent trend favoring digital methods, monitor specifications will also be improved. Previously, only small horizontal LCD monitors installed on platform screen doors and above stairs and corridors were used, but high-quality and easy-to-maintain LED electronic displays will be additionally introduced. Various shapes and screen sizes can be selected depending on the location, and they can also be installed on station walls and pillars.

The corporation will announce the bid for this project through Onbid in the second week of this month and recruit participants. If the project proceeds smoothly thereafter, advertisements inside stations are expected to be fully implemented starting in July.

President Kim Sang-beom said, “We plan to expand various advertisements inside the subway, not only multi-vision advertising but also digital ads on platform screen doors and media tunnels at transfer stations,” adding, “We will continue to generate revenue through non-transportation businesses to help the corporation’s difficult financial situation.”