Seoul Subway Stations Expand Operation of 'Personal Item Storage Lockers'

Seoul Metro's Lifestyle Logistics Center Expands Citizen Convenience with 'Ttota Storage' for Long-Term Item Storage and 'Ttota Luggage' for Short-Term Storage... Resumes 'Ttota Luggage' Service at Hongdaeipgu Station Halted Due to COVID-19... Other Locations to Reopen Gradually... Establishes Unmanned Operation System and Foreign Language Support

Myeongdong Station Ddolta Luggage

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] The self-storage business operated by Seoul Metro is becoming more accessible to citizens.

The corporation has resumed the operation of the Ttota Luggage service at Hongdae Entrance Station, which was suspended due to COVID-19, and completed the foreign language translation of the corporation’s ‘Ttota Locker’ app. By providing services that allow citizens to utilize space within subway stations again, it has also laid the foundation for foreign tourists who frequently use the subway to conveniently access the service.

Personal storage (self-storage) is a service that allows users to store seasonal clothing, hobby items, personal mobility devices (PM, Personal Mobility), and more in separately prepared storage spaces. With the increase in single-person households and rising urban land prices, demand for storage space is gradually increasing, showing continuous growth recently.

The corporation operates a living logistics center business utilizing highly accessible subway spaces, enabling individuals and businesses, who often face storage shortages, to conveniently store their items.

The living logistics center business operated by the corporation is divided into ‘Ttota Storage,’ a personal storage rental service for medium- to long-term storage, and ‘Ttota Luggage,’ for short-term luggage storage, allowing citizens to choose and use services according to their needs.

The living logistics center project is a five-year plan (2020?2024) to create a total of 50 living logistics centers by utilizing idle spaces and vacant commercial areas within subway stations.

‘Ttota Storage’ can be used at a rate of 79,000 KRW per month for cabinet-type storage (based on a warehouse size of 1m width × 1m depth × 2.1m height). Additional discounts are available for long-term use.

Operating hours coincide with Seoul subway operating hours (Weekdays 5 AM to 1 AM the next day, weekends and holidays 5 AM to midnight).

‘Ttota Luggage’ fees vary depending on the size of the stored items (S size: 3,000 KRW for 4 hours). Storage is available from 4 hours up to a maximum of 5 days, and operating hours are year-round from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Resuming operations at suspended locations and enhancing citizen accessibility through app use and foreign language support

Following the lifting of social distancing measures and an increase in transportation volume, the corporation identified growing demand for the Ttota Luggage service and resumed operations at Hongdae Entrance Station on July 1. Six other locations, including Myeongdong Station, which had suspended operations, will also gradually resume services in accordance with the COVID-19 situation.

Ttota Luggage was popular among travelers as it allowed short-term luggage storage and airport carrier delivery, but operations were suspended due to the spread of COVID-19.

The currently suspended airport carrier delivery service will also resume in response to increased travel demand, preparing for convenient use by domestic and international travelers.

The corporation operates all ‘Ttota Storage’ related services through a 100% contactless unmanned system. Users can select their desired storage unit and rental period and complete payment anytime, anywhere via the dedicated smartphone app ‘T-Locker Ttota Locker.’

To improve accessibility for foreign users, the corporation has been providing English, Japanese, and Chinese language support services since July 12.

The ‘T-Locker Ttota Locker’ app includes functions such as ‘Ttota Storage’ registration and payment, subscription payment services, access control, and customer service inquiries.

Enhancing citizen convenience through expansion of Ttota Storage and living logistics centers

The corporation currently provides storage services to citizens by utilizing vacant commercial spaces at a total of 20 stations, including 13 ‘Ttota Storage’ locations such as Isu Station and Banpo Station, and 7 ‘Ttota Luggage’ locations such as Hongdae Entrance Station and Myeongdong Station.

The corporation plans to expand ‘Ttota Storage’ by adding 11 more locations, including Gunja Station, in September this year, aiming to establish up to 50 locations by 2024. The goal of the project is to change the perception of subway station spaces and provide beneficial convenience services to citizens in line with the evolving industrial structure.

The corporation thoroughly manages ‘Ttota Storage’ by installing CCTV facilities and regularly checking temperature and humidity as well as warehouse security. Additionally, it subscribes to business liability insurance for facilities and stored items, striving to ensure security and safety for stable unmanned operation.

Jung Seon-in, Head of the Corporation’s New Growth Headquarters, said, “The living logistics center project will solve the problem of long-term vacant commercial spaces within stations while also enhancing citizen convenience. We plan to steadily expand community-centered convenience services to improve citizen convenience, and we ask for your interest and use.”