Seoul Subway Map Changed After 40 Years, Final Design Unveiled

Adoption of 8-Line Design and Improved Transfer Station Signage
Pilot Installation on Screen Doors at Yeouido Station of Subway Lines 5 and 9

The final design of the Seoul subway map, changing for the first time in 40 years, was unveiled on the 25th. The international standard 8-line style (Octoliner) was applied to make many lines and transfer stations easily recognizable. This final result reflects various opinions from citizens and experts on applying the circular and diagram style for Line 2 and labeling elements, gathered during the 'Subway Map Design Public Hearing' held last September. The new map will be pilot-installed next month at the screen doors of Yeouido Station on Lines 5 and 9 using transparent OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology.

The existing subway map used for 40 years had various forms with only lines added, making it difficult to apply additional extended lines. The multi-shaped form, which made it hard to identify locations, transfer stations indistinguishable from regular stations, and the absence of station number labeling were also pointed out as problems.

The internationally standardized 8-line style (Octoliner) applied this time was first introduced by Henry Beck in 1933 on the London Underground in the UK. It only allows horizontal, vertical, 45-degree diagonal, and straight lines, making it easy for users to recognize and is generally used. Along with the introduction of the 8-line style, the circular Line 2 was placed at the center, and routes considering geographic information were applied. This is to make it easier for users to read and efficiently find their way.

Additionally, the labeling of transfer stations has been improved. It was changed to a traffic light style. To ensure that colorblind and visually impaired people can easily distinguish, brightness, saturation, and patterns of colors were adopted. Seoul City plans to produce the 'Seoul Subway Map Design Guidelines' by next month so that public and private facilities can utilize them. It will be disclosed through the city’s website.

Choi In-gyu, Seoul City Design Policy Officer, said, "The newly announced map is designed to consider visually impaired people and foreigners, contributing to making subway use more comfortable," and added, "We will brand the Seoul subway map and utilize it in various promotions and related activities."