Seoul Metro's 50th Anniversary Marks the 'Second Bangbae-dong Era'

Moved to the former headquarters building in Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu
Dasipni office relocates 18 technical business offices

Seoul Metro is relocating its headquarters to Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, this year to celebrate its 50th anniversary. It is returning to its original location after seven years of operating from Yongnap-dong, Seongdong-gu, marking the beginning of the "Second Bangbae-dong Era."

The corporation (President Baek Ho) recently formed a task force (TF) for the headquarters relocation and has begun the moving process, with the move scheduled for May 2.

Inauguration Ceremony of Baekho as President of Seoul Metro Corporation

President Baek stated, "To revitalize the company atmosphere on the 50th anniversary, we are relocating the headquarters functions back to Bangbae-dong, the original headquarters location. The Dapsimni building will house the 18 technical offices currently located in Bangbae-dong."

Seoul Metro has designated May 31, 1974, the founding date of the Seoul Subway Operations Office, as its official founding date, making this year its 50th anniversary. In 2017, Seoul Metro merged with Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, which operated lines 5 to 8, and began using the Dapsimni building as its headquarters.

This headquarters relocation appears to be a declaration of intent to revamp the overall company atmosphere in the era of the 4th industrial revolution, including drones and artificial intelligence (AI). The corporation is the largest public enterprise among Seoul city investment institutions, with approximately 17,000 employees.

President Baekho is inspecting the site with the company headquarters directors on May 24th last year.

Baek Ho, former Director of Urban Transportation for Seoul City, became president last May through a public recruitment process. The corporation is receiving positive evaluations for leading an internal atmosphere of innovation and striving to present a changed image compared to the past.

In particular, the company is being recognized for correcting past problematic company cultures, such as enforcing the "no work, no pay" principle during illegal strikes by union members.