Retention of Dokdo Sculptures at Sicheong Station, Gimpo Airport Station, and Itaewon Station

Seoul Metro Jamsil② Station Expresses Congestion Concerns Due to Byeollae Line Opening; Anguk and Gwanghwamun Stations Decide to Remove Dokdo Sculpture Amid Increased Tourists Following COVID-19 Recovery

Seoul Metro is organizing facilities that pose safety concerns to prevent passenger safety accidents caused by subway congestion, following heightened public awareness of crowded situations after the Itaewon crowd incident.

The removal of the Dokdo sculptures at Anguk Station and others is part of a proactive safety measure against congestion. Within the budget limits, they are gradually removing not only sculptures that may pose safety concerns but also facilities that could obstruct movement paths.

They added that in preparation for congestion following the opening of the Byeollae Line, they have improved passenger passage by removing and relocating obstacles such as chairs at Cheonho Station and Jamsil Station.

Additionally, due to the recent increase in foot traffic around Seongsu Station and the potential for safety accidents caused by congestion, there is a plan to install new staircases behind exits 2 and 3 by October 2025 to alleviate congestion.

Originally, the Dokdo sculptures were installed in Seoul subway stations starting in 2009, with models placed at six stations: Jamsil② Station, Anguk Station, Gwanghwamun Station, City Hall② Station, Gimpo Airport Station, and Itaewon Station. Currently, the sculptures at Jamsil② Station, Anguk Station, and Gwanghwamun Station have been removed.

They explained that the removal at Jamsil② Station was due to concerns about congestion following the opening of the Byeollae Line, while the removals at Anguk Station and Gwanghwamun Station were decided due to increased tourists as daily life recovered from COVID-19.

When the Dokdo sculptures were installed in 2009, stations with high foot traffic were selected. However, following the Itaewon incident, concerns about congestion have been raised, and the removal of facilities (including sculptures) is being pursued proactively to secure safe movement paths for citizens.

Although relocation rather than complete removal was considered, the sculptures were inevitably removed due to aging and difficulties in management.

While the removal was unavoidable due to passenger safety concerns from congestion and the aging and management difficulties of the sculptures, considering the symbolic significance of Dokdo, they are reviewing installing framed versions at Jamsil② Station, Anguk Station, and Gwanghwamun Station?where removal has been completed?that do not obstruct passenger flow and are easier to maintain and manage.

In particular, the Dokdo sculptures installed at City Hall② Station, Gimpo Airport Station, and Itaewon Station are planned to be maintained as they currently are.