Yeokchon Station, Sagajeong Station, Jangji Station, and Other 'Medical Zones' Bidding in August-September
Open 365 Days a Year... "Will Continue to Expand"
The 'Medical Zone,' where medical services can be accessed at nearby subway stations, will be expanded.
Seoul Metro announced on the 16th that starting from the 19th, it will hold lease bidding for the Medical Zone project, which consists of clinics and pharmacies within station commercial spaces, targeting Yeokchon Station on Line 6 and Sagajeong Station on Line 7. Next month, bidding will be conducted for Yongmasan Station on Line 7 and Jangji Station on Line 8, with plans to gradually expand to various locations across Lines 1 to 8 in the long term.
The Medical Zone is a service that operates hospitals and pharmacies together within subway stations. Currently, it is operating at eight locations: Yeoksam Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, Digital Media City Station, Hapjeong Station, Gangnam-gu Office Station, Myeonmok Station, Hakdong Station, and Nonhyeon Station. It operates 365 days a year from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., allowing office workers who finish work late to receive medical treatment.
Only individuals holding a medical doctor or pharmacist license can participate in the Medical Zone bidding. Even when participating as a corporation, the corporate representative must hold a medical doctor or pharmacist license.
The possibility of clinics and pharmacies entering subway stations is a recent development. Before 2021, many cases of refusal to open or repair were reported due to the absence of a building register for use confirmation at some district health centers. To reform these regulations, Seoul Metro negotiated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Board of Audit and Inspection, leading to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's notification in December 2020. Based on this, a convenience facility management register was issued in place of the building register, enabling clinics and pharmacies to open within subway stations.
Analysis results of 'New Business Types and Brand Needs' from the tenant satisfaction survey. Provided by Seoul Metro.
Public response has been positive. According to a customer satisfaction survey of leased commercial spaces conducted last month, 'clinics and pharmacies' ranked first at 23% among the newly desired and expanding business types.
Kim Jeong-hwan, Head of the Strategic Business Division at Seoul Metro, said, "Subways are more than just a means of transportation; we are making efforts to develop commercial areas that meet citizens' needs according to the times. We will expand the Medical Zone project to enhance citizens' health welfare and convenience, and also strive to generate revenue for the corporation."
Meanwhile, besides the Medical Zone, pharmacies are located in 32 subway stations, including Jamsil Station.
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