Expansion of Station Numbering and Multilingual Labels
Landmarks such as City Hall Indicated with Pictograms
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway line maps have been revamped for the first time in 40 years. The maps now indicate the location of the Han River and the boundaries passing through Seoul, and the previously varied notation systems by line have been unified.
On the 16th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will completely redesign the single line maps for Lines 1 to 9 and sequentially install them starting in the second half of this year. The new single line maps come in three formats: horizontal, vertical, and square. Professor Jeong Jin-yeol of the AI Design Department at Kookmin University, who participated as an advisor, said, "The improved design of the single line maps will enhance subway usage convenience not only for domestic users but also for foreigners."
New Seoul Subway Single Line Map (below) and Current Single Line Map (above). Provided by Seoul City
The current single line maps make it difficult to understand geographic information such as station locations, line travel directions, and municipal boundaries, and the notation systems for express trains and transfers varied by line. There has also been a lack of station numbering and multilingual notation, highlighting the need for improvement.
The new single line maps indicate transfer lines using a traffic light system and include station numbers to assist foreign users. Important geographic information such as the boundaries between Seoul and other municipalities, the location of the Han River, and junction points are also reflected. The color scheme is designed to be easily distinguishable even for those with color vision deficiencies.
For popular tourist attractions, 14 types of pictograms were developed and applied to the maps. These include Seoul City Hall, Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), and Namsan Seoul Tower. The new single line maps also feature 'Seoul Alimche,' a typeface newly developed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, for the first time.
New single-line diagram displayed on the subway platform safety door's transparent OLED. Provided by Seoul City.
The new single line maps will also be available in video format through 'transparent OLED' screens installed on platform safety doors. Initially, a total of 32 units will be installed on the platform of Line 5 at Yeouido Station. This maintains the openness of the existing safety doors while simultaneously providing line maps, travel directions, and emergency evacuation guidance.
Choi In-gyu, Seoul’s Design Policy Officer, said, "The new Seoul subway single line maps will be widely utilized in various ways, including on trains, platforms, and merchandise, becoming a representative design icon of Seoul. This will positively impact the enhancement of Seoul’s global city status and the revitalization of tourism."
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