Korea’s Subway Commuters Allege They’ve Noticed A Stark Difference Since The Itaewon Tragedy

Some Korean subway riders are stating that they have noticed a difference among fellow commuters since the Itaewon tragedy.

Earlier, we reported on Korean commuters who have grown more anxious about commuting in Korea’s notoriously packed subways. Due to this, according to some commuters, they have noticed riders have become more way about respecting personal space.

According to a News1 article, some commuters alleged they noticed a difference since the Itaewon crowd surge, which claimed 156 lives and injured another 172.

The article cited a Twitter post that has since gone viral. In the post, the author wrote that she got goosebumps when her usual “hellish” commute was anything but.

Wow, I got goosebumps… Konkuk University station’s transfer line is usually hell due to there being a mix of riders getting on and those who are getting off. But today, everyone was waiting in line on the stairs and going up orderly. I thought an employee had ordered them to do so, but that wasn’t the case. Everyone is following the rules as if promised.

— Commuter

Another Twitter user replied, stating they felt that the change was largely due to the Itaewon tragedy.

I think this is a symptom of the public’s trauma from the Itaewon tragedy. They must have had the incident in mind when they trudged along… It’s a good thing that people are moving in order, but despite this, I can’t help but feel sad.

— Commuter

According to the article, other commuters also felt the changes stating they, too, felt an improvement in their commutes.

• “Although the morning commute was packed, in the evening, people didn’t force themselves into the subway cars, and people were walking while respecting each other’s spaces.“
• “In the evening commute, it’s usually so packed I almost fall due to the pushing, but I can tell there has been less pushing.“
• “It might just be me, but there wasn’t any pushing in the evening commute.”

The article, however, also stated that not everyone felt the changes. According to the report, there were still accounts stating that not much had changed for them.

• “Nothing has changed.“
• “They were pushing as always.“
• “The morning commute was hell. Someone even yelled due to the pushing.”

Whether the Itaewon tragedy will lead to widespread improvements to Korea’s notorious commute is still up in the air, but many can agree that the tragedy has instilled a new awareness of the dangers of large crowds.