Seoul Night Bus and Subway Reduced Service to Ease Starting Evening of the 15th

30% Reduction After 9 PM → Up to 20% Reduction After 10 PM

On the 13th, when mandatory mask-wearing began in multi-use facilities such as public transportation, medical institutions, entertainment bars, and general restaurants, citizens are seen wearing masks at Gwanghwamun Station on Subway Line 5 in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As the social distancing level in the Seoul metropolitan area is lowered from level 2.5 to level 2, the Seoul city government announced that it will ease the reduction of nighttime public transportation services starting from the evening of the 15th.

In an online briefing on the same day, Seoul city announced a policy to ease the reduction of nighttime public transportation from "30% reduction after 9 PM" to "up to 20% reduction after 10 PM." Accordingly, the number of Seoul subway runs will increase from 113 to 128, and the 347 city bus routes will increase from 3,189 to 4,063 runs.

Seoul city explained, "We will continuously monitor passenger demand and congestion during nighttime hours and operate vehicles flexibly as needed to minimize inconvenience to citizens."

Previously, in November last year, Seoul reduced the number of bus and subway runs after 10 PM by 20%, and in December, increased the reduction rate to 30% while moving the reduction start time to 9 PM.

Additionally, Seoul city announced that operating hours for indoor sports facilities, restaurants, and cafes will be extended to 10 PM, and restrictions on operating hours for academies and study rooms will be lifted. Restaurants and cafes will allow in-store dining until 10 PM, after which only takeout and delivery will be permitted. However, Seoul city decided to maintain the ban on bathhouse operations due to ongoing cluster infections.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.