Seoul Metro to Add Staircase at Seongsu Station Entrance 3 Due to 'Accident Risk'..."Construction Contract Within the Year"

by Kim Minjin

Published 25 Sep.2025 12:04(KST)

Seoul Metro (President Baek Ho) will install a new staircase at Entrance 3 of Seongsu Station, an area notorious for severe congestion due to the heavy flow of commuters during evening rush hour.

According to Seoul Metro on September 25, the company has decided to prioritize the addition of a staircase in front of Entrance 3, given that passenger demand at Seongsu Station is concentrated at this entrance. Although Seongsu Station has four entrances, about 30% of the station’s average daily 18,000 passengers use Entrance 3. This concentration is attributed to the presence of numerous startup headquarters, popular stores, pop-up shops, and an increase in visits from foreign tourists.

Bird's-eye view of the front direction of Exit 3. Provided by Seoul Metro.

On September 9, Jeong Wonoh, head of Seongdong District, wrote on his Facebook page, “Last year, the crowding issue at Seongsu Station became a social problem, and Seoul Metro promised to build new staircases at Entrances 2 and 3. Now, President Baek Ho must fulfill that promise.” In subsequent meetings with reporters, he added, “The original completion target was October this year, but no action has been taken so far. I am concerned that a safety accident could occur if this continues.”

In line with Seoul Metro’s staircase construction plans, Seongdong District relocated four street vendors in front of Entrances 2 and 3, deployed additional safety personnel, and moved crosswalks as part of efforts to alleviate congestion.

Initially, Seoul Metro considered building new staircases at both Entrances 2 and 3 simultaneously, but decided to begin with the front of Entrance 3 first, taking into account the urgency and project timeline. A feasibility analysis showed a benefit-to-cost ratio (B/C) of 1.54, confirming the project’s economic viability. Seoul Metro plans to finalize the construction contract within the year and invest approximately 1.9 billion won to complete the project as quickly as possible to ensure public safety.

Baek Ho, President of Seoul Metro, stated, “Given the urgency of the situation, we have decided to prioritize the installation of a staircase at the front of Entrance 3 to expedite the project. We will continue to make improvements so that subway users on their way home can travel more safely.”

Seongsu Station Location Map. Provided by Seoul Metro.