(Image: Stripes Korea)
On trains and buses in Korea, there are generally two types of priority seats: one for transportation vulnerable individuals and another specifically for pregnant women. There is no specific law mandating that these seats be used only by these people, so you’re not going to be arrested or fined if you take a seat. However, it is a request based on a social consensus. And the right thing to do is leave these seats open for the people who need them.
Seats for transportation vulnerable individuals
You’ve probably noticed that these seats are usually occupied by elderly Koreans. However, these seats are also for those disabled, injured, and those traveling with young children. Even if these seats are empty when the train is crowded, people who are not considered transportation vulnerable individuals should refrain from sitting there. It’s simply the right thing to do.
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Pregnant women's seats
I understand that feeling tired can make you have the desire to take a pregnant woman’s seat when you find one open on a crowded train. However, it is highly recommended to leave them open. If you are a little lazy and decide to sit in one of these designated seats, it is important to be attentive to surrounding passengers. There is a possibility that a pregnant woman may be standing nearby and waiting for you to leave. Many pregnant women put a pregnancy badge on their bags, but not all. If you are a man occupying this seat, you may receive cold stares from the surrounding passengers.
If you are pregnant, please do not hesitate to take one of these designated seats. Hey, they are specifically for you!
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Speakin' Korean
Bus: Bus (버스)
Subway / Metro: Jihacheol (지하철)
Train: Gicha (기차) / Yeolcha (열차)
Pregnant woman: Imsanbu (임산부)
Pregnant women’s seat: Imsanbu-seok (임산부석)
Seats for transportation vulnerable individuals: Gyotong yakja-seok (교통약자석)
Here: Yeogi (여기)
To sit: An-da (앉다)
To get off: Naeri-da (내리다)
Please sit here (When giving up the seat): Yeogie anjayo (여기에 앉아요)
I’m getting off soon: Got nae-ryeo-yo (곧 내려요)
Thank you: Gamsa-hamnida (감사합니다)
It’s fine: Gwaen-chana-yo (괜찮아요)
