SNU students and staff alike rejoiced when exit number 3 of the Seoul National University subway station was reopened after a long period of construction. However, persons frequenting the exit soon found that the new escalator installed for their convenience is ironically the cause of much frustration. The escalator is painfully slow, especially considering the enormous amount of traffic it must service during the morning rush hours when students are hurrying to their classes.
The problem is compounded by the fact that the original staircase is no longer existent, making exit number 4 the only viable alternative route, albeit with a greater distance. As anxious students contemplate walking up the descending escalator to reach their classes in time, one cannot help but wonder: Why Is this escalator so slow?
According to Seoul Metro the escalator in debate runs at approximately half the average speed of other escalators (18m/min compared to 30) due to safety regulations. Their claim is that because the outlet of exit number 3 is very narrow, accidents may occur if the escalator is run at greater speeds.
Still, Seoul Metro’s well-intended speed limit does seem to be slightly excessive, and did not stop more than 200 complaints from being filed.
Due to the public’s evident displeasure, Seoul Metro announced that it is considering upping the speed limit.
Until then, we’re all just going to have to become a little more patient; or be ready to walk the long way up exit number 4.
September 22, 2008
Written by SNU English Editor, Min Hee Choi