Seoul subway too hot? 'Cooling/heating automatic system operates'

Commuters navigating Seoul's subway system have voiced widespread discomfort regarding cabin temperatures, with a staggering 78.4% of all reported grievances last year centering on the heating and cooling systems. The data from Seoul Metro reveals a clear imbalance: complaints about excessive heat far outweigh those about cold, particularly during the peak summer months from June to September.

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Train air conditioning is not operated by manual adjustment by the crew, but by an automatic control system.

This surge in 'too hot' complaints aligns with the broader trend of increasingly severe weather patterns. Last year, South Korea experienced an average of 24 days of heatwaves, more than double the평년 (average year) figure, while Seoul endured a record 39 days of tropical nights. These climatic shifts place immense pressure on the subway's climate control, leading to the significant volume of passenger complaints.

However, Seoul Metro emphasizes that the train's air conditioning is not manually controlled by individual crew members. Instead, it operates on an automated system designed to maintain temperatures between 24-27 degrees Celsius in summer and 18-21 degrees Celsius in winter, adhering to Ministry of Environment standards. This automated nature means that 'power cooling' for specific carriages is not feasible, leading to situations where passengers in the same car may experience vastly different perceived temperatures.

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The number of complaints about the heat is concentrated in the rush hour, and the number of complaints about the cold is also concentrated in the same time.

To mitigate these issues, Seoul Metro is enhancing public awareness campaigns and plans to pilot an AI-based temperature control system on new trains starting in May. They also advise passengers to strategically relocate within the train cars, as temperature variations are common due to airflow dynamics. Typically, the center of a carriage is warmer, while the ends are cooler, offering a potential solution for those seeking more comfortable conditions amidst the summer heat.

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The temperature in the carriage is highest in the center and lowest at both ends due to the flow of cold air.