South Korea Rethinks Escalator Etiquette, Urging Two-Sided Standing

Seoul is once again grappling with the age-old question of escalator etiquette, a seemingly minor issue that highlights deeper societal shifts and safety concerns. For decades, South Koreans have navigated the unwritten rules of public transport, with the government's guidance on escalator usage shifting multiple times.

The current push to have everyone stand on both sides, abandoning the long-held practice of standing on the right and walking on the left, is a direct response to a concerning rise in escalator accidents. Data from the Korea Elevator Safety Agency paints a grim picture, with falls accounting for a significant majority of incidents, disproportionately affecting the elderly. This isn't just about convenience; it's about preventing tragic accidents.

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When you are in a foreign country, it is often the smallest unwritten rules that prove most confusing, such as whether to stand still or walk on an escalator.

Beyond safety, there's also an economic argument. Studies reveal that the uneven wear caused by the one-sided standing practice significantly accelerates the deterioration of escalator components, leading to shorter maintenance cycles and increased repair costs. From the perspective of The Straits Times, this is a practical, data-driven initiative aimed at improving public safety and infrastructure longevity. While the public response remains mixed, the government's renewed focus on evidence-based policy suggests a determined effort to resolve this persistent issue.

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Escalators are designed on the assumption that users remain stationary.