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How to Read Priority-Seat Signs on the Korean Subway
Level
A1
Type
Vocab
Theme
formal
작성자
Y
작성시각
A Seoul subway car is crowded, but a row near the end is empty. Before sitting, look above the seats. The sign may say 교통약자석 or 노약자석, which marks seating for passengers who need priority access.
You may also see a bright pink
임산부 배려석 in the regular seating area. That seat is for pregnant passengers, including people whose pregnancy is not visible.
The signs to recognize
Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
교통약자석 | gyo-tong-yak-ja-seok | priority seat for passengers with reduced mobility |
노약자석 | no-yak-ja-seok | priority seat; a common older label |
임산부 배려석 | im-san-bu bae-ryeo-seok | courtesy seat for pregnant passengers |
배려석 | bae-ryeo-seok | courtesy / priority seat |
임산부 | im-san-bu | pregnant person |
자리 | ja-ri | seat |
On Seoul subway trains, designated priority sections are located near the ends of the car. Pink pregnancy seats are separate seats marked with color, an emblem, and floor or wall signs. Other cities and train types can use a different layout, so read the sign rather than relying only on seat position.
What should a traveler do?
If you do not need priority seating, choose a regular seat when one is available. Keep the designated areas available for older passengers, people with disabilities or injuries, pregnant passengers, and adults traveling with infants.
For the pink pregnancy seat, Seoul specifically promotes leaving it available. Early pregnancy is not always visible, which is why the color and emblem matter.
This is more accurate than the simple rule "an empty end seat is free" or the opposite claim "no one may ever sit there." The sign tells you who should have priority.
Offer a seat in Korean
You do not need a speech. Stand, gesture toward the seat, and use one short line.
Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
여기 앉으세요 | yeo-gi an-jeu-se-yo | Please sit here |
앉으실래요? | an-jeu-sil-lae-yo? | Would you like to sit? |
괜찮아요, 감사합니다 | gwaen-chan-a-yo, gam-sa-ham-ni-da | I'm okay, thank you |
The last line is what you may hear if the person declines. You do not need to insist. A gesture and one offer are enough.
Read the car, not a stereotype
Do not assume every empty seat has the same rule or that another passenger's need will be visible. Look for 교통약자석, 노약자석, and the pink 임산부 배려석. Those words turn an uncertain social moment into a sign you can read.
Official reference: