I took this video while riding the train over the river back from the immigration office.
There are a lot of good points about the Korean subway system that NYC should learn from. While waiting for the train there are glass doors (wall) on the platform so nobody can fall in. They only open when a train pulls up. On top of that there is a song that plays every time there is an approaching train so if you are waiting on the platform you know it is coming or if you are on your way on the stairs you know you need to hurry up to get to the platform.
The signage in Korean subways is really clear as well. At every stop there is the station name written on the walls (same as in NYC but clearer) and the previous and next train stops are listed there clearly as well. All the train cars are numbered so you can remember which car you need to ride or which door you need to exit from at whichever destination. On top of that, when you need to transfer it is incredibly easy. There are signs all over hanging on the ceiling very distinctly colored to match the line you are transferring to as well as occasionally having stripes on the walls leading the way to a transfer (also in the color of the line). The exits at every station are numbered and there is signage leading you to each one. This is good if you need to meet someone at a particular exit or if you know which exit is closest to your destination.
On the train itself there are maps as well as screens that occasionally play adds but also inform you of the name of the upcoming stop, any available transfers, and which side of the train the doors will open on. This is displayed and also said on the speaker in multiple languages.
And lastly, the T-money card is easy to use and refill and most Korean credit cards can be used as subway cards in a pinch.
Basically the Korean subway system is just awesome. If only it didn't have to shut down at night. But at least that means it is clean and well maintained.
