CNN includes Seoul in 18 leading subway systems, praising connectivity and heated seats
In short
Korean outlets reported on October 19 and 20 that CNN included Seoul in a feature on 18 leading subway systems. The broadcaster highlighted underground phone and internet access, heated seats, cleanliness, safety and efficiency. The Korean reports differ on whether the CNN article appeared on October 17 or 18.
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CNN included Seoul in a feature on 18 leading subway systems, according to Korean reports published on October 19 and 20. The broadcaster highlighted the ability to make calls and use mobile internet underground, alongside television screens in train cars. It presented those amenities as features of a city oriented towards advanced technology. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 7 , 8 ]
The reports also relayed CNN's praise for heating and air conditioning, including heated seats for winter travel. The broadcaster described the system as clean, safe and efficient, with reasonable fares and routes covering most of the city. It said those features explained why many experts considered Seoul's subway the world's best. The assessments were attributed to CNN by the Korean outlets. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 7 ]
Newsis, Seoul Shinmun and Korea Economic Daily cited CNN figures putting the nine core lines at about 327 km and the wider network, including services run by multiple operators, at about 1,302 km. The feature gave daily ridership as about 7 million. The reports said Seoul's Line 1 opened in 1974 and that the network had drawn interest from urban transport planners abroad. [ 4 , 7 , 8 ]
The feature also discussed Hong Kong's MTR, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai. Korean reports said CNN praised Hong Kong's efficiency despite its geographical constraints and described Tokyo's frequent services and crowded stations. London, Paris and New York were presented as systems that also symbolise their cities' culture. The Korean outlets differ on the original article's date: some give October 17 local time and others October 18. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]
Why it matters
The feature presents Seoul's passenger amenities alongside transport systems in other major cities. Korean coverage emphasises the international recognition of the network's technology and everyday conveniences.
Key facts
- CNN included Seoul in an article about 18 leading subway systems, Korean outlets reported. [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]
- CNN highlighted phone and internet connectivity underground, television screens and heated seats. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 7 ]
- The broadcaster praised cleanliness, safety, efficiency, reasonable fares and coverage of most of the city. [ 1 , 3 , 4 , 7 ]
- Newsis and other outlets cited CNN figures of about 327 km for nine core lines and about 1,302 km for the wider network. [ 4 , 7 , 8 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The publication date of CNN's article. Dong-A Ilbo, Electronic Times, Seoul Shinmun and Korea Economic Daily give October 17; Asia Economy, Seoul Economic Daily and Newsis give October 18.