Subway behavior in Seoul

Slate's rundown of psychology studies on public transportation over the years inspired me to write about Seoul subway norms. Overall the Seoul subway environment is more congenial than other cities I have lived in or visited, and certainly cleaner (barring the late night vomit).

(I live at the end of the line so it is often empty by the time I get home.)

Eye contact

People do not avoid eye contact with me on the subway, and they don't stop staring when I stare back, but it is curious not hostile staring. When people aren't on the phone, watching TV on their phones, groping/teasing/fighting their boyfriend or girlfriend, or napping, they are usually looking around at other people rather than at the floor.

Physical contact

Generally, I feel no need to be defensive about my personal space in the subway, even when it is crowded and I am sitting or standing near men, like I would have been in DC, and certainly when I lived in Cairo. Korean guys just usually aren't creepy. I also never feel the need to be territorial about my purse or pockets the way I would in large U.S. city. Once cash was poking out of my back pocket and an ajashi got my attention so it wouldn't fall out.

Giving up seats

I frequently see people give up seats for elderly, and there are 12 seats in most cars reserved for the elderly, pregnant and handicapped, which I never see anyone else sitting in even when the car is packed and there are no elderly etc. around. People in seats will also offer to hold bags for people standing.