Passenger car of Seoul Subway Line 3 (Seoul Metro)

By Charles Audouin

CNN has praised the Seoul Metropolitan Subway for its advanced technology and user-friendly environment in a story on the world's best subway systems.

In its article "18 of the world's best metro systems," the Atlanta-based news network took a closer look at the capital's subway system, saying, "If losing your phone and Wi-Fi connection on the subway fills you with dread, you might want to head for the capital of South Korea to see what is possible."

"Befitting the high-tech outlook of this ultra-modern city, Seoul Metro users were among the world's first to be able to continue phone calls and internet browsing uninterrupted while underground or watch TV on screens fitted throughout the trains."

The trains have heating and cooling systems as well as heated seats, making travel more comfortable during winter, it added.

The report named cleanliness, efficiency and safety as the strengths of the Seoul subway, saying the system is "spotlessly clean, efficient and serving most of areas of the city" and "many experts regard Seoul Metro as the world's best subway."

CNN delved into the development and scale of the capital's subway network. Since the opening of Line 1 in 1974, it called the system a "showcase" for Korean technology, attracting urban transportation planners from all over the world.

The nine main lines of the Seoul subway span a combined 327 km, with the capital network -- including lines run by private companies -- stretching to 1,302 km and serving an estimated seven million passengers daily.

caudouin@korea.kr