Bumping and Grinding (on the subway)

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway (수도권 전철) is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world, with over 8 million trips daily on the system's thirteen lines.

Before I came here, I was very nervous about using the subway system. I am great with directions with driving but when it comes to subway systems, not so much.
I can handle DC's subway and that's basically the only subway (metro) system that I've used on my own (and somehow I've still managed to end up going the wrong way and making my mom and I get lost, whoops). Any other city, I usually follow the leader (my sister, Leslie, etc). And don't even get me started on the subway system in NYC. For some reason, I get so confused every time I go there (thankfully Annie and Kim know everything about NYC). So yes, I was nervous. I downloaded an app on my phone before I came here and was already overwhelmed just by looking at it!

Thankfully, the subway stops are posted and announced in English, too! (Sometimes, the stops are also announced and posted in Chinese and Japanese).  I started using the subway my second day here. I had (and still have) my awesome, super-tourist, foreigner-stamped-on-my-forehead subway map AND my Seoul subway app with me at all times. They must be working because I haven't gotten lost or gone the wrong direction at all! Go me!

Subway cards:

Also, the subways stations are all very clean and organized. There's almost always a little convenience shop (such as a 7-11 or GS 25) and there's always some sort of shopping to do while waiting for the next train.

Wangsimni station:

Shops at the Myeondong subway station (shoes, bags, leggings and all sorts of other things...)

My subway stop:

Needless to say, these trains are CROWDED. I commute to work and it takes me about 40 minutes or so including transfers. The subway is crowded all the time but nothing compares to my morning and afternoon commute. I almost never get a seat and the trains are stuffed with lots and lots of people. With all of the people and all the trains' turns, you're all over people and they are all over you, bumping and grinding. ;-)

Surprisingly, all the crowding doesn't bother me quite yet. I guess it's just all part of the experience (and I must still be in the "Wow, everything here is so neat," phase) :).