Abstract
Purpose: Subway in Seoul, Korea is an important urban mass transportation system as it carries more than 4 million people a day. To support this important mission, subway entrances were designed and installed to maximize accessibility to the stations. However, a uniform plan by the national government guided quantity and layout of the subway entrances. Therefore, the plan did not consider unique characteristics of each station area and reorganization of the subway entrance system is required to improve pedestrian environment. Method: This study grouped the subway entrances into specific patterns to propose reorganizing schemes. The authors conducted field surveys, examined case studies and proposed an entrance reorganizing plan for each type. Result: The study recommends subway entrances be installed inside adjacent building when large commercial or office complexes are nearby. The authors proposed installing a bridge connecting the stations and adjacent buildings for elevated entrances. This would be only possible when there are commercial or office facilities nearby with enough floor space. The study summarizes the pros and cons of each solution. To translate our proposals into realities, various incentives should be given to building or land owners. This study made suggestions as to which kinds of incentives exist and be effective in a range of situations.