A four-minute toilet break taken by a train conductor in Seoul earlier this week resulted in widespread disruptions across the city’s subway system, causing delays for 125 trains. The incident, which occurred on Monday at around 8 a.m. local time, involved the train operator on Line 2 of the Seoul subway network, who was working on the outer loop of the circular line. The operator urgently stopped at a station and hurried to relieve himself, causing a chain reaction of delays throughout the morning.
The delay was compounded by the fact that the train conductor had to use a restroom located on another floor of the station, requiring him to take a total of four minutes and 16 seconds to return to his cabin. During this time, the stationary train caused a domino effect, delaying 125 trains that were scheduled to follow it. Many of these trains were delayed by at least 20 minutes, according to Seoul Metro. Although the staff member could have used a portable restroom in case of emergencies, their location often requires staff to travel long distances, which can lead to delays.
Despite the disruption, Seoul Metro stated that the delays were largely mitigated, and passengers were able to reach their destinations with minimal inconvenience. Train conductors on the circular lines, like the one involved in the incident, typically operate for up to two to three hours without breaks, leading to concerns about the strain placed on workers. Though portable toilets are available, their location often requires staff to travel long distances to use them, which can cause delays.
The incident sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many users raising concerns about labor rights and the working conditions of train operators in South Korea. One user emphasized that while punctuality is important, it should not come at the expense of a worker’s basic right to take a short break. Another comment pointed to the limitations of the “one-man system,” where a single operator is responsible for running the train and managing its operations.
This incident highlights ongoing labor issues in the country, particularly in the transportation sector. Nearly 70,000 workers affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), including those from Korea Railroad (KORAIL), Seoul Metro, and other services, are planning a general strike next month to demand better working conditions and an end to alleged workplace discrimination. This strike is expected to further draw attention to the challenges faced by workers in South Korea’s rail industry.
