Seongsu-dong in Seoul has emerged as the city's defining hotspot, drawing visitors of all ages — children, teenagers and foreign tourists alike.
Seoul Metro compared first-half 2026 ridership by passenger category — children, teenagers and general — against the same period last year, and Seongsu Station ranked first in both teenage and general ridership growth. It also placed second system-wide in the number of additional child riders.
Teenage ridership at Seongsu Station reached 349,203 in the first half of this year, up 99,069 (39.6 percent) from the same period last year. General ridership climbed to about 8.90 million, an increase of about 1.46 million (19.6 percent) year on year. Both figures led all stations on the Seoul Metro network in absolute growth.
Child ridership rose from 36,150 in the first half of last year to 62,707 this year, a gain of 26,557, or 73.5 percent.
Seongsu Station was the only station to rank in the top five for growth across all three passenger categories simultaneously, suggesting that Seongsu-dong has evolved from a destination for a particular demographic into a space that multiple generations enjoy together.
Foreign ridership also rose sharply. Based on single-journey tickets purchased in English, Chinese or Japanese at ticket machines, Seongsu Station recorded 84,373 foreign riders in the first half of this year, up 22,726 (36.9 percent) from 61,647 in the same period last year.
Beyond Seongsu Station, foreign ridership grew steadily at Gimpo Airport Station, Konkuk University Station and Gongdeok Station. Gimpo Airport Station recorded 33,946 foreign riders, up 6,466 (23.5 percent) year on year. Analysts attributed the increase to rising domestic and international travel demand and convenient transfers to the Airport Railroad and Seoul Metro Line 9.
Konkuk University Station drew 8,031 foreign riders, up 1,340 (20.0 percent). The Rodeo Street shopping district, mixed-use retail complexes and late-night dining alleys near Konkuk University are seen as drawing foreign tourists to the area.
Gongdeok Station recorded 10,896 foreign riders, up 1,441 (15.2 percent) from last year. Its role as an interchange for the Airport Railroad and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line, its strong access to Incheon Airport, and nearby accommodation demand are all seen as contributing factors.
The data also revealed distinct travel patterns by age group.
Ichon Station posted the largest absolute increase in child ridership. Children boarding at Ichon Station totaled 86,183 in the first half of this year, up 28,901 (50.5 percent) from the same period last year. Proximity to family-friendly destinations such as the National Museum of Korea is seen as driving the increase in trips with young children.
Among teenagers, Dongmyo Station — known informally as a "treasure hunt" destination for its vintage markets — stood out. Teenage ridership there climbed from 37,013 in the first half of last year to 61,748 this year, a gain of 24,735 (66.8 percent), the highest growth rate of any station.
Hongik University Station, Nambu Terminal Station and Myeong-dong Station also made the top five for teenage ridership growth, adding 37,541, 26,510 and 23,082 riders respectively.
General ridership figures reflected shifts in Seoul's work and lifestyle geography. After Seongsu Station, Seoul Station recorded the second-largest increase in general ridership, adding about 1.16 million passengers year on year, while Euljiro 1-ga Station added 753,645.
Magok Station recorded about 2.29 million general riders, up 593,851 (35.0 percent), signaling that subway demand is expanding rapidly at emerging business and industrial hubs like Magok, not just in the traditional city center.
"Subway ridership data is a vital resource showing where citizens work, study and spend their leisure time," said Ma Hae-geun, head of Seoul Metro's operations division. "We will closely examine ridership trends by age group and area to build a more convenient subway service that meets evolving travel needs."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
