'You can even do this in Seoul': CNN ranks South Korean capital's subway among world's best

The everyday sight of passengers making phone calls and browsing the internet on the subway is drawing international attention as a hallmark of South Korean public transit. CNN has named the Seoul Metro one of the world's best urban rail systems, praising its advanced connectivity, cleanliness, safety and passenger amenities.

The American network highlighted Seoul in a feature updated Saturday titled "18 of the world's best metro systems," spotlighting major subway networks around the globe.

Seamless underground mobile and internet connectivity topped CNN's list of Seoul's strengths. "If you're worried about losing cell service and Wi-Fi on the subway, check out what's possible in Seoul, the capital of South Korea," the outlet said.

It added that the Seoul Metro had embraced cutting-edge technology to develop into a world-class urban rail system.

Underground calls and internet, heated seats draw notice

CNN said Seoul subway riders were among the first in the world to make uninterrupted phone calls and browse the internet while traveling underground.

The ability to watch TV and other video content on screens installed inside train cars was also cited as an example of technology-driven service.

CNN said this environment reflects Seoul's identity as a technology-oriented metropolis.

The outlet also highlighted onboard amenities, singling out climate control and heated seats as major draws in winter, saying the combination allows passengers to travel in greater comfort during the colder months.

Features that Seoul commuters take for granted — heated seats and reliable mobile connectivity — stand out as distinctive conveniences when compared with subway systems in other cities.

CNN gave positive marks for cleanliness and safety as well, describing the Seoul Metro as highly clean, efficient and secure. It also noted the affordable fares and the system's coverage of most parts of the city.

The outlet said many experts, weighing all these strengths together, rank the Seoul Metro among the best in the world.

Rapid growth since Line 1 opened in 1974; about 7 million daily riders

The Seoul Metro traces its origins to the opening of Line 1 on Aug. 15, 1974, which initially ran between Seoul Station and Cheongnyangni. Lines 2 through 9 followed in succession, establishing the network as the backbone of transportation across the greater metropolitan area.

CNN said the system has grown over the past half-century into a showcase of South Korean technological capability.

It added that transit experts from around the world studying urban rail operations and technology travel to South Korea specifically to examine the Seoul Metro.

The scale of the network was also highlighted as a key strength. The nine core lines span about 327 kilometers, and when the broader metropolitan rail network operated by multiple agencies is included, the total route length extends to roughly 1,302 kilometers.

The system carries an average of about 7 million passengers a day.

The city subway and the wider regional rail lines reaching into the suburbs together form a single integrated network, handling both long-distance commutes and short trips within the city center.

The Seoul Metro has earned international recognition for its dense route coverage relative to the city's size, its high passenger capacity and its rider amenities.

CNN particularly noted that the subway serves as critical infrastructure underpinning the city's growth and development.

Tokyo runs with precision; Hong Kong hits 99.9% on-time rate — each city has its own edge

The 18 systems CNN featured alongside Seoul included Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Paris and New York.

Tokyo's subway was praised for its precision operations. The combined Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks cover 13 lines and 286 stations, and CNN noted that trains run as frequently as 24 times per hour, maintaining an exceptionally tight schedule.

Severe overcrowding was flagged as a challenge, with some stations handling far more passengers than their original design capacity.

Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway drew attention for its punctuality and efficiency. CNN said the MTR maintains reliable service despite the city's complex terrain and high population density, with an on-time rate of 99.9 percent.

China's subway systems were recognized for their rapid network expansion. Beijing's subway operates 27 lines and 490 stations, handling an average of about 10 million trips a day. Shanghai runs 21 lines and 508 stations, transporting more than 10 million passengers daily.

In Europe, the historical and cultural significance of subway systems took center stage. The London Underground, which opened in 1863 as the world's first subway, was described as an iconic piece of the city's infrastructure. The Paris Métro, which began service in 1900, was noted for its distinctive Art Nouveau station entrances and historic architecture.

New York's subway was highlighted for its round-the-clock service and extensive route network.