Abstract
This study addresses the inadequate wayfinding signage system in the Seoul subway, which causes significant delays for people with reduced mobility (PRM), particularly wheelchair users, during transfers. We examined the information structure and visual accessibility of transfer signage from the PRM perspective. Using a shadowing method, we observed the movement of 30 unfamiliar wheelchair users across 10 transfer stations. The evaluation focused on information continuity, visual accessibility, location identifiability, and information hierarchy. Results indicated frequent information gaps and unrecognised signage due to structural obstructions and visual clutter. Crucially, inconsistencies and confusion surrounding lift locations were repeatedly observed. Based on these findings, we propose design principles for reconfiguring signage by spatial type, emphasising a continuous information flow using the “Preview–Decision–Reassurance” concept. This research offers foundational insights for developing a truly inclusive and barrier-free wayfinding system within the Seoul Metro network.
Keywords
Wayfinding, Universal Design, Subway Signage system, Information Accessibility
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.1774
Citation
KIM, K., KIM, I., Bae, Y., and Lee, Y. (2026) A Study on the Transfer Signage System in the Seoul Subway Network: Focusing on Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM), in Simeone, L., Gray, C. M., Verhoeven, A., de Götzen, A., Bakırlıoğlu, Y., Zohar, H., Stead, M., and Buwert, P. (eds.), DRS2026: Edinburgh, 8–12 June, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. https://doi.org/10.21606/drs.2026.1774
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Included in
A Study on the Transfer Signage System in the Seoul Subway Network: Focusing on Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
This study addresses the inadequate wayfinding signage system in the Seoul subway, which causes significant delays for people with reduced mobility (PRM), particularly wheelchair users, during transfers. We examined the information structure and visual accessibility of transfer signage from the PRM perspective. Using a shadowing method, we observed the movement of 30 unfamiliar wheelchair users across 10 transfer stations. The evaluation focused on information continuity, visual accessibility, location identifiability, and information hierarchy. Results indicated frequent information gaps and unrecognised signage due to structural obstructions and visual clutter. Crucially, inconsistencies and confusion surrounding lift locations were repeatedly observed. Based on these findings, we propose design principles for reconfiguring signage by spatial type, emphasising a continuous information flow using the “Preview–Decision–Reassurance” concept. This research offers foundational insights for developing a truly inclusive and barrier-free wayfinding system within the Seoul Metro network.