Why Korean Subways Have Glass Walls

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:00]Korean subways have glass walls and many Americans notice them right away. In many subway stations in Korea, there are [music] glass doors between the platform and the tracks. They only open when the train arrives. For Koreans, this feels completely normal, but to many Americans, [music] it can feel surprising. In some American subway stations, the platform is open. You can stand very close to the tracks. But in Korea, these glass doors [music] help keep people away from the tracks. They also help block wind, noise, and dust from the tunnel and they make the platform feel safer and cleaner. For Koreans, it is just part of everyday [music] subway life, but for many tourists, it feels like a major upgrade.

[00:00:36]Should every subway system have this?