The Pink Seats on Seoul's Subways: A Guide to South Korea's Unique Courtesy for Pregnant Women

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] First-time visitors to Seoul's subway often pause in confusion at the sight of those vivid pink seats, usually positioned at the ends of each car. They're frequently empty, even on packed trains, while locals stand nearby without a second thought. "What's with the pink seats?" foreign travelers ask. "Why doesn't anyone sit there?"

This is South Korea's distinctive courtesy seats reserved exclusively for pregnant women—a quiet embodiment of the country's deep-rooted culture of consideration, especially toward expectant mothers.

South Korea extends this thoughtful approach beyond subways to buses, parking lots in large malls and public buildings, and even priority queues. It's a society where supporting pregnancy is woven into everyday life.

1. Why South Korea Created Dedicated Seats for Pregnant Women

The bright pink priority seats for pregnant women were introduced on Seoul subways in 2013, part of a broader initiative that began on buses a few years earlier. Unlike most countries, where pregnant women
share general courtesy seats with the elderly and disabled, South Korea set aside separate, distinctly colored ones solely for them.
The reason stems from a societal view that sees pregnant women as deserving special protection. Women in early pregnancy often endure severe morning sickness, dizziness, and fatigue without visible signs, making it hard to claim a seat in shared priority areas. Conflicts sometimes arose when elderly passengers felt entitled to those spots.

To address this, authorities designated exclusive pink seats—often just one or two per car—and launched public campaigns to encourage passengers to leave them vacant. The government also distributes free maternity badges (small pink pins or tags showing a pregnant figure) so women can signal their condition discreetly, even before a baby bump appears. These measures reflect not just convenience but a national effort to honor pregnancy amid persistently low birth rates.

As of late 2025, surveys show ongoing challenges: only about 56 percent of pregnant women report consistently receiving courtesy on public transport, down slightly from prior years, highlighting that the system relies heavily on voluntary goodwill.

2. The Physical Challenges of Pregnancy

From early weeks through the second trimester, many women face nausea, vertigo, profound exhaustion, and heightened risk of falls—especially in a swaying subway car. Standing for long commutes can exacerbate these issues and pose medical risks.

What sets Korean etiquette apart is the respect for "invisible" pregnancy. A woman wearing the official maternity badge is readily offered a seat, embodying a proactive form of empathy that anticipates need rather than waiting for obvious signs.



3. A Practical Guide for International Travelers

1. How to Spot the Seats

Pink seats: Typically one at each end of the car, marked with icons of a pregnant woman and large pink floor stickers.

General priority seats (often yellow or blue): For the elderly, disabled, those with young children, or anyone in need.

2. When It's Okay to Sit

If you're pregnant, feel free to use them. Foreign visitors who are expecting can often obtain a maternity badge at community health centers or some subway stations with proof of pregnancy.

3. If You Sit by Mistake

No need to panic—just stand up promptly. A small nod or smile conveys understanding, and locals will likely chalk it up to being a visitor unfamiliar with the custom. Words aren't necessary; the gesture speaks volumes.

4. When a Woman with a Maternity Badge Stands Nearby

Offer your seat without hesitation, wherever you're sitting. A quick eye contact and warm smile go a long way—it marks you as someone who appreciates local norms.

5. No Legal Penalties

There's no fine or arrest for using a pink seat. Enforcement comes through social norms: subtle glances, occasional polite requests, or quiet disapproval from fellow passengers.

6. The Current Reality in 2025

Complaints about misuse remain common, though awareness campaigns continue. The system isn't flawless, but it endures as a symbol of collective care—one that travelers can easily join by staying observant and kind.

South Korea's pink seats offer more than a place to rest; they reveal a society striving to make pregnancy feel supported and valued. For visitors, respecting them is a simple way to connect with that spirit.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

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