Hello.
Seoul Metro announced that it will revise Article 35 (Prohibited Items) of Chapter 7 (Passenger Transportation Terms and Conditions) regarding prohibited items for carriage, effective July 1st. The revision is as follows:
As shown in the image, all vehicles powered by lithium batteries are classified as prohibited items for carriage, including electric bicycles and electric scooters. Electric wheelchairs used by people with disabilities are exempt.
The revision also prohibits carrying large-capacity lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh, even if detached from the devices mentioned above.
Therefore, to ride the subway, you must leave the battery elsewhere and carry the device without a battery.
Since camping power banks are not typically used for transportation purposes, and camping power banks are heavy and usually transported by car, this revision seems to target batteries for electric bicycles or PMs.
Electric bicycle fires usually occur during charging. While prohibiting them due to their internal batteries may seem excessive, it appears that the subway operator has received numerous complaints and is implementing the revision accordingly.
Passengers who use electric bicycles or PMs may face inconvenience after July 1st if their devices run out of battery while riding and they need to return home by subway.
For reference, Busan Metro implemented a similar policy in January this year.
Korea Railroad (KORAIL) has also revised its transportation regulations.
https://info.korail.com/info/downloadBbsFile.do?atchmnflNo=27040
Additional Information:
KORAIL has extended the prohibition to all trains, effective July 1st. This means that lithium-battery powered devices are no longer allowed on KTX and other trains.
Please refer to the information provided.
Thank you.
