South Korea divided over proper escalator etiquette in new survey

South Koreans are sharply divided on the proper way to use escalators, according to a nationwide survey that underscores differing views on public transport courtesy.

The poll of 1,000 adults found that 50.1 per cent prefer standing on a single side of the escalator, presumably to allow others to walk or run past on the other side. The remaining respondents favour alternative practices, suggesting confusion persists over escalator etiquette despite long-standing conventions in many urban centres.

Escalator usage norms vary considerably across major cities globally. In some Asian metropolises, standing on one side has become standard practice, while other regions encourage passengers to fill available space. The near-parity in South Korea's survey results suggests the nation has not yet established a consensus approach.

The findings highlight how everyday public behaviours remain contested even in highly developed societies, with implications for commuter comfort and pedestrian flow in busy stations and shopping centres across the country.