Evolution Characteristics and Implications of Seoul Metropolitan Area Rail Transit

Objective The comprehensive understanding of rail transit evolution in developed metropolitan areas abroad is beneficial for the scientific construction of rail transit network and the rational scheduling of construction phases in China′s mega and super cities. Seoul Metropolitan Area shares stronger similarities with mega cities in China in terms of spatial structure and rail transit development foundation, making it a valuable case for in-depth study. Method Using case comparison and deductive research methods, the characteristics of population and land space evolution in Seoul metropolitan area are summarized, and the supply characteristics of different rail modes, including metro, urban rapid transit, and quasi high-speed commuter express are further examined. Result & Conclusion The rail transit supply in Seoul metropolitan area follows certain universal patterns, but also exhibits its unique characteristics. Unlike Seoul, urban rapid transit supply in China′s mega cities does not bear the historical conditions that shaped Seoul, and they are further constrained by spatial structure, thus the proportion of its mileage is significantly lower than that in Seoul metropolitan area. The station spacing metric is crucial in ensuring that urban rapid transit fulfills its intended function.