Expensive fuel costs make Korean drivers switch to taking the subway and buses.

Due to factors such as the increase in oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict and vehicle restrictions based on license plate numbers, more and more people in South Korea are choosing to take the subway and buses instead of driving, in order to save on transportation costs. According to data from the subway department cited by South Korea on the 20th, the passenger flow on subway lines 1 to 8 in the capital city of Seoul showed an average of about 67.1 million people per week from early March to April 14, an increase of about 6.6 million people compared to the average from January to February, with an increase rate of 10.9%. Not only in the capital area, but also in other cities, commuters are giving up driving and opting to take the subway and buses. A citizen surnamed Kim in Busan said that she rarely drives lately, stating, "With the rising oil prices, driving my own car or riding with friends both feel like a burden. We just arrange to meet near the subway station."