Platform Screen Door Safety Improvement: Seoul Metro Manager Park Jongkwon Receives National Order of Merit

Trains Cannot Depart if Any Platform Screen Door is Open

Seoul Metro announced on the 13th that Park Jongkwon, Manager of Signal Division 2, received the National Order of Merit at the Exemplary Administrative Service Award Ceremony held at the Government Seoul Building on the 7th, in recognition of his achievement in establishing the 'Platform Screen Door Train Departure Condition Improvement Safety System.'

At the "Active Administration Merit Award Ceremony" held at the Government Seoul Office Building, Chief Officer Park Jongkwon of Seoul Metro received the Order of Civil Merit. Provided by Seoul Metro.

Manager Park improved the previous system at turn-back stations, where passengers board and disembark from both sides of the platform and trains could depart even if the platform screen doors on the opposite boarding side were open. He established a new system that prevents trains from departing if even a single platform screen door remains open.

The approach of upgrading facilities at each station was expected to require considerable budget and time. Instead, the Signal Division 2 developed an improvement plan in-house, and carried out the development, design, construction, and testing directly with relevant departments. Seoul Metro explained that this process reduced the budget by approximately 2.6 billion won. The company added that it has now standardized the train departure procedures at turn-back stations and established a system that blocks human error through automation.

Park Jongkwon stated, "I believe that small acts of attention and positive action in response to on-site issues have led to this meaningful result. Moving forward, I will continue to practice exemplary administration that prioritizes the safety of citizens, enhancing both the safety and reliability of railway operations."

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