Complaints are rising that some passengers drink alcohol or eat food that gives off odors on the Seoul subway.
According to data submitted by Seoul City Council member Yun Yeong-hui (People Power Party, proportional) from Seoul Metro on the 12th, complaints related to eating and drinking on the subway over the past five years totaled 4,197: 1,009 in 2021, 620 in 2022, 833 in 2023, 907 in 2024, and 828 through Sept. 2025.
The complaints ranged widely from strong-smelling foods such as kimbap, kimchi, sundae, and sweet potatoes to cup noodles, french fries, dumplings, squid, canned beer, and lunch boxes.
Complaints received from July to September said passengers were drinking beer, soju, and makgeolli on trains. Complainants said they were suffering physical and mental distress, saying, "The smell is so strong I feel like throwing up," and "I am riding with my child and it is too distressing."
Videos of a "subway bossam mukbang" and, in the past, "eating cup noodles on the subway" also stirred controversy. Although a local government ordinance banning food and beverage consumption on city buses was enacted in 2018, the subway has no such ban, leading to discomfort and conflict from eating and drinking.
Singapore imposes a fine of up to 500 Singapore dollars (about 500,000 won) for eating or drinking on the subway, and Hong Kong imposes a 2,000 Hong Kong dollar (about 350,000 won) fine for eating on public transport.
Yun said, "There was controversy at first over the local government ordinance banning eating and drinking on buses, but it has now naturally taken root in citizens' consciousness," adding, "It is time to institutionally review banning food and alcohol consumption on the subway as well, after broadly gathering public opinion."