[Report] "Even umbrellas are useless... I'm scared of accidents" Commute submerged in heavy rain

[Financial News] "Even with an umbrella, my shoulders get soaked. My shoes are already completely wet."
Morning of the 17th. The Bundang area in Gyeonggi-do was packed with no room to step due to the pouring heavy rain. The rain, which grew thicker from dawn, continued relentlessly for over an hour with thunder and lightning. Puddles formed on roads and sidewalks, and pedestrians constantly shrugged their shoulders at the splashes from passing vehicles.
Most commuters left home with umbrellas, but the prolonged heavy rain soaked through their clothes and bags. Some were seen hastily buying plastic umbrellas at convenience stores, but they were of little use against the thick rain.
In front of the bus stop, office workers wearing boots or sandals lined up. Mr. Lee (31), who was waiting for the commuter bus, raised his thumb saying, "Boots are the best on rainy days." He continued, "It usually takes 20 minutes, but today it seems it will take more than twice as long," and expressed concern, "There are many vehicles cutting in due to traffic jams, and I feel a threat to safety for the first time in a while."


As if to prove these concerns, office workers who usually used buses flocked to the subway. The escalators and platforms inside Migeum, Jeongja, and Pangyo Stations were so crowded that footsteps were tangled. Especially Jeongja and Pangyo Stations, where IT companies and large corporations like Naver and Kakao are concentrated, saw a surge in commuting crowds.
Scenes of people barely boarding the train, hunched over with umbrellas soaked in rain, and people letting several trains pass because they couldn't board at once were noticeable everywhere. Some, worried about being late, hurried onto the train, pushing and expressing irritation. Mr. Jeong (40), an office worker commuting to Pangyo, said, "I'm worried about dangerous situations on the commute due to the crowd flocking to the subway because of bus delays."
Safety issues on the platform were also a hot topic. Water dripping from umbrellas and shoes thinly soaked into the floor, which could cause slips. In fact, the platform floor became slippery with moisture, and the reporter almost fell while walking.
Mr. Shin (71), a station worker met at Migeum Station, said, "The platform is much more crowded than usual, and the floor is very slippery with water coming in," and added, "The station floor is made of marble, and deep underground stations have condensation issues, increasing the risk of accidents. Even today, I witnessed several passengers slipping and falling." He advised, "Especially for the elderly, if there's no special reason, it's better to schedule activities after 9:30 AM to avoid the crowded commute time."

yesji@fnnews.com Kim Yeji Reporter