Gas Leak Forces Seoul Subway To Skip Gyodae Station

On the morning of June 27, 2025, a significant gas leak incident unfolded near Gyodae Station, a major subway hub in Seocho-gu, Seoul, disrupting one of the city’s busiest transit points and prompting comprehensive safety measures.

At approximately 10:47 AM, during routine construction work near Exit 11 of Seoul Subway Line 2, an excavator accidentally punctured a city gas pipeline. This breach led to a rapid release of liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the surrounding area, forcing an immediate response from emergency services and transportation authorities.

The Seoul Transportation Corporation quickly confirmed that the gas leak resulted from a forklift striking the LNG gas pipe near Exits 10 and 11 on Seocho-daero, the main road heading toward Isu Station. The damage caused the gas to infiltrate the subway station, creating a hazardous environment that necessitated urgent operational changes.

As a precaution, all trains running on Lines 2 and 3 began bypassing Gyodae Station without stopping. This measure was taken to prevent any potential ignition sources within the station and to ensure passenger safety. The non-stop passage of trains through the station remains in effect, with Seoul Transportation Corporation officials stating that this will continue until the situation beneath the station platform stabilizes. However, the exact timeline for resuming normal service has not yet been determined.

In addition to the subway disruption, road traffic around Gyodae Station was severely affected. The intersection at Gyodae Station, including Seocho-daero in front of Exits 10 and 11, was completely closed to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Police officers implemented a 'vacuum state' around the station by blocking all exits, effectively creating a safety perimeter free from human presence to minimize the risk of accidents. This comprehensive lockdown of the area underscores the seriousness with which authorities treated the gas leak.

Fortunately, despite the scale of the incident and the swift actions taken, no casualties or injuries have been reported. Seocho Fire Station officials confirmed that the gas valves were promptly shut off to contain the leak, and continuous monitoring was established to ensure no further danger to the public.

The incident sent ripples through the city’s daily rhythm. Gyodae Station is a crucial transfer point connecting Seoul Subway Lines 2 and 3, serving thousands of commuters every day. The temporary suspension of stops at the station disrupted travel plans and underscored the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to accidents during maintenance or construction activities.

Authorities emphasized that the situation is being handled with the utmost urgency and care. A Seoul Transportation Corporation spokesperson remarked, "Once the situation below the station platform is stabilized, the non-stop passage will end. The exact time has not yet been set." This cautious approach reflects the priority placed on safety over convenience.

The gas leak also raised questions about construction safety protocols and the coordination between utility services and construction crews. The fact that heavy machinery, such as excavators and forklifts, were involved in damaging the gas pipeline points to the need for stringent safeguards and better communication on active work sites, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Local residents and commuters expressed concern over the incident but also relief that no injuries occurred. The rapid response by emergency services and transportation officials helped to contain what could have been a far more dangerous situation. The image of the sealed-off Gyodae Station area, with its eerily empty streets and halted trains, served as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in urban infrastructure management.

As the day progressed, gas company technicians and emergency crews worked tirelessly to repair the damaged pipeline and ensure that no residual gas remained in the vicinity. Their efforts are crucial to restoring normalcy and preventing any future incidents stemming from this leak.

Meanwhile, commuters were advised to seek alternative routes and transportation options while the situation remained unresolved. Seoul’s extensive subway network and bus system provided some relief, but the disruption at such a key interchange inevitably caused delays and inconvenience.

This event highlights the complex challenges faced by modern cities in maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure without compromising public safety. It also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination in responding to unexpected crises.

As investigations continue into the precise circumstances that led to the gas pipeline damage, officials are expected to review existing safety regulations and construction oversight mechanisms. Preventing similar incidents in the future will require not only technical fixes but also improved training and communication among all parties involved in urban development projects.

For now, Seoul residents and commuters remain watchful as authorities work to resolve the situation at Gyodae Station. The incident serves as a potent reminder of how quickly daily life can be disrupted and how vital it is to prioritize safety in the bustling heart of a metropolis.