Please wait until we get out first

Here’s this week’s tip on Korean language and customs:

Q:
One of the most annoying things about living in Korea happens in subways and elevators.

Why do Koreans stand right in front of the door even before it opens and block those who try to get out first? Doesn’t it occur to them that they should wait for people to get out so that they can get in? The same people will experience the same discomfort when they try to get out of the train.

If they bump into you, people do not apologize.

A:
Passengers who block the sliding subway door not only disrupt the flow of people but can also cause accidents.

Elevators pose less of a threat than subways do. For years, Korean subway operators and conductors have tried to tell riders to wait a second until departing passengers have cleared the door.

At times, volunteers were hired to physically put people in orderly cues by the sides of subway car doors, and people seemed to follow the rules for a while.

Many platforms now have “footprints” and warnings placed at the entrance area of the subway door in the hope that passengers will wait. Some follow the instructions, but others don’t seem to care.