Seoul Subway Mild-Air-Conditioning Cars: Line 1–8 Car Positions and Temperature Guide

Mild-air-conditioning cars by line at a glance

The supplied operating standard lists the following positions. Lines 1, 3, and 4 use a 0–9 car reference; Lines 5–7 use a 1–8 car reference; Line 8 uses a 1–6 car reference. For Line 1, this excludes resistance-control trains.

Line 1: cars 4 and 7. Line 2: no mild-air-conditioning cars; every car is regular cooling. Lines 3 and 4: cars 4 and 7. Lines 5, 6, and 7: cars 4 and 5. Line 8: cars 3 and 4.

• Line 1: cars 4 and 7 of 0–9 (excluding resistance-control trains)
• Line 2: no mild-air-conditioning cars
• Lines 3–4: cars 4 and 7 of 0–9
• Lines 5–7: cars 4 and 5 of 1–8
• Line 8: cars 3 and 4 of 1–6

Why the Line 3 and 4 CSV numbers differ

The public CSV dated 10 February 2026 records cars 3 and 6 for Lines 3 and 4, while the supplied 0–9 operating standard used in this guide says cars 4 and 7. Because the two records use different numbers, this guide does not treat either number as an unconditional physical-car match.

At the station, prioritize the car number shown on the train, platform markings, and mild-air-conditioning sticker. Check the train direction as well: a correct car number can still put you at the wrong end of the platform if you count from the opposite direction.

24°C regular cooling and 25°C mild cooling

Under the supplied operating standard, the in-car temperature range in the urban railway vehicle air-quality manual is 24–27°C. Regular-cooling cars operate to a 24°C target and mild-cooling cars to a 25°C target. Mild cooling does not mean the air conditioning is off; its target is 1°C higher.

A target temperature is not a live guaranteed reading. Passenger density, door opening, sunlight, where you stand, and airflow all affect what a passenger feels. Use these figures as operating targets, not as a promise of the exact temperature at that moment.

Why mild-cooling cars exist

Passengers do not experience the same temperature in the same way. Someone arriving after a hot walk may want stronger cooling, while a person in light clothing, an older adult, a child, or a passenger sitting for a long trip may find a direct cold draft uncomfortable. Mild-cooling cars provide a choice within the same train.

Operating every car at one setting would not serve both needs well. On Lines 5–8, the two middle cars are mild-cooling cars, making the option reachable from either half of the train. They are not reserved cars: anyone may use them.

How to find the right car safely

First confirm the line and its car-numbering convention. Next, look at the car positions printed on platform doors, floor markings, or signs. Finally, when the train arrives, verify both the exterior car number and the mild-cooling sticker before boarding.

Line 2 has no mild-cooling cars. If the cold air is uncomfortable there, choose a place out of a direct draft where possible and bring a light layer. Do not rush through the train after doors begin closing; move safely at the next stop if necessary.

• Check whether the line counts from car 0 or car 1
• On Lines 5–7 wait around cars 4–5; on Line 8, cars 3–4
• For Line 2, use the all-regular-cooling standard
• Treat on-train labels and staff guidance as final
• Ask station staff or use official channels if signs conflict

Use this as planning information, not a real-time guarantee

Mild-cooling cars are not exclusive, and their perceived temperature can be close to that of another car on a crowded day. Train formations, signs, and air-conditioning operation can change for operational reasons.

If a label differs from this guide or you notice an air-conditioning issue, follow the on-site guidance and contact Seoul Metro through its official channels. The public file is a useful starting point; the actual train and platform are the authoritative source for a journey.