If you’ve been following the news, you might have heard that Seoul’s Seongsu Station is set to be renamed Musinsa Station, after Korea’s leading online fashion platform. This trend of renaming subway stations after corporate sponsors has been growing, reflecting both branding strategies and urban identity shifts.

Subway station names in Korea traditionally reference neighborhoods, landmarks, or historic sites. For example, Gyeongbokgung Station leads directly to the palace, while Myeongdong Station is named after the famous shopping district. However, in recent years, commercial partnerships have entered the scene. Naming rights allow companies to boost visibility while funding subway operations.

Not everyone welcomes the changes — some locals feel it weakens cultural identity, while others see it as part of Seoul’s evolving modern character. For travelers, though, it adds an interesting twist: your subway ride doubles as a peek into Korea’s business and cultural trends.

So next time you hop on the subway, take a closer look at the station names. They’re more than just directions — they’re stories of tradition, commerce, and the changing face of Korea’s cities.