Apgujeong Station Manager's Letter of Gratitude: Hotel and Department Store Opened Their Doors During 2-Week Restroom Closure

A single notice posted throughout Apgujeong Station on Seoul Metro Line 3 has become a hot topic online. It is neither a public complaint notice nor an operational announcement. It is a thank-you letter written by the station manager. It is directed at neighboring hotels and department stores that graciously opened their restrooms during a two-week restroom renovation project, and at cleaning workers who labored in inconspicuous places.

This notice, posted under the name of the Apgujeong Station Manager of Seoul Metro on the 16th, begins: "During the past two weeks, restroom renovation work within the station necessitated the closure of the restroom, and we were concerned about significant inconvenience to our passengers. However, thanks to the generous cooperation of Andaz Hotel and Hyundai Department Store, we were able to complete the work safely without major disruptions throughout the project period." During the two-week closure, passengers in need used the restrooms at nearby Andaz Seoul Gangnam and Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Branch.

The letter addressed the two neighboring businesses as follows: "I sincerely thank the staff of the hotel and department store for always greeting the suddenly increased number of unfamiliar visitors with kindness despite the inconvenience it must have caused. Your active cooperation and open-mindedness shown throughout the coordination process have been a great source of strength for us."

The longest paragraph was dedicated to the cleaning workers. The station manager wrote: "Although the volume of work increased significantly due to the far greater number of visitors than usual, thanks to your dedicated efforts in consistently maintaining cleanliness, both our staff and citizens were able to use the station without inconvenience." He continued: "We are well aware that your sweat and labor, performed quietly in inconspicuous places, have been a great source of support throughout the project period."

The notice concludes with a commitment: "We will not forget the warm hearts shown by Andaz Hotel and Hyundai Department Store as good neighbors, and we will continue to work with the local community to create an even safer and more convenient Apgujeong Station." As the photo spread through online communities, responses followed, saying "I was curious so I read it, and it was touching."