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Seoul Metropolitan Subway

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Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox public transit Template:Infobox Korean name

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway (Template:Korean) is a metropolitan railway system consisting of 23 rapid transit, light metro, commuter rail and people mover lines located in northwest South Korea. The system serves most of the Seoul Metropolitan Area including the Incheon metropolis and satellite cities in Gyeonggi province. Some regional lines in the network stretch out beyond the Seoul Metropolitan Area to rural areas in northern Chungnam province and western Gangwon Province, that lie over Template:Cvt away from the capital.<ref>2012 Korail Statistics See p.400 for Seoul Metropolitan Subway (수도권 전철). Template:Webarchive</ref>

The network consists of multiple systems that form a larger, coherent system. These being the Seoul Metro proper, consisting of Seoul Metro lines 1 through 9 and certain light rail lines, that serves Seoul city proper and its surroundings; Korail regional rail lines, which serve the greater metropolitan region and beyond; Incheon Metro lines, operated by Incheon Transit Corporation, that serve Incheon city proper; and miscellaneous light rail lines, such as Gimpo Goldline and Yongin Everline, that connect lower-density areas of their respective cities to the rest of the network.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Most of the system is operated by three companies – Seoul Metro, Korail (Korea Railroad Corporation), and Incheon Metro – with the rest being operated by an assortment of local municipal corporations and private rail companies.

Its first metro line, Line 1, started construction in 1971 and began operations in 1974, with through-operation to Korail's suburban railways. As of 2022, the network has Template:Convert of track on lines 1–9 alone.

Most of the trains were built by Hyundai Rotem, South Korea's leading train manufacturer.

OverviewEdit

The first line of the Seoul Subway network started construction in 1971.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first section of subway was built using the cheaper cut and cover construction method. Initial lines relied heavily on Japanese technology, and subsequent lines (until the early-2000s) procured technological imports from Japan and the United Kingdom (in particular, GEC Traction equipment used on wide-width Lines 2, 3 and 4 rolling stock from the 1980s).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> For example, Line 1 opened in 1974 with through services joining surrounding Korail suburban railway lines influenced by the Tokyo subway.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Today, many of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway's lines are operated by Korail, South Korea's national rail operator.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The subway has free WiFi accessible in all stations and trains.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> All stations have platform screen doors. These safety doors were completed by 2017, however many stations previously had metal barriers installed decades beforehand.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The world's first virtual mart for smartphone users opened at Seolleung station in 2011.

All directional signs in the system are written in Korean using Hangul, as well as English and Katakana/Chinese characters for Japanese and Mandarin Chinese. However the maps on the walls are in Korean and English only. In the trains, there are in addition many LCD screens giving service announcements, upcoming stop names, YTN news, stock prices and animated shorts. There are also prerecorded voice announcements that give the upcoming station, any possible line transfer, and the exiting side in Korean, followed by English. At major stations, this is followed by Japanese, then Mandarin Chinese, as well.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Seoul Subway uses full-color LCD screens at all stations to display real-time subway arrival times,<ref name="etnews" /> which are also available on apps for smartphones.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Most trains have digital TV screens, and all of them have air conditioning and climate controlled seats installed that are automatically heated in the winter. In 2014, it became the world's first metro operator to use transparent displays for ads when it installed 48 transparent displays on major stations of Line 2 in Gangnam District.<ref name="etnews">Template:Cite news</ref> All lines use the T-money smart payment system using RFID and NFC technology for automatic payment by T-money smart cards, smartphones, or credit cards and one can transfer to any of the other line within the system for free.<ref group="Note">With the exception of AREX on Yeongjong Island (extra charge applied depending on distance) and Shinbundang Line (extra charge of 500~1900 KRW depending on the sections used). EverLine and U Line will allow free transfers from 2014.</ref>

Trains on numbered lines and light rail lines generally run on the right-hand track, while trains on the named heavy-rail lines (e.g. Shinbundang Line, Suin–Bundang Line, and AREX) run on the left-hand track. The exceptions are the trains on Line 1, as well as those on Line 4 south of Namtaeryeong station. These lines run on the left-hand track because these rail lines are government-owned via Korail or through-run to government-owned lines and follow a different standard to the metro, one that is followed by all national rail lines (with the exception of the otherwise self-contained Ilsan Line) because much of the Korean Peninsula's early rail network was constructed during Japanese rule.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

HistoryEdit

Line 1, from Seongbuk station to Incheon station and Suwon station, opened on 15 August 1974. On 9 December 1978, the Yongsan-Cheongnyangni line via Wangsimni (now part of the Jungang Line) was added to Line 1. Line 2 opened on 10 October 1980. Line 4 opened on 20 April 1985, and Line 3 on 12 July. On 1 April 1994, the Indeogwon-Namtaeryeong extension of Line 4 opened. The Bundang Line, from Suseo station to Ori station, opened on 1 September. On 15 November 1995, Line 5 opened. The Jichuk-Daehwa extension of Line 3 opened on 30 January 1996. On 20 March, the Kkachisan-Sindorim extension of Line 2 opened. Line 7 opened on 11 October, and Line 8 on 23 November. On 6 October 1999, Incheon Subway Line 1 opened.

Seoul Subway Line 6 opened on 7 August 2000. In 2004 the fare system reverted to charging by distance, and free bus transfers were introduced. The Byeongjeom-Cheonan extension of Line 1 opened on 20 January 2005. On 16 December, the Jungang Line from Yongsan station to Deokso station opened. The Uijeongbu-Soyosan extension of Line 1 opened and shuttle service from Yongsan station to Gwangmyeong station began (with the route now shortened from Yeongdeungpo to Gwangmyeong) on 15 December 2006. On 23 March 2007, AREX opened.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Deokso-Paldang extension of the Jungang Line opened on 27 December. On 15 December 2008, the Cheonan-Sinchang extension of Line 1 opened. The magnetic paper ticket changed to an RFID-based card on 1 May 2009. On 1 July the Gyeongui Line from Seoul Station to Munsan station opened, and on 24 July Line 9 from Gaehwa station to Sinnonhyeon station opened.

The Byeongjeom-Seodongtan extension of Line 1 opened on 26 February 2010, and the Gyeongchun Line opened on 21 December. On 28 October 2011, the Shinbundang Line from Gangnam station to Jeongja station opened. The Suin Line, from Oido station to Songdo station, opened on 30 June 2012. The U Line opened on 1 July, the Onsu-Bupyeong-gu Office extension of Line 7 on 27 October and the Gongdeok-Gajwa extension of the Gyeongui Line on 15 December, and on 26 April 2013, EverLine opened. On 27 December 2014, the Gyeongui Line was extended to Yongsan and started through running to the Jungang Line, forming the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. The Sinnonhyeon-Sports Complex extension of Line 9 opened on 28 March 2015. On 30 January 2016 the Jeongja-Gwanggyo extension of the Shinbundang Line opened, followed by the Songdo-Incheon extension of the Suin Line on 27 February. Incheon Subway Line 2 opened on 30 July, and the Gyeonggang Line on 24 September. The Gyeongui–Jungang Line is extended one station east to Jipyeong station on 21 January 2017, with 4 round trips to Jipyeong station. On 16 June 2018 the Seohae Line opened. Magongnaru station on Line 9 became an interchange station with AREX on 29 September 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Bundang line was extended northeastward to Cheongnyangni station, allowing for connections to the Gyeongchun Line and regional rail services on 31 December 2018. On 28 September 2019, the Gimpo Goldline opened.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On 12 September 2020, the Suin Line extension between Hanyang Univ. at Ansan and Suwon, beginning the interlining with Line 4 between Oido and Hanyang Univ. at Ansan, as well as through-running with the Bundang Line to form the Suin–Bundang Line.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On May 24, 2022, the Sillim Line opened, becoming the newest addition to the Seoul Metropolitan Subway.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Lines and branchesEdit

The system is organized such that numbered lines, with some exceptions, are considered as urban rapid transit lines located within the Seoul Metropolitan Area, whereas wide-area commuter lines operated by Korail provide a metro-like commuter rail service that usually extends far beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan area, rather similar to the RER in Paris. The AREX is an airport rail link that links Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport to central Seoul, and offers both express service directly to Incheon International Airport and all-stop commuter service for people living along the vicinity of the line. While operating hours may vary depending on the line and station in question, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway generally operates every day from 5.30 a.m. until midnight,<ref>https://english.visitseoul.net/transportation</ref> with some lines operated by Seoul Metro ending services around 1 a.m. on weekdays.<ref>https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/05/29/national/socialAffairs/Korea-subway-Seoul/20220529174025996.html</ref>

File:Seoul subway linemap en.svg
System map of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway, showing current lines
Line name Terminus (Ascending / Descending) Stations Color Total length Opening Year Last Extension Operator Owner
Template:Rail color box Yeoncheon / Template:Stn / Template:Stn / Template:Stn Incheon / Sinchang / Gwangmyeong / Seodongtan 102<ref group="Note">Of which 92 are operated by Korail and 10 by Seoul Metro.</ref> Dark blue citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

CitationClass=web

}}</ref><ref group="Note">Of which 210.5 km is operated by Korail and 7.8 km by Seoul Metro.</ref>

1974 2023 Korail / Seoul Metro Government of South Korea / Seoul Metropolitan Government
Template:Rail color box City Hall / Seongsu / Sindorim City Hall / Sinseol-dong / Kkachisan 51 Green 60.2 km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> Template:Obsolete source 1980 1996 Seoul Metro Seoul Metropolitan Government
Template:Rail color box Daehwa Ogeum 44<ref group="Note">Of which 10 are operated by Korail and 34 by Seoul Metro.</ref> Orange 57.4 km<ref name="Korail-Metro" /><ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /><ref group="Note">Of which 19.2 km is operated by Korail and 38.2 km by Seoul Metro.</ref> 1985 2010 Korail / Seoul Metro Government of South Korea / Seoul Metropolitan Government
Template:Rail color box Jinjeop Oido 51<ref group="Note">Of which 25 are operated by Korail and 26 by Seoul Metro.</ref> Azure/Blue 85.7 km<ref name="Korail-Metro" /><ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /><ref group="Note">Of which 40.4 km is operated by Korail and 45.3 km by Seoul Metro.</ref> 1985 2022 Korail / Seoul Metro / Namyangju City Urban Corporation
Template:Rail color box Banghwa Hanam Geomdansan / Macheon 56 Purple/Violet 63.0 km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> 1995 2021 Seoul Metro Seoul Metropolitan Government
Template:Rail color box Eungam Sinnae 39 citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

36.4 km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> 2000 2019
Template:Rail color box Jangam Seongnam 53 Olive green<ref name=":0" /> 60.1 km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> 1996 2021 Seoul Metro / Incheon Transit Corporation Seoul Metropolitan Government / Bucheon City Council / Incheon Metropolitan City Council
Template:Rail color box Byeollae Moran 24 Pink/Rose 31.1 km<ref name="Seoul-Subway-stats" /> 1996 2024 Seoul Metro Seoul Metropolitan Government
Template:Rail color box Gaehwa / Template:Stn<ref group="Note">While Gaehwa is the official terminus, express trains only run to Gimpo International Airport station</ref> VHS Medical Center 38 Gold 40.6 km 2009 2018 Seoul Metro Line 9 Corporation / Seoul Metro
Template:Rail color box Seoul Station Incheon Int'l Airport Terminal 2 14 Sea blue<ref name=":0" /> 63.8 km 2007 2018 Airport Railroad Co., Ltd. Government of South Korea
Template:Rail color box Dorasan / Template:Stn / Template:Stn Jipyeong / Seoul Station 57 Jade<ref name=":0" /> citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2005 2021 Korail
Template:Rail color box Template:Stn / Cheongnyangni / Kwangwoon Univ.<ref group="Note">Most trains run until Sangbong, very few trains operate to Kwangwoon Univ. and a few trains run to Cheongnyangni (However, express trains always go to Cheongnyangni)</ref> Chuncheon 24 Teal<ref name=":0" /> 81.3 km<ref name="Korail-Metro" /> 2010 2016
Template:Rail color box Template:Stn / Cheongnyangni<ref group="Note">Most trains run until Wangsimni and a few trains run to Cheongnyangni</ref> Incheon 63 Yellow citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

1994 2020
Template:Rail color box Sinseol-dong Bukhansan Ui 15 Light Lime citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2017 Template:Sort dash UiTrans LRT Co., Ltd. Seoul Metropolitan Government
Template:Rail color box Saetgang Gwanaksan 11 Seoul Sky blue<ref name=":0" /> 7.8 km 2022 Template:Sort dash South Seoul LRT Co., Ltd.
Template:Rail color box Sinsa Gwanggyo 16 Red<ref name=":0" /> citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2011 2022 Shinbundang Railroad Corporation / Gyeonggi Railroad Co., Ltd. / New Seoul Railroad Co., Ltd. / Neo Trans Government of South Korea
Template:Rail color box Gyeyang Songdo Moonlight Festival Park 30 Light blue<ref name=":0" /> 30.3 km 1999 2020 Incheon Transit Corporation Incheon Metropolitan City Council
Template:Rail color box Geomdan Oryu Unyeon 27 Light orange<ref name=":0" /> 29.1 km 2016 Template:Sort dash
Template:Rail color box Giheung Jeondae·Everland 15 Green<ref name=":0" /> citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2013 Template:Sort dash Yongin EverLine Co., Ltd. / Neo Trans Yongin City Council
Template:Rail color box Balgok Depot Temporary Platform 16 Amber<ref name=":0" /> citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

2012 2021 Uijeongbu Light Rail Transit Co., Ltd Uijeongbu City Council
Template:Rail color box Pangyo Yeoju 11 Korail blue<ref name=":0" /> 54.8 km 2016 Template:Sort dash Korail Government of South Korea
Template:Rail color box Ilsan Wonsi 21 Lime<ref name=":0" /> 47 km 2018 2023 Korail / SEO HAE RAIL CO.,LTD. (Subsidiary of Seoul Metro) / ERAIL Co., Ltd.
Template:Rail color box Gimpo International Airport Yangchon 10 Gold<ref name=":0" /> 23.7 km 2019 Template:Sort dash GIMPO Goldline Co., Ltd. (Subsidiary of Seoul Metro) Gimpo City Council
Template:Rail color box Suseo Dongtan 4 Purple/Violet 32.8 km 2024 Template:Sort dash ko:지티엑스에이운영 (Subsidiary of Seoul Metro) Government of South Korea
Unjeongjungang Seoul 5 33.0 km 2024 2024

Rolling stockEdit

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Fares and ticketingEdit

File:Ticket Vending and Card Reload Machine - Seoul Metropolitan Subway 20240713.jpg
Ticket Vending and Card Reload Machine in Soraepogu Station, Incheon
File:T-money card.jpg
T-money smart card
File:Turnstiles of the Seoul Subway 2001.jpg
Magnetic-stripe ticket + Upass turnstiles on Line 4 in July 2001

The Seoul Metropolitan Subway system operates on a unified transportation fare system, meaning that subways and buses in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province are treated as one system when it comes to fares. For example, a subway rider can transfer to any other line for free (with the exception of Shinbundang Line, EverLine and U Line, the latter two adding a flat charge of 200 and 300 won respectively). One can also transfer to any Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do, or some South Chungcheong Province city buses for free and get discounted fares on the more expensive express buses.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In the case of Shinbundang Line, charges vary depending on the section used. The Sinsa - Gangnam section always charges 500 won, while the Gangnam - Jeongja section or the Jeongja - Gwanggyo section charges 1,000 won when used alone, and 1,400 altogether when used in conjunction with another. In total, the maximum added fee one can be charged is 1,900 won, which can be achieved by using all three sections.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

From 1974 until 1985, the subway's fare system was distance-based and Edmondson railway tickets, originally introduced for the Korean railways during Japanese rule, were used for fare validation. In 1985, the fare system changed to a zone-based system and magnetic-stripe paper tickets were introduced to replace the Edmondson system.

In 1996, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway became the first subway system in the world to roll out contactless smart cards, called Upass, for fare validation. These cards were issued up till October 2014, when they were discontinued in favour of the newer T-money cards.

Currently, the fare system is distance-based and accepted payment methods are single-use tickets, transportation cards including T-money and Cash Bee. Transportation cards can also be used on buses, taxis, convenience stores and many other popular retail places. Riders must tap in with a smartphone (KakaoPay and Samsung Pay/Wallet only), contactless-equipped credit or debit cards or other prepaid metro card at the entry gates. Popular methods of payments are using NFC-enabled Android smartphones (topped up or billed to the owner's credit/debit card via the T-money app) or credit or check (debit) cards with built-in RFID technology issued by the bank or card company.

The current single-use ticket is a credit card-sized plastic card with RFID technology, which can be obtained from automated machines in every subway station. A 500 won deposit fee is included in the price, and is refunded when the ticket is returned at any station. Multiple use cards are sold in convenience stores and the functionality is included in many credit/debit cards.

Fares (except for single-use tickets) are currently 1,400 won for a trip up to 10 km (6.2 mi), with 100 won added for each subsequent 5 km (3.1 mi). Once 50 km (31.1 mi) has been passed, 100 won will be added every 8 km (5.0 mi).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Single-use ticket users must pay RFID deposit 500 won plus 100 won surcharge to fare.

Half-priced children's tickets are available. The city government also uses Seoul Citypass as a transportation card. Senior citizens and disabled people qualify for free transit and can get a free ticket with a valid ID card or enter with a registered transportation card without having the fare deducted.

International travelers can also use a Metropolitan Pass (MPASS) which provides up to 20 trips per day during the prepaid duration of 1 day to 7 days. Depending on where you purchase the card, the service is limited to the Seoul metropolitan area or Jeju Island and does not work in taxis or certain convenience stores.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Accidents and incidentsEdit

On 2 May 2014, two subway trains collided along Seoul Subway Line 2 at Sangwangsimni station, injuring 170 people.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On 23 March 2025, a Line 2 train derailed after colliding with a buffer while departing from a depot at Sindorim Station. No injuries were reported.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Current constructionEdit

Opening 2025Edit

Opening 2026Edit

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Opening 2027Edit

Opening 2028Edit

Opening 2029 or laterEdit

Approved for constructionEdit

The following lines have not started construction, but are considered to be approved after their plans and their financing have been finalized. Most of these lines are scheduled to start construction in the next couple of years.

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Construction has been delayed due to issues with the contractors.

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> The line was approved in June 2024.

PlannedEdit

Seoul CityEdit

The Seoul Metropolitan government published a ten-year plan for expansion of the subway with the following projects under consideration.<ref name="auto">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

  • Gangbukhoengdan Line, a new line running in an arc north of Seoul between Cheongnyangni station and Mok-dong station with 19 stations planned. The line will provide transfers to Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, AREX, Gyeongui–Jungang, Gyeongchun, Bundang and Ui line.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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  • Nangok Line is a branch of the light metro Sillim Line in the southwestern area of Seoul running between Nangok-dong and Boramae Park with 5 stations planned.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Incheon CityEdit

The Incheon Metropolitan government is working on the Second Incheon Metro Network Construction Plan that inherits the Incheon Metro Network Construction Plan published in 2016. It includes the construction of five new tram lines. The draft is expected to be released in October 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Partial network mapEdit

Template:Rapid transit OSM map

GalleryEdit

  • Seoul-metro-425-Hoehyeon-station-platform-20181124-080256.jpg

    The platform at Hoehyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 in Jung-gu, Seoul

  • Seoul-metro-2013-20180916-104648.jpg

    Seoul Metro Class 2000 series 10-car EMU set 2x13 leaving Hanyang University Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2 in Seongdong-gu, Seoul

  • Seoul-metro-line-9-929-Bongeunsa-station-sign-20181124-111850.jpg

    A sign of Bongeunsa Station on Seoul Subway Line 9

  • Seoul-metro-646-Hwarangdae-station-platform-20181125-134024.jpg

    The platform at Hwarangdae Station on Seoul Subway Line 6 in Nowon-gu, Seoul

  • Seoul Metro Line 2 train arriving at Guro Digital Complex (2-14 new).jpg

    Seoul Metro Line 2 Inner Circle Line train arriving at Guro Digital Complex (2-14 new)

  • Seoul-metro-240-Sinchon-station-entrance-3-20181121-082156.jpg

    The no.3 entrance to Sinchon Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2 in Mapo-gu, Seoul

  • Seoul Metro Line 2 LCD 1.jpg

    Seoul Metro Line 2 LCD

  • Suin–Bundang Line (Korail Class 319000) 20240713 (01).jpg

    Space for wheelchair stroller carrier (inside the train)

See alsoEdit

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NotesEdit

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ReferencesEdit

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External linksEdit

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Template:Public transport in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Template:South Korea rapid transit Template:Rapid transit in Asia

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