W10.2 Public observation task—JIA YUAN

 What did you do with the public observation mission?

This time, for public observation, I chose the Hongda Entrance Station in Seoul. As a city space steeped in young cultural atmosphere and densely populated with tourists, it provides an ideal venue for observing everyday social behavior. I selected four areas for observation: the waiting area, the escalator area, the stairs, and the entrances and exits. To obtain social dynamics during different time periods, I observed them during morning rush hour and evening rush hour. I stand or sit quietly in these areas, trying to remain unnoticed and silently documenting people's behavior. For example, in the waiting area, people stand quietly behind the markings, generally looking down at their phones or wearing headphones, creating a sense of "silent distance." On the escalator, people almost instinctively stand to the right while leaving a passage for those in a hurry on the left, a "mutual understanding" that is almost never broken. People on the stairs avoid others through quick eye contact or minor body adjustments, and collisions are rare even in crowded conditions. Although the entrances and exits are crowded, they are orderly and exhibit a spontaneous collaboration.

What did you learn?

This observation gave me a deeper understanding of "order in everyday life." Thought chaos could arise in crowded and lacking communication, it was actually in this public and unfamiliar space that people exhibited higher levels of behavioral norms. Habits like "standing on the right" are not mandatory rules but a long-standing social understanding. Furthermore, I also realize that space itself plays a significant role in shaping behavior. The design of metro station movement lines, sign layout, and spatial width all influence how people move. Space is not only adapted by users but also subtly shapes their behavioral patterns. This reminds me of Goffman's concept of a "front desk," where everyone is engaged in a "social performance" in such a public space, even when there is no verbal communication between them, actions and behaviors are still noticed and interpreted by others. This non-verbal coordination mechanism has given me a deeper understanding of the "hidden rules" of city life.

Was it interesting?
Surprisingly, yes—it was far more engaging than I had expected. Usually, we rush through subway stations without a second thought. But by intentionally slowing down and observing with a sociological perspective, I discovered that even the smallest actions—stepping aside, brief eye contact, subtle adjustments in pace—carry meaningful social logic. What seemed like routine behavior revealed a complex, silent system of cooperation. This task made me realize that public order isn’t just maintained by rules or authorities—it’s also produced organically through shared norms and mutual awareness. The experience encouraged me to be more attentive to the subtle "social choreography" we all participate in daily, often without even noticing.