The Purpose of Escalators and Elevators in South Korea's Train Stations

In South Korea, the primary purpose of putting escalators and elevators in subway and train stations is to help people who have difficulty walking up stairs and people who have luggage or heavy packages. Escalators and elevators are also in place to help people traveling with small children.

Secondarily, escalators are in place to improve the flow people through stations.

There used to be signs in some stations asking people who were capable of taking the stairs to do so, asking them not to delay people with disabilities.

(According to comments on Slate.com, the Toronto's Union Station has taken down signs telling people to "stand on the right, walk on the left" because everyone is supposed to stand.)