Before they show a baby bump, some pregnant women in South Korea can expect accusing glares when they take subway seats meant for pregnant, disabled or elderly passengers.

 

在韩国，尚未显怀的孕妇在地铁如果坐弱势人群关怀座位，总会遭到白眼。

 

One South Korean city is testing a wireless¹ technology it hopes can alleviate² the problem and perhaps help address one of the biggest challenges facing the Asian country: a stubbornly low birthrate.

 

In April, the southeastern port city of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, began testing a small device called a beacon³. Equipped with a wireless sensor⁴, it activates⁵ a pink light attached to another sensor installed on a metal bar next to special priority seats, usually at the end of subway cars. The idea is to alert everyone nearby that the person is pregnant.

 

The Pink Light Campaign is intended to make it easier for non-pregnant passengers who might be occupying a seat designated for pregnant passengers to give up the seat without having to wonder.

 

Other South Korean cities also are trying to make travel by public transportation friendlier for pregnant women. Seoul, the capital, has installed bright pink seats designated for women who are expecting.

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