Jungnang-gu Adds 85 Wi-Fi Zones This Year... Total of 497 Wi-Fi Zones

Free Public Wi-Fi Available Anywhere Without Data Worries at Bus Stops, Public Facilities, Parks... Full Service Starting in May

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) will significantly expand free public Wi-Fi zones for residents again this year.

The district will newly establish 85 free public Wi-Fi zones called ‘Data Shelter.’ The detailed locations include 12 bus stops, 4 public facilities, 57 welfare facilities, and 12 parks. The plan to provide the service originally scheduled for July has been moved up to start from May.

This new expansion of ‘Data Shelter’ was prepared to reduce residents' data charges and close the information gap for residents in data welfare blind spots amid increased mobile usage due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Jungnang-gu’s free public Wi-Fi zone brand, ‘Data Shelter,’ means a space where people can enjoy free public Wi-Fi while resting. It was planned in 2019 to help reduce communication costs for residents and improve access to information. Last year, it was also registered as an official trademark.

In 2019, in addition to the 248 existing locations, 61 new sites were added, including bus stops, alley-type traditional markets, the Seoul Rose Festival site, and Yongma Waterfall Park. In 2020, installations were completed at 103 multi-use facilities such as along the Jungnang Stream, parks, and welfare facilities.

With the new 85 locations established this year, a total of 497 ‘Data Shelter’ sites are expected to be operated in the district.

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “During these frustrating times of reduced activity due to COVID-19, I hope residents can relax at ‘Data Shelter’ without worrying about data charges. We will continue to create smart resting places wherever residents visit, such as streets and parks.”