Why Did Jongno-gu Install a Mongolian Tent in Tapgol Park?

Various Cold-Weather Facilities Installed in Tapgol Park for Seniors Waiting for Free Meals Exposed to Winter Cold

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu is drawing attention by installing various winter facilities such as Mongolian tents and large outdoor heaters in Tapgol Park on the 5th of this month, in line with the full reopening of the park.

This is to protect the elderly who regularly visit the area to use the free meal service from the cold.

Previously, during the summer heatwave, they provided ice water in front of Tapgol Park and created cool shade shelters with tables and chairs, offering a better dining environment than before, making this a notable follow-up measure.

Currently, Jongno-gu has completely replaced the canopy tents used as summer shade shelters with Mongolian tents to block the cold, and has also equipped transparent windbreak panels on all sides and large outdoor heaters.

In addition, thorough quarantine measures are being implemented not only to prevent cold-related illnesses among the elderly but also to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections.

The space created for elderly people exposed to the cold while waiting for free meals, as well as the winter facilities in the park, are open for general public use, receiving positive responses.

Meanwhile, considering that about 97% of the elderly waiting for meals have completed their vaccinations, indoor meals will be provided at nearby free meal centers starting in December.

Jongno-gu also plans to carefully monitor the situation and provide heartfelt meals in a more meticulous way so that vulnerable elderly people do not feel distressed while eating outdoors on cold winter days.

A district official said, “We are assisting meals in cooperation with free meal centers near Tapgol Park for vulnerable elderly people suffering from the double hardship of COVID-19 and financial difficulties,” adding, “This winter, we focused on creating a safe and warm waiting area by installing Mongolian tents that are resistant to rain and wind to accommodate elderly people who wait outdoors for a long time to receive meals.”