Mapo-gu Establishes IoT-Based 'Fine Dust Measurement Network'

[Seoul District News] Mapo-gu Installs 28 Key Sites Including Elementary Schools, Children's Parks, and Busy Roads... 200kW Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Built at 43-5 Pyeongchang-dong Site... Songpa-gu's Top 10 Outstanding Policies Leading Seoul in 2021, No.1 'Songpa Dullegil' Completed... Seongdong-gu Selected for Seoul's Excellent Apartment Community Cases for 7 Consecutive Years... Geumcheon-gu Siheung-dong 810 Area Chosen as Seoul-Supported Private Redevelopment Candidate Site... Yangcheon-gu '2021 Youth Digital Supporters Project'

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Mapo-gu, which has proactively responded to the climate crisis by promoting projects such as the '5 Million Tree Planting Project,' will take the lead in low-carbon eco-friendly projects such as fine dust reduction and management in 2022 as well.

Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) announced that it completed the establishment of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based fine dust measurement network in December last year and will begin full-scale operation from the new year.

The district added that systematic fine dust management and the establishment of related infrastructure for real-time fine dust data collection and utilization are necessary to protect residents' health from fine dust.

After being selected for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's disaster safety sector project last year and securing a project budget of 200 million KRW, the district installed 28 air pollution informers (air pollution information electronic boards and fine dust signal lights), including first-grade certified fine dust simple measuring devices by the Ministry of Environment, at elementary schools, children's parks, and roads with heavy pedestrian traffic since November.

A district official said, "Previously, there were only two national air pollution measurement networks in Mapo-gu, making it difficult to provide detailed fine dust information by area to residents. With this project, an IoT-based fine dust measurement network has been established near residents' living areas, enabling rapid information provision related to fine dust concentration."

The newly installed IoT-based fine dust measurement network differs from the national air pollution measurement network, which displays data every hour, by showing fine dust concentration every 5 minutes, allowing real-time monitoring.

Additionally, through a fine dust control system utilizing IoT technology, when air pollution warnings are issued, the situation and action guidelines can be promptly communicated via air pollution informers (electronic boards and fine dust signal lights). Consequently, residents can manage their health based on the displayed fine dust information.

The district plans to continuously monitor and analyze data from fine dust measurement networks installed at regional hubs and actively utilize them in fine dust policy formulation.

As a new project this year, Mapo-gu plans to install adsorption filters on railings along village buses and roads with heavy pedestrian traffic to reduce fine dust. Alongside this, existing fine dust specialized projects such as supporting the distribution of eco-friendly boilers for homes to reduce fine dust emissions, maintaining green curtains, installing fine dust reduction benches, and distributing fine dust prevention masks to vulnerable groups will continue to be promoted to work together for a clear-breathing Mapo.

Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun of Mapo-gu said, "Since fine dust issues are directly related to residents' health, we plan to prioritize and actively address them with great interest. We will continue to lead various fine dust reduction measures to create a clean air environment and protect the health of our citizens."

Jongno-gu established a rapid charging station in Pyeongchang-dong last month to provide convenience for residents using electric vehicles.

As of December 2021, the number of electric vehicles registered in Jongno was 571, nearly double compared to 2020. Despite the increased number of registered vehicles, the lack of charging stations has been a major factor causing hesitation in vehicle purchases.

To alleviate residents' inconvenience, considering that the most frequented charging station locations are near residential areas, Jongno-gu established a rapid electric vehicle charging station at site 43-5 in Pyeongchang-dong.

Pyeongchang-dong, unlike other areas in the district, lacked public chargers nearby, leading to frequent complaints from electric vehicle users. Moreover, the area mainly consists of single-family homes and small multi-family housing, making it difficult to find suitable space for charging stations.

Therefore, the district identified unused small spaces, changed the use of public property, and underwent permanent structure construction reviews to enable charger installation, starting land preparation work in November.

Additionally, the district installed charger auxiliary facilities, safety facilities for pedestrians, and completed electrical safety inspections to finalize the construction.

The newly built Pyeongchang-dong electric vehicle charging station is 200kW class, capable of rapid charging up to 80% in 20 minutes, and can charge two vehicles simultaneously. It is open 24 hours without user restrictions, allowing any resident wishing to charge an electric vehicle to use it conveniently.

Besides this, the district operates 39 rapid and 254 slow electric vehicle chargers. More detailed information, including charging station locations, is available on the Ministry of Environment's Zero-Emission Vehicle integrated website or the SS Charger website.

Jongno-gu is promoting the Jongno-type Green New Deal project to respond to the climate crisis and create a sustainable community where people and nature coexist, aiming to replace all vehicles with electric vehicles by 2050. Official vehicles will gradually phase out diesel vehicles and be purchased as 100% eco-friendly vehicles, while the private sector will be supported through incentive promotions.

Furthermore, the district aims to contribute to carbon neutrality based on residents' empathy and participation by implementing practices to reduce greenhouse gases by one ton per person, operating eco-mileage and environmental school programs.

A district official said, "In line with government and Seoul City's carbon neutrality policies, Jongno-gu is striving to expand infrastructure centered on residents' living bases with the goal of 100% electric vehicle conversion by 2050. We will continue to improve residents' inconveniences and promote various projects to accelerate the electric vehicle era."

Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) announced that it selected 10 outstanding projects that contributed to improving residents' quality of life in 2021 as the 'Songpa Policies Leading Seoul,' with the 'Completion and Activation of the Circular Songpa Dullegil' policy ranking first.

The 'Songpa Policies Leading Seoul' award system started in 2019 to select projects contributing to district development and residents' welfare enhancement, aiming to provide high-quality administrative services.

To this end, from November 29 to December 14 last year, the district conducted a resident vote through the Seoul City M-Voting website and app. Among 21 candidate projects, the final 10 were selected by combining 30% online voting results and 70% evaluation scores. A total of 1,706 people participated in this year's vote.

As a result, the top award went to the 'Completion and Activation of the Circular Songpa Dullegil,' while the excellence awards were given to 'Together Song Songpa-pa Urban Brand Promotion,' 'COVID-19 Screening Clinic Operation and Mutual Support Fund,' and 'Ogum Park Reservoir Park Project.'

Notably, the top project, 'Completion and Activation of the Circular Songpa Dullegil,' was a key initiative of the 7th mayoral term, completing a 21km circular walking trail connecting four streams surrounding Songpa-gu (Seongnaecheon, Jangjicheon, Tancheon, Han River). Last year, multiple departments collaborated to open the Tancheon trail for the first time in 50 years, install facilities, and operate programs using the walking course, greatly enhancing residents' quality of life and receiving enthusiastic responses.

The excellent project 'Together Song Songpa-pa Urban Brand Promotion' actively communicated with residents by installing district character lighting at major attractions such as Songpa Dullegil, earning positive evaluations. The district plans to continue using the friendly Song Songpa-pa character to break away from the old city image and enhance Songpa's brand value.

Following this, the 'COVID-19 Screening Clinic Operation and Mutual Support Fund' project was recognized as an excellent policy. Songpa-gu operated two temporary screening clinics (Olympic Park, Munjeong Urban Development Zone), distributed 250,000 KRW per person to about 400,000 residents as COVID-19 mutual support funds, and installed the nation's first queue waiting system to ensure residents' safety and convenience, earning widespread sympathy from residents.

Additionally, the 'Ogum Park Reservoir Park Project' was selected as an excellent policy. It opened the upper part of the Ogum Park reservoir, which had been inaccessible for 33 years, providing a walking course connected to existing trails and creating a scenic spot overlooking Songpa-gu, attracting significant attention from residents.

Other commendation projects included 'Nation's First! Adult Start Support Fund,' '21st Hansung Baekje Cultural Festival Great Baekje Light Festival,' 'Bangi-dong Old Public Office Complex Development,' 'COVID-19 Vaccination Center Installation and Operation,' 'Real Estate Policy Issue TF Team Formation and Operation,' and 'Carbon Neutral City! Songpa's Green Future!' totaling six projects.

Mayor Park Seong-su of Songpa-gu said, "The results of the 10 selected Songpa Policies Leading Seoul reflect residents' wishes for a Songpa that leads Seoul. We will continue to think from the residents' perspective and faithfully implement promised projects to improve residents' happiness and quality of life."

Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) was honored by winning two awards in the '2021 Seoul City Apartment Community Activation Project,' marking seven consecutive years of being selected as an excellent case in apartment community activation in Seoul.

Among 243 complexes in 23 autonomous districts participating in the '2021 Seoul City Apartment Community Activation Project,' seven complexes with outstanding activities were selected. Tenshill 1st Complex Apartment and Kumho Xi 1st Apartment won the gold and bronze awards respectively, achieving the honor of winning for seven consecutive years since 2015. Seongdong-gu is the only district with two complexes selected.

Tenshill 1st Complex Apartment in Wangsimni New Town was praised for linking with the Multicultural Family Support Center to support childcare supplies through sharing campaigns and providing intergenerational understanding and communication time via senior experience booths.

Additionally, it received positive reviews for actively encouraging residents' participation and communication through events such as the national love Taegeukgi flag raising and green campaigns promoting environmental protection by using tumblers.

Kumho Xi 1st Apartment, in its second year of the project, attracted attention with its eco-friendly lifestyle eco-mileage project focused on creating a 'Green Apartment.' Residents received mileage points by posting certified eco-friendly living photos in the community, and gifts were periodically provided based on scores, gaining strong resident support.

Seongdong-gu's community activation project was evaluated as having made various attempts and progress this year. Notably, environmental campaigns such as the 'Bring Your Own Container Campaign' and 'Plastic Station' to reduce disposable product use, and the 'Green Leader Activist Training Course' teaching residents to consider the future together by broadening social and economic awareness of eco-friendliness, started centered on apartment communities, gaining attention and meaningful recognition.

On the 20th, the district held the '2021 Community Activation Excellent Complex and Model Green Apartment Awards Ceremony' attended by representatives of 31 communities, introducing this year's community activation activities and sharing over 400 diverse programs, providing an opportunity to share small efforts and passion.

Mayor Jung Won-oh of Seongdong-gu said, "Especially during these times of communication deficiency due to COVID-19, breaking down walls between neighbors and sharing affection holds great and precious meaning. I hope many people will continue to be stepping stones for each other, creating spaces for communication and harmony, and I thank everyone who has reminded us of the importance of community."

Ms. Kang (female, in her 40s), a resident of Dongjak-gu commuting from Heukseok-dong to Sangdo-dong, feels pleased with her recently much easier commute thanks to the newly expanded and opened Sin Sangdo Underpass on the 24th of last month.

The Sin Sangdo Underpass is a key section connecting Guksabong Tunnel in Sangdo-dong and the northern end of Hangang Bridge, responsible for many residents' commutes. However, it had long suffered from chronic bottlenecks due to its narrow two-lane road.

The morning commute starting with traffic congestion caused stress to residents, and the average travel speed during rush hour was only about 11.2 km/h, which was not suitable for the rapidly changing times.

The expansion construction of Sin Sangdo Underpass began 15 years ago in 2007 but had little progress until late 2019 when construction resumed in earnest, leading to its opening after two years.

The 221-meter extended underpass section was expanded from two lanes to four lanes, significantly improving traffic flow. A 1.7-meter-wide pedestrian walkway was installed, and transparent soundproof walls blocking exhaust and dust were erected between the sidewalk and roadway to improve the walking environment.

Additionally, LED lighting was installed in the previously dim pedestrian walkway to ensure residents' safety during nighttime.

Especially, with a large-scale apartment complex built nearby earlier this year, the underpass expansion was a long-awaited project for local residents. The opening has completely resolved the issue, doubling the average travel speed during rush hour to 24.7 km/h, contributing to residents' improved quality of life.

Lee Chang-woo, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, said, "The expansion of Sin Sangdo Underpass will be an opportunity for Dongjak-gu to advance further. We will continue to strive to expand infrastructure such as road widening and maximize synergy with future projects like the Jangseungbaegi Comprehensive Administrative Town and Yongyangbongjeojeong area tourism development."

Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) invested 4.1 billion KRW last year to significantly improve traffic systems and facilities in school zones to prevent children's traffic accidents and ensure safety.

Eunpyeong-gu has 75 school zones, ranking ninth among Seoul's 25 autonomous districts, and many side streets. Accordingly, the district undertook large-scale maintenance for children's traffic safety last year.

To prevent traffic accidents in school zones and crosswalks on school routes, the district installed ▲floor-type pedestrian traffic lights (43 units at 28 schools), ▲pedestrian signal voice guidance devices (62 units at 18 schools), ▲runway-type crosswalks (192 units at 28 schools), ▲sign block-type yellow carpets (34 units at 25 schools), ▲speed cameras (18 units at 18 schools), and ▲pedestrian safety barriers (1 location), establishing a state-of-the-art traffic system.

The district promoted 'School Zone 532,' lowering speed limits on side streets in school zones to 20 km/h. To enforce vehicle speed limits, road facilities were installed on school routes, and 'School Zone 532 construction' was completed at eight locations.

The district also completed ▲new and expanded designation of school zones (7 locations), ▲installation of pedestrian protective fences (3 locations), ▲anti-slip facilities installation (20 locations), ▲installation of guide design sheets (4 locations), and ▲installation of solar-powered LED signs in school zones (36 locations).

Additionally, the district surveyed the status of school zone facilities within the area and registered them in the nationwide protection zone information management system for efficient management. Based on the survey results, 190 'Protection Zone 30' speed limit marks were installed.

The district plans to periodically improve traffic systems and maintain traffic facilities in school zones in 2022 as well.

Mayor Kim Mi-kyung of Eunpyeong-gu said, "We will continue to build state-of-the-art traffic systems in school zones and school routes to create a city where children can safely commute to and from school. We will do our best to create a pedestrian environment for children and vulnerable traffic groups."

Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon) announced that the Siheung-dong 810 area was selected as a candidate site for private-led redevelopment supported by Seoul City to accelerate redevelopment.

The candidate site selection process started in September, with 102 sites participating. Among 59 sites finally recommended by autonomous districts, 21 were selected as candidate sites. The selected sites will be the first to apply six regulatory relaxation measures, including rapid integrated planning, to revitalize redevelopment.

The Siheung-dong 810 area includes much of the former Siheung 19 district, a planned single-family home reconstruction area that was canceled. It consists of first-class and second-class general residential areas (up to 7 floors). To the east of the candidate site are urban natural park zones and Seoul-designated cultural assets (Sunheung An clan burial grounds).

With active support from Seoul City, if the project proceeds as planned, the maintenance plan will begin in early 2022, and district designation will proceed sequentially from 2023.

Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon of Geumcheon-gu said, "The Siheung-dong 810 area is a region requiring large-scale maintenance but has remained undeveloped for a long time. This project is expected to expand housing supply and improve the environment of old and low-rise residential areas, contributing to balanced regional development."

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) started the SAM (SNU Active Mentoring) mentoring winter vacation semester on the 3rd as a school-government cooperation project with Seoul National University.

SAM mentoring is a program where Seoul National University students serve as mentors to local youth, providing academic and career counseling. It utilizes excellent resources from Seoul National University to enhance local educational competitiveness and helps youths develop proper emotional growth through career and counseling support.

The final number of participants in this winter vacation mentoring is 306, with 230 mentees from local schools and community child centers ranging from 3rd grade elementary to 2nd grade high school, and 76 mentors from Seoul National University, matched at an average ratio of 1:3.

To provide equal educational opportunities, the district prioritized recommending students from socially disadvantaged groups such as basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty groups, medical aid recipients, multicultural families, and persons with disabilities, then recommended general students for remaining slots per school.

All mentoring sessions are conducted online via Zoom due to special quarantine measures against COVID-19 resurgence, with each session lasting 4 hours for a total of 10 free sessions.

Mentees (local youth) receive free academic guidance and career counseling, while mentors (Seoul National University students) receive volunteer scholarships, volunteer credits or 1365 volunteer hours recognition, and expense reimbursements.

Last year, 1,339 participants including Seoul National University students, 54 elementary, middle, and high schools, and 47 community child centers participated, showing positive outcomes such as improved interpersonal skills, academic achievement, and confidence among youth.

A district official said, "We hope this winter vacation mentoring will provide academic and emotional support to our children finishing the 2021 school year and preparing for the new school year. We will actively support meaningful mentoring where mentors and mentees grow together."

For more details about SAM mentoring, contact the Seoul National University SAM Mentoring Office.

Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) announced that it amended the apartment support ordinance to include multi-family and row houses in the support scope for the first time in Seoul.

Multi-family and row houses often share the same name on building registers and buildings, leading to the assumption that residents belong to the same complex. However, most are separate buildings with different lot numbers, and if they have fewer than 20 households, they could not apply for apartment support projects, leaving them in a blind spot.

To resolve this, Yangcheon-gu amended the apartment support ordinance to expand the support target to multi-family and row houses with the same 'name' on the building register and 'adjacent' with 20 or more households. As a result, 60 apartment complexes and over 200 buildings completed more than 15 years ago are newly included as eligible applicants. After a one-month preliminary promotion period in January, applications will be accepted from February 7 to March 4.

The district will decide support targets through on-site investigations and review by the screening committee in March, and notify applicants individually. However, complexes without a residents' representative meeting must appoint a representative and obtain consent from more than half of the residents to apply. Eligible applicants are small-scale apartments with fewer than 100 households, and 80% of construction costs will be supported, with the remainder borne by the complex.

Support areas include projects necessary for repairing common facilities within the complex, such as ▲safety measures for outdoor facilities (stone retaining walls, retaining walls, etc.), ▲repair of roads, sidewalks, and outdoor parking lots within the site, ▲dredging of rainwater and sewage pipes (excluding pipes inside buildings), and ▲repair and reinforcement of common facilities.

Mayor Kim Soo-young of Yangcheon-gu said, "We expanded the scope of apartment support projects through ordinance amendment to support a pleasant and livable residential environment. Since many complexes are newly included as eligible applicants, we will carefully promote the projects to ensure smooth implementation."

Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) announced the successful completion of the 'Youth Digital Supporters Project' conducted since February 2021.

The 'Youth Digital Supporters Project' employs digitally savvy youths to assist local small business owners in digital transformation. Last year, the district hired 24 youths as 'Digital Supporters' to support 86 local small businesses with digital transition tasks such as ▲using delivery apps, ▲online store entry and operation, and ▲SNS marketing.

Introduced through a three-month pilot in the second half of 2020, the project saw 19 supporters assist 28 local businesses, achieving meaningful results. Despite being a new initiative, it led to actual sales increases based on enhanced digital capabilities, receiving strong field support. Recognizing the potential for youth job creation and local small business market expansion, Yangcheon-gu designated the project as an annual program in 2021 and began full-scale implementation.

Youth supporters with creative ideas and small business owners ready to embrace change communicated and empathized, achieving remarkable results. A dumpling shop that recently changed its business type due to economic downturn succeeded in entering an online store with supporters' help, attracting nationwide orders through SNS influencers, leading to explosive sales growth.

An online store of a side dish shop, barely launched but unused due to lack of know-how, was reorganized by youth supporters, directly increasing online sales. A sports goods store, previously unfamiliar with SNS, learned step-by-step from supporters, opened its own account, posted products, and saw sales growth.

On November 24 last year, youth digital supporters independently prepared and hosted a live commerce event without external help. Collaborating with three supported companies dealing in clothing and leather goods, they broadcasted for one hour, achieving 27 orders and 850,000 KRW in sales.

Yangcheon-gu's youth digital supporters' achievements were recognized externally, receiving various awards: ▲Grand Prize in the '2021 Excellent Administration and Policy Cases' by the Korea Public Policy Evaluation Association and Korea Governance Society in the local government category, ▲Bronze Award in the '2021 Central Excellent Award' public official proposal category by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and ▲Grand Prize in the '2021 Innovative Administration Excellent Case Competition' judged by Yangcheon-gu officials and residents. Other local governments have inquired about benchmarking this project for new initiatives in 2022.

Mayor Kim Soo-young of Yangcheon-gu said, "The Youth Digital Supporters Project has become a unique specialized project of Yangcheon-gu, achieving dual benefits of providing quality youth jobs and enhancing digital capabilities of local small businesses through communication. In 2022, we will do our best to advance the project with regional supporter support and regular live commerce planning."

"As a working mom, having a care center is truly a great help."

"I proudly recommend our care center everywhere; it's the best!"

"It's simply the best environment. Friendly teachers, satisfying programs, and excellent snacks!"

Seoul Jung-gu (Mayor Seo Yang-ho)'s core policy of the 7th mayoral term, 'Jung-gu Type Elementary Care,' showed a 99.4% satisfaction rate among parents.

According to a satisfaction survey conducted last month targeting parents using local elementary care centers, 99.4% of respondents expressed satisfaction, with 13 out of 16 centers achieving 100% satisfaction. The district currently operates nine care classrooms in all public elementary schools and seven out-of-school care centers directly.

Satisfaction with COVID-19 response was 99%, giving high marks to the district's swift quarantine measures. When the infectious disease crisis alert was raised in February 2020, the district immediately switched to an emergency care system, provided quarantine supplies, conducted regular disinfection by professional companies, and performed frequent sanitization, enabling normal operation of care centers without care gaps.

Regarding satisfaction with care programs, 95.7% of parents responded positively. A district official analyzed that raising the quality and diversity of care programs to reduce gaps with private education programs contributed to satisfaction.

When asked if the elementary care center helped parents' social activity participation, 98.7% answered 'yes,' mainly citing significant help for dual-income families.

The high parental satisfaction with Jung-gu Type Elementary Care is due to several reasons. The biggest difference is operating hours considering realistic working hours of dual-income parents, extended significantly until 8 p.m. The district also increased care staff by introducing a two-teacher system per classroom to prevent children from being left unattended. For healthy growth, classrooms were remodeled with eco-friendly materials and facilities, and free meals and snacks using eco-friendly ingredients are provided.

This survey was conducted to identify improvements through parental satisfaction evaluation and reflect them in future care service operations. It targeted 729 parents using 16 local elementary care centers from December 6 to 14 last year, with 625 actual respondents and an 85.7% response rate.

Mayor Seo Yang-ho said, "I thank parents who trust and entrust their children to our elementary care centers. We will actively reflect parents' opinions to ensure more children can enjoy quality care benefits."