Yongsan-gu Implements Comprehensive Heatwave Measures... From May 20 to September 30
Guidance on Actions During Heatwave Warnings, Welfare Checks for Vulnerable Groups, etc.
Air Conditioner Installation in Vulnerable Housing Such as Gosiwon, Expanded Cooling Cost Support for Childcare Facilities
Operation of Heatwave Relief Facilities Including 109 Cooling Centers and 105 Shade Structures
Yongsan-gu has designated the period from May 20 to September 30 as the heatwave response period and is implementing comprehensive measures.
The comprehensive measures include ▲focused protection of heatwave-vulnerable groups ▲expansion of heatwave mitigation facilities ▲operation of cooling centers ▲dissemination of heatwave information and guidance on citizen actions.
The district focuses on protecting vulnerable groups such as seniors aged 65 and over living alone, in grandparent-grandchild households, or as couples, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses with health issues, infants, homeless people, and residents of gosiwon (small lodging facilities).
When a heatwave warning is issued, about 1,000 elderly people receiving customized care services and about 200 people receiving visiting health management services will be contacted by phone to check on their well-being, and if contact is not made, visits will be conducted to ensure their safety.
To prevent heatwave damage, the district supports cooling costs for daycare centers and, in cooperation with the Korea Energy Foundation, installs wall-mounted air conditioners in 41 low-income households.
To prevent heat-related illnesses among gosiwon residents, air conditioners are installed and operated in corridors and other common areas, and staff from the Seoul Station Gosiwon Counseling Center strengthen patrols around the gosiwon community.
Three heatwave evacuation sites for the homeless have been established: Dasi Seogi Comprehensive Center (6 Hangang-daero 92-gil), Mannasem (45 Huam-ro 57-gil), and Seoul Station Plaza Hope Support Center. Starting June 1, four emergency relief teams consisting of nine members will patrol at least twice daily to disseminate warning information and guide people to cooling centers.
To help residents escape the heat briefly, 105 shade structures have been installed at major crosswalks and traffic islands with high pedestrian traffic.
The 109 cooling centers operate on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. During heatwave warnings, 21 centers extend their hours to 9 p.m. on weekdays and operate from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. From July to August, safe lodging facilities that allow overnight stays will also be secured.
During the heatwave response period, the district will inform citizens of action guidelines through the district website, newsletters, Yongsan Alert Talk, digital bulletin boards, and social media.
Kim Seonsu, Acting Mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, “Although it is only May, abnormal high temperatures are already occurring worldwide. We will explore various ways to lower urban temperatures and minimize heatwave damage.”
The district will mitigate urban heat island effects by promoting street cleaning on major roads. To prepare for power outages, it will run summer energy-saving campaigns, publicize guidelines for citizens on how to respond to power outages and restorations, and operate an emergency contact network with Korea Electric Power Corporation, the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, and power generation companies.
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