Mapo-gu Operates 173 Heat Relief Shelters

Completed Full Inspection Last May, Operating a Total of 173 Heat Relief Shelters Until the End of September

Agreement for 10 Rooms at H Avenue Hotel, 152 Sinchon-ro, Establishing Safe Accommodation to Avoid Tropical Nights

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo District, visited a heat relief shelter last month to inspect the facilities.

Mapo-gu (District Mayor Park Gang-su) is accelerating the operation of heat relief shelters this summer for vulnerable residents such as the elderly during the heatwave.

The district announced that it has signed an agreement with H Avenue Hotel (152 Sinchon-ro) to provide up to 10 rooms daily as safe accommodation for heat relief shelters until the end of August, continuing from last year.

Safe accommodation is designated for the elderly and others vulnerable to heat-related illnesses to rest and avoid tropical nights. It is available during heatwave warnings and can be used free of charge from 3 PM until 11 AM the following day. One room per household is the principle, and up to two people per household can stay.

Applications can be made by visiting or calling the local community service center of the applicant’s address, and proxy applications by related personnel such as life support workers or visiting nurses are also possible.

The eligibility for use is determined comprehensively by the local community service center based on the applicant’s living environment, underlying diseases, age, and other factors.

In addition, the district operates heat relief shelters (general shelters and extended shelters) throughout the area until September 30.

Heat relief shelters, which anyone can use from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, are operated at a total of 173 locations including 16 local community service centers in Mapo-gu, 3 senior welfare centers, and 154 senior citizen centers (operating hours may vary).

When a heatwave warning is issued, 17 senior citizen centers are designated as extended shelters and operate from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and public holidays as well.

Last month, the district conducted an on-site inspection and completed a full survey of 173 heat relief shelters regarding air conditioner malfunctions or aging, signboard installation, and the presence of first aid supplies, and plans to immediately supplement the 7 locations requiring improvement.

Furthermore, Mapo-gu’s Citizen Safety Division, Senior Citizens Accompaniment Division, and local community service center staff have been designated as managers responsible for maintaining shelter functions, conducting facility inspections, and actively promoting health management guidelines to prepare for heatwaves.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “This summer presents a double hardship with heatwaves and rising electricity costs, requiring more thorough caution and management than last year. We hope that residents exhausted by the heat will spend a cool summer at the heat relief shelters and safe accommodations, and we will make more meticulous efforts to ensure the safe summer of vulnerable residents during the heatwave.”