'Frozen Seoul'... Busy Preventing Cold Wave Damage to Vulnerable Groups

12 Cold-Related Deaths Last Year, Elderly Most Affected
Cold Wave Task Force Established and Situation Room Operated
Cold Wave Advisory Issued...Strengthened Protection for Vulnerable Groups

On the 18th, when the morning low temperature dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius, the Hongjecheon Waterfall in Hongje-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, was frozen solid with icicles hanging. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted that the severe cold below freezing would continue throughout this week. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

As the entire country is frozen solid by the strongest cold wave of this winter, local governments pushing forward with the 'Comprehensive Winter Cold Wave Countermeasures' have also become busy.

Last winter, there were 12 suspected deaths from cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia due to the cold wave, and the number of cold-related patients surged by 49% compared to the previous year, with a sharp increase in elderly patients.

To prepare for such situations, each district office in Seoul already formed a dedicated cold wave task force (TF) in mid-last month and has been operating a comprehensive support situation room. With the onset of severe cold weather last weekend and a cold wave advisory issued on the 16th, and subzero temperatures expected throughout this week, Seoul City and each district office are busy carrying out protection activities for vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone and implementing cold wave mitigation measures.

Seongbuk-gu visits or contacts high-risk health households such as elderly living alone, homeless people, disabled persons, and chronic patients by phone or text to check their health status and provide cold wave action guidelines. Thirty-five cold wave shelters are operated throughout the area to help vulnerable groups escape the cold.

Yongsan-gu has designated 16 senior centers and one safety lodging facility as cold wave shelters to prevent casualties among vulnerable groups. The New World Hotel on Hangang-daero, designated as a safety lodging, operates from 4 p.m. to noon the next day. Vulnerable residents affected by the cold wave can use the facility if they obtain a confirmation certificate in advance from the local community center or the district office’s Elderly and Youth Department.

Geumcheon-gu continuously checks on the well-being of about 4,000 elderly people living alone, elderly, disabled, and chronic patients through disaster helpers composed of life support workers, Tongtong Hope Narae Group, and welfare community leaders. During times like now when a cold wave advisory is issued, they provide cold wave preparedness guidelines either by direct visits or phone calls. If calls are not answered, they visit to check the situation and plan to confirm well-being daily if the cold wave continues, according to Geumcheon-gu.

For elderly people requiring intensive management, continuous monitoring is combined using Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) companion robots. Movement is detected for elderly at risk of solitary death, and elderly with depression are monitored through AI companion robots. A system is in place to immediately visit the home if abnormal signs are detected.

Seocho-gu also uses IoT to monitor temperature, humidity, and movement in real time for vulnerable elderly living alone households and supports inspection of electrical, gas, and fire facilities in safety-vulnerable households. Additionally, 58 cold wave shelters are operated throughout the district.

Geumcheon-gu provided winter protection supplies to vulnerable groups in preparation for the cold wave during the winter season. (Photo by Geumcheon-gu Office)