'Smart Shade Shelters' Appear on Streets Across Seoul

Seocho, Seongdong-gu and Other Seoul Districts Open 'Smart Shade Shelters' One Week Early
Early Summer Weather with Daytime Highs up to 23°C on the 2nd Leads Seoul Districts to Deploy Large Smart Shade Shelters Ahead of Schedule

Seochogu Seoripul Wondumak

‘Smart shade shelters’ that block sunlight have been installed throughout the streets of Seoul, making it more convenient for pedestrians.

On the 2nd, with the daytime high temperature in Seoul rising to 23 degrees Celsius, signaling early summer weather, the installation and operation of smart shade shelters in Seoul’s autonomous districts have started earlier than usual.

Seocho-gu and Seongdong-gu, among others, have advanced the installation and operation of ‘smart shade shelters’?used by residents at crosswalks or when boarding public transportation such as buses?by about a week compared to previous years, as temperatures have risen more quickly.

The smart shade shelters incorporate multifunctional systems integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Environmental information generated by sensors measuring temperature, humidity, illuminance, and wind direction is analyzed to automatically open and close the shelters. Administrators can also remotely control them in real time via a mobile app, enabling rapid response to adverse weather conditions such as typhoons.

Seocho-gu (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) began operating 242 large shade shelters called ‘Seoripul Wondumak’ from the 1st. This year, 15 additional locations will be installed.

Seoripul Wondumak is a fixed shade shelter first introduced nationwide in 2015. It measures approximately 5 meters wide and 3.5 meters high, creating a large shaded area to block sunlight. Originating from small but thoughtful ideas, Seoripul Wondumak has become a daily life-oriented administrative facility and is now an essential structure for coping with summer heatwaves commonly seen across the country.

Currently, 242 Seoripul Wondumak shelters are in operation: 217 at crosswalks and traffic islands, 15 along Yangjaecheon and Banpocheon streams and parks, and 10 at other cultural facilities and community centers. This year, 15 new shelters will be added.

Seocho-gu conducted thorough safety inspections of the facilities over four days before operation to ensure there were no malfunctions, prioritizing residents’ safety.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su of Seocho-gu said, “We will operate Seoripul Wondumak perfectly again this year and continue to strive to add happiness to residents’ daily lives through innovative administration like Seoripul Wondumak.”

Seongdong-gu Smart Shade Shelter

Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jeong Won-oh) plans to start operating shade shelters from the 8th, about a week earlier than initially planned, coordinating with related companies to inspect wires and other components.

The district currently operates smart shade shelters at 164 locations, including Wangsimni Intersection.

Seongdong-gu is also considering adding more smart shade shelters if requested by certain neighborhoods.

Mayor Jeong Won-oh of Seongdong-gu said, “Heatwaves outdoors can be another disaster threatening residents’ lives and safety. We will continue to actively work to ensure a healthy summer and improve convenience in daily life.”

Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Lee Gi-jae) will add 10 smart shade shelters at crosswalks with heavy pedestrian traffic to protect people from the sun, operating a total of 114 shelters this year.

Last year, the district operated 104 smart shade shelters, and this year plans to add 10 more to enhance residents’ convenience and prevent heat-related illnesses.

The newly installed smart shade shelters are eco-friendly energy facilities equipped with built-in solar power supply systems, which are expected to help reduce maintenance costs.

Mayor Lee Gi-jae of Yangcheon-gu said, “With an unprecedented heatwave expected this summer, we are expanding the installation of smart shade shelters where people can cool off even briefly when going outside. We will continue to do our best to provide life-oriented administrative services that reflect residents’ needs.”

Yangcheon-gu Smart Shade Shelter

Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Kang-su) plans to operate 71 smart shade shelters starting mid-month.

In this way, Seoul’s autonomous districts are actively working to protect residents’ health by preventing heat-related illnesses and helping them avoid the intense sunlight.