"Cooling Off at Shelters"... Namdong-gu, Incheon Expands Small-Scale Shelters and Mobile Gardens

Namdong-gu, Incheon is increasing small-scale urban rest areas and mobile gardens to prepare for the summer heatwave.

According to the district on the 5th, this year they plan to create 9 small rest areas and 23 shaded rest areas to expand green spaces in the old downtown and focus on mitigating the urban heat island effect.

So far, the district has established 11 small rest areas and 15 mobile gardens within the old downtown.

First, the Moraenae Rest Area (Mansu-dong-909) provides a cooler temperature than the surrounding area with the installation of refreshing tree shade, serving as a heat relief spot for passing citizens. Especially being near the market, it is a popular place not only for pedestrians but also for market visitors to take a short break.

Residents are cooling off from the heat at Moraenae Shelter.
[Photo by Namdong-gu, Incheon]

Also, the mobility garden created in front of Hill Castle Plaza (212 Guwol-ro, Guwol-dong) has fans operating inside the rest area to cool down the heat, and at night, lights illuminate the street.

In addition, the 57 shaded rest areas created at intersections and traffic islands in the city are used as spaces where pedestrians waiting for the signal at crosswalks can sit and rest briefly.

Park Jong-hyo, the district mayor, said, "I hope the small rest areas in the old downtown will help residents cool down during the summer heat," adding, "We will continue to increase small rest areas and mobile gardens."