Over 200 Umbrellas Lost in a Day: Why the Number Surged During the Downpour

Purchased in a Hurry, Rarely Retrieved After the Rain Stops
Umbrellas Have the Lowest Return Rate at 13%... Most Are Discarded
'Shared Umbrella Platforms' Offer a New Way to Borrow and Return

On May 16, the Seoul metropolitan area was hit by a sudden downpour, with rainfall exceeding 70mm per hour at its peak. On that day alone, it was found that at least 200 umbrellas were reported lost in Seoul.

According to Yonhap News on May 17, citing the National Police Agency's integrated lost-and-found portal 'Lost112', a total of 205 umbrellas were reported lost on the portal by midnight the previous day.

Lost112 is a platform that consolidates and publishes information about lost items reported from subways and railways, buses and taxis, airports, large supermarkets, police substations, and police stations. If the owner does not claim a lost item within six months, it is either transferred to the national treasury, donated, or disposed of in other ways.

Notably, more than 120 umbrellas were reported lost after 5 p.m. on May 16. This period coincided with the issuance of heavy rain advisories in the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern districts of Seoul.

Citizens walking with umbrellas on a rainy day Photo by Yonhap News

Seoul Station accounted for the highest number of reported lost umbrellas, with 63 cases. Banghwa Station (28 cases) and Susaek Station (12 cases) followed. Considering that not all lost umbrellas are reported, the actual number of umbrellas lost is likely much higher.

Previously, on May 9, when rain fell across Seoul, 262 umbrellas were reported lost on Lost112.

However, umbrellas are easily purchased at convenience stores and other locations, and since they become cumbersome to carry once the rain stops, owners are less likely to retrieve them compared to other items.

According to statistics from SR, the operator of Suseo High-Speed Railway (SRT), umbrellas had the lowest return rate among lost items last year, with only 13% being returned to customers. This is a stark contrast to mobile phones, which had the highest return rate at 80%.

As a result, it is known that many unclaimed umbrellas are discarded. In particular, vinyl umbrellas are difficult to recycle, as their metal and plastic components must be separated.

In response, umbrella sharing platform models have recently gained attention as a way to use resources efficiently and protect the environment.

Umbrella Sharing Platform Installed at Banseok Station on Daejeon Metro Line 1
[Image Source=Daejeon Transit Corporation]

In Japan, umbrella sharing services have already been launched in cities such as Tokyo and Fukuoka several years ago and are now spreading nationwide. Users enter their personal information via a free smartphone app and can borrow an umbrella by pressing a dedicated button at designated locations where shared umbrellas are available.

In South Korea, Daejeon Transit Corporation announced on April 30 that it had launched an 'umbrella sharing platform' service at major metro stations such as Daejeon Station. This platform was developed by applying technology from a company selected through the 'Regional Enterprise Idea Discovery Platform.' As in Japan, users can borrow and return umbrellas using a smartphone app and QR codes, and the service is free for a six-month pilot period.

Daejeon Transit Corporation stated that the umbrella sharing platform was initially installed at five stations with high foot traffic and a lack of existing local businesses (such as convenience stores): Daedong Station, Daejeon Station, Jungangno Station, Seodaejeonnegeori Station, and Banseok Station.