Yongsan-gu Launches Four Types of Heatwave Response Facilities Including "Two-Season Shelter"

Operation of Comprehensive Heatwave Situation Room
Swift, Field-Oriented Response System in Place

On July 10, Yongsan-gu in Seoul announced that it will begin the full-scale installation and operation of four types of heatwave response facilities, including the "Two-Season Shelter" (for summer and winter), to proactively address the climate crisis during the summer and create a safe environment for residents.

Installation of Two-Season Shelter (Cold and Warm Lounge) and Water Vending Machine (Drink Yongsan Water). Provided by Yongsan-gu.

This year, Yongsan-gu's heatwave measures are characterized by the introduction of new facilities such as the Two-Season Shelter (Cold and Warm Lounge) and water vending machines (Drink Yongsan Water), in addition to protecting vulnerable groups, expanding heat mitigation facilities, and promoting heatwave safety guidelines.

The Two-Season Shelter is a small-scale smart shelter equipped with air conditioning, heating, and seating so that it can be used both during summer heatwaves and winter cold snaps. Compared to existing smart shelters, installation costs are only about one-tenth, which reduces the budget burden, and the space requirements are minimal. Currently, three shelters have been installed at bus stops near Kkum Namu Complex Town, Junggyeong High School, and Ichon 2-dong Community Center, allowing residents to wait for buses in comfort.

The smart shade canopy is a structure that automatically opens and closes based on temperature sensors, and this year, 21 new units will be installed. Including previously installed canopies, a total of 130 will be in operation. These canopies block ultraviolet rays and reduce heat, thereby lowering the perceived temperature for pedestrians.

The cooling fog facility is scheduled to be installed in July at Budulgae Cultural Park near Yongsan Station. By spraying ultra-fine water particles, it can lower the perceived temperature by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, and it is also expected to help reduce fine dust.

The water vending machines are facilities that provide free bottled water to residents vulnerable to heatwaves and will operate from July through August or until the budget is exhausted. The machines will be installed at four locations: Kkum Namu Complex Town, Junggyeong High School, Ichon 2-dong Community Center, and Noksapyeong Station Square, with each machine stocked with 600 bottles of water per day. The local volunteer disaster prevention team will regularly check the machines to ensure smooth operation.

To enable a swift response when a heatwave advisory is issued, the district is operating a "Comprehensive Heatwave Situation Room (TF Team)" composed of four teams and 13 departments. The TF Team is responsible for protecting construction workers, inspecting cooling shelters, and other field-oriented responses. In addition, a total of 948 disaster assistants regularly check on vulnerable groups such as the elderly living alone and people with disabilities, and also patrol areas with high concentrations of makeshift housing and homeless individuals.

Currently, 86 cooling shelters in Yongsan-gu are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and some shelters extend their hours into the night when a heatwave advisory is in effect. The locations of these shelters can be easily checked through the "Safe Step" and "Seoul Safety App" platforms. Other ongoing heatwave response activities include operating water-spraying vehicles on roads, running water features, and inspecting rest facilities for workers.

Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, "As heatwaves become increasingly severe due to the climate crisis, protecting the lives and health of our residents is our most important duty." She emphasized, "The four types of heatwave response facilities we have introduced are not just convenience facilities, but disaster response infrastructure that residents can experience in their daily lives." She added, "We will build a comprehensive safety net so that vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and residents of makeshift housing, are not left behind, and we will focus all of the district's resources to ensure that every resident can spend the summer with peace of mind."