Customized Heatwave Support Measures
Protecting the Health of 8,000 Residents
On July 11, Jongno District in Seoul announced that it will proactively implement customized heatwave response measures this year, including the introduction of "heatwave safety accommodations," to protect the health and safety of approximately 8,000 low-income households and vulnerable residents.
Jung Moonheon, mayor of Jongno District Office (center in the photo), is visiting the Donuidong gosiwon area to inspect the alley. Provided by Jongno District Office.
To address the limitations of existing daytime cooling shelters, the district has established new heatwave safety accommodations that are available from 6 p.m. until noon the following day. These accommodations are located at three sites: Dongdaemun Hotel (Changsin-dong), Ssentral Tourist Hotel (Jangsa-dong), and Dongnimmun Hotel (Gyobuk-dong). They will operate temporarily until September 30 whenever a heatwave advisory or warning is issued.
The program targets low-income elderly households with poor living conditions, as well as recipients of basic livelihood security and the near-poor who are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Accommodation costs of 90,000 won per night for up to 10 nights (based on two people per room) will be fully covered. Applications can be made through local community centers.
The district has also completed the installation of wall-mounted air conditioners in about 40 households, including those with severe illnesses and elderly residents aged 70 and above. Over the past six years, a total of 745 households have received cooling appliances. Additional cooling supplies such as fans and cool mats will also be provided.
Cooling shelters will be operated at a total of 102 locations, including the district office and 18 local community centers, 49 senior centers and welfare facilities, 3 counseling centers for gosiwon residents, and 32 financial institutions. For gosiwon residents and homeless individuals, the district will also provide guidance on facility admission, support with cooling supplies, disinfection and patrol services, and vouchers for nighttime bathing facilities. For seniors and people with disabilities, health management services such as nurse home visits, priority distribution of emergency relief supplies, and daily necessities will be offered.
For elderly people living alone or households with chronic illnesses, visiting nurses and community activists will check on their well-being and health status through home visits or phone calls. Senior centers will receive support for air conditioner cleaning and replacement, as well as subsidies for cooling costs.
Jung Moonheon, mayor of Jongno District Office, stated, "By introducing heatwave safety accommodations, we have strengthened our response system so that residents vulnerable to heatwaves and tropical nights can spend this summer in comfort. We will continue to implement effective heatwave countermeasures that prioritize the health and safety of our residents."
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