Support for Cooling Appliances in Jjokbangchon
and Operation of Shuttle Vehicles Between District Office Buildings
Yeongdeungpo District in Seoul (Mayor Choi Hogwon) has expanded the number of cooling shelters to a total of 191 in preparation for the full onset of the heatwave. The district is also actively implementing various measures to overcome the heat, including support for cooling facilities in the jjokbangchon area and the operation of shuttle vehicles between district office buildings.
Choi Hogwon, mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, conducting an on-site inspection of the jjokbang area to prepare for last year's heatwave. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District Office.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, from May 20 to mid-July, there were 1,582 cases of heat-related illnesses nationwide, approximately 2.6 times higher than during the same period last year. In response, Yeongdeungpo District is focusing on protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and jjokbang residents by implementing tailored measures.
In addition to existing shelters, the district has newly designated seven locations?including the Yeongdeungpo District Office, three social welfare centers, Sports Centers No. 1 and 2, and a multipurpose badminton gymnasium?bringing the total number of cooling shelters to 191. During heatwave advisories, operating hours will be extended, and some shelters will remain open on weekends and holidays to enhance their function. Detailed information on shelter operations can be found on the district office website under 'Our District News' or the 'Disaster/Safety' section.
The district is also providing cooling appliances to female residents in the jjokbangchon area. For women who have difficulty using communal facilities, 10 air conditioners will be installed in individual rooms to address areas lacking adequate cooling.
To improve convenience for visitors to the district office, a shuttle vehicle operates between office buildings. When a heatwave advisory is in effect, a vehicle connects the main and annex buildings, which are about 350 meters apart, to help seniors, pregnant women, and other transportation-vulnerable individuals move comfortably. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For inquiries, contact the district office's General Affairs Division.
Additionally, on July 24, the district will conduct 'Heat-Related Illness and Musculoskeletal Disease Prevention Training' for about 80 outdoor workers. After the training, items to help prevent heatstroke will also be distributed.
Choi Hogwon, mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "We have prepared a variety of practical measures to help residents cope with the record-breaking heatwave," and added, "We will continue to implement tailored heatwave response strategies so that residents can spend the summer safely."
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