Hwaseong Mayor Jung Myung-geun: "Abandon Formal Responses, Mobilize All Efforts Against Heatwave"

Expansion of Water-Spraying Vehicles, Cooling Fog, and Outdoor Air Conditioners
Intensive Management Through Home Visits to Vulnerable Groups

Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province has launched a full-scale response against the record-breaking heatwave. The city has activated a 24-hour "Heatwave Emergency Situation Room" and established an all-out response system involving every department.

Jung Myunggeun, mayor of Hwaseong City, is inspecting the cooling fog facility in operation to prevent heat-related illnesses. Photo by Hwaseong City

On August 4, Mayor Jung Myung-geun of Hwaseong personally inspected major heatwave mitigation facilities in the city, such as cooling fog systems, smart shelters, smart shades, and rest areas for mobile workers. He instructed the relevant departments to ensure thorough management and to immediately address any deficiencies.

Mayor Jung stated, "Responding to the heatwave is a matter of citizens' survival," and emphasized, "We must connect the entire city into a protective system so that citizens can feel safe." He also ordered, "We will boldly abandon ineffective, formalistic responses and prioritize the health and safety of our citizens above all else."

Currently, the city is operating 37 water-spraying vehicles throughout the urban area, with plans to expand their deployment, especially in areas experiencing rapid temperature increases and where foot traffic is concentrated.

For the general public, the city is operating 22 cooling fog installations, 61 outdoor air conditioners, and 1,874 heatwave mitigation facilities such as shades. The 831 designated cooling shelters are being regularly checked and managed, including monitoring their air conditioning status.

Measures to protect outdoor workers have also been strengthened. The city is checking compliance with the five key workplace heat safety rules: provision of water, wind and shade, rest, cold storage equipment, and emergency measures. When the perceived temperature reaches 33 degrees Celsius or higher, field sites are instructed to provide at least 20 minutes of rest every two hours. In particular, the city is strongly recommending a temporary halt to construction work during periods of extreme heat.

More meticulous management is being provided for vulnerable groups. A total of 6,428 people?including the homeless, elderly living alone, people with disabilities, and basic livelihood security recipients?are receiving customized care services such as welfare check calls, home visits, and text messages. The city is prepared to provide immediate support if any health problems related to the heatwave are identified.