Mapo District Implements Comprehensive Cold Wave Measures Including 17 Cold Wave Shelters

Winter Support Funds Provided to 7,127 Households
Heated Benches at Bus Stops Expanded

Mapo District in Seoul, led by Mayor Park Gangsu, is strengthening support for vulnerable groups in preparation for the severe cold wave. Since November 15 of last year, the district has been implementing a comprehensive winter cold wave response plan. The district operates a Cold Wave Situation Management Task Force during normal times, and activates the Cold Wave Countermeasure Headquarters in the event of a cold wave advisory.

Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, is visiting the cold wave shelter installed at Murisulsae Village Senior Center to check on the well-being of the elderly. Provided by Mapo District.

The district operates cold wave shelters at a total of 17 locations, including 16 district-run senior centers and the multipurpose gym on the first basement floor of the district office. The emergency lodging facility for displaced residents (152 Sinchon-ro) and the multipurpose gym in the district office basement have been designated as emergency shelters, providing 24-hour refuge during cold wave advisories. The number of heated benches at bus stops has also been increased to 110.

Support for vulnerable groups has also been expanded. The number of households receiving winter support funds increased from 6,586 last year to 7,127 this year, and the number of beneficiaries of disability activity support has been expanded to about 900. For 1,797 elderly residents receiving customized care services, 130 care workers and 8 social workers are conducting safety checks and health management.

For households vulnerable to cold waves, such as elderly people living alone, the district is providing IoT-based safety management services, enabling real-time well-being checks and emergency response even on holidays. Safety inspections and emergency contact systems are being operated at 25 welfare facilities for people with disabilities, and participants in disability employment programs received winter supplies such as gloves this month.

Areas vulnerable to homelessness are patrolled at least twice a week during normal times, and daily during cold wave advisories. Homeless individuals found on-site are offered street counseling and linked to shelter facilities, and emergency medical support is provided in urgent situations.

Heating cost support is also ongoing. Since November of last year, basic livelihood and medical benefit recipients, as well as low-income veterans, have received 50,000 won per household as winter support funds. Basic benefit recipients and near-poor households will receive 100,000 won per household for heating costs between the end of this month and early February.

The energy voucher program is operated as a unified system without distinction between summer and winter, allowing each household to receive between 295,000 won and up to 701,000 won in support. For households using coal briquette heating, those who apply at their local community center by May 25 will receive either a 472,000 won briquette coupon or 200 to 400 briquettes.

Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, stated, "Winter is a season that requires special care for the elderly and vulnerable groups," adding, "We will spare no effort in providing attention and support to ensure the safety of our residents is not compromised even in the harsh cold."