Dongjak-gu Operates Shade Shelters as Urban Heat Relief Spots

Started the Nation's First Shade Shelter Project in 2013... Operating Over 70 Locations in High Foot Traffic Areas Including Noryangjin Station

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's climate forecast for this summer, temperatures from this month through July are expected to be higher than average.

In response, Dongjak-gu (Mayor Changwoo Lee) will fully operate the ‘Heatwave Shelter Shade Canopies’ until October to help residents avoid the scorching sun in the city.

Since 2013, the district has been the first in the nation to implement the shade canopy project, providing shelters that cool residents waiting at traffic signals or bus stops during hot summers. A total of 70 shade canopies have been installed at busy crosswalks, traffic islands, and bus stops.

Especially this year, the district will invest about 170 million KRW to newly install ‘Smart Shade Canopies’ integrating IoT and solar power technologies by the end of this month.

The district plans to install these at around 15 locations with frequent resident traffic, such as in front of Noryangjin Station and near Jangseungbaegi Station.

Unlike conventional shade canopies that require manual opening and closing, the smart shade canopies operate automatically based on preset temperature, wind speed, sunrise, and sunset times, enabling quick responses to sudden weather changes like strong winds and reducing labor.

Additionally, to prepare for any resident safety accidents related to the shade canopies, the district has subscribed to liability insurance for public facilities and designated shade canopy managers at each community service center to conduct daily inspections for malfunctions, proper operation, and other unusual matters.

From the 15th, the district will implement the ‘2020 Summer Comprehensive Measures’ focusing on four areas?heatwave, flood control, safety, and health?to ensure residents have a healthy summer over the next five months.

Yookhyun Yoo, the Safety and Disaster Officer, stated, “Through operating the heatwave shelter shade canopies, we will provide residents with a cool urban environment and do our best to manage the safety of vulnerable groups against heatwaves.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.