Seocho-gu Expands Installation of 'Smart Eco Shelter' for Cooling, Heating, and Air Curtain Bus Stops

Creating Waiting Spaces for Safe and Comfortable Bus Waiting Year-Round Despite Heatwaves, Cold Waves, and Fine Dust... Minimizing COVID-19 Risks with Automatic Hand Sanitizers and Regular Interior Disinfection

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (Mayor Eunhee Jo) has added and expanded the installation of ‘Smart Eco Shelter,’ a new concept bus shelter equipped with air curtains, air conditioners, and heaters, at village bus stops including Gangnam-daero within the district.

The Smart Eco Shelter was first pilot-installed at two bus stops in the area in January last year to provide residents with a safe and comfortable waiting space throughout all four seasons, protecting them from harmful environments such as heatwaves, cold waves, and fine dust. Following continuous requests from residents, five additional shelters were installed this year.

First, the air conditioners with enhanced air purification functions provide comfort even during the summer heatwaves and humid rainy seasons. The heaters and Seoripul Ondol chairs protect residents using public transportation from the cold during winter cold waves.

Additionally, to alleviate the anxiety caused by enclosed spaces due to COVID-19, one side of the shelter was made open. Above the open entrance door, an air curtain emits compressed air to form an air barrier that blocks external pollutants, preventing exposure to harmful gases and fine dust. A HEPA filter that blocks fine particles and bacteria is also installed.

Three sides are fitted with reinforced glass walls to enhance openness and allow residents to visually confirm approaching buses. Through a touchscreen smart bulletin board, real-time traffic information (bus current location, route direction, congestion sections) is provided along with a map.

Moreover, it offers accurate environmental information of the current location (fine dust, internal temperature, noise) along with various cultural contents and district administration promotional functions.

Furthermore, as a measure against COVID-19, automatic hand sanitizers will be installed in the Smart Eco Shelter to help users maintain hygiene, and regular internal disinfection will be conducted.

The installation costs of the Smart Eco Shelter were fully covered by private company investments, contributing to budget savings.

In addition, the district installed heat-blocking films on bus shelters vulnerable to the hot summer sun and special covers with temperature reduction effects on existing Ondol chairs to minimize discomfort caused by the heat. In the second half of the year, the district plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection of transportation convenience facilities at bus stops and replace old shelters to ensure residents can use public transportation safely and comfortably.

Smart Eco Shelter Nighttime

Mayor Eunhee Jo stated, “Waiting for the bus can make the heat and cold feel even more intense due to anxious feelings. To eliminate such discomfort, we installed the Smart Eco Shelter, transforming bus stops into comfortable resting spaces.” She added, “We will continue to strengthen lifestyle administration that meets residents’ needs and create a comfortable Seocho for all residents.”

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