Creating 'Jungnim Smart Shelter,' an Urban Oasis for Relaxation

Installation of Air Purification System, Ceiling HVAC, Free Public Wi-Fi, and Phone Chargers for Comfortable and Relaxing Bus Waiting Amid Heatwaves, Cold Snaps, Exhaust, and Fine Dust

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] A smart resting space for residents has been created at the Son Gijeong Sports Park bus stop in Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul.

Named the 'Jungnim Smart Shelter.'

The Son Gijeong Sports Park bus stop is a frequently used location by Jungnim-dong residents and was previously a rain shelter type (covered type) consisting of an L-shaped windbreak and benches commonly seen everywhere.

However, last fall, based on residents' proposals, a project to create a comfortable and safe smart shelter that protects against fine dust, cold waves, and heatwaves while using the bus was included in the Jungnim-dong community budget.

Jung-gu (Mayor Seo Yang-ho) has been promoting community projects since last year, granting budget allocation authority to each neighborhood office to organize budgets based on residents' proposals and participation.

Under the motto "I decide where my taxes go!", projects in each neighborhood are budgeted through various opinion-gathering processes such as residents' project proposals, online voting, and residents' assemblies.

Accordingly, the Jungnim-dong Community Service Center began the full-scale construction project in July, adding various ideas to create Jung-gu’s unique 'Jungnim Smart Shelter.'

The shelter is equipped with fine dust detectors, an air purification circulation system, and ceiling-type air conditioning and heating units, allowing residents waiting for the bus to avoid harmful substances such as exhaust fumes and fine dust, while staying cool in summer and warm in winter.

The shelter’s outer walls use transparent glass so users can monitor bus movements outside from inside. To accommodate the elderly and disabled, a double automatic door was installed for user convenience. The structure allows the two doors on both sides to be kept open during spring and fall, enhancing usability even during COVID-19.

For user convenience, a BIS (Bus Information System), public Wi-Fi, and mobile phone chargers were naturally installed. Additionally, the 'Jungnim-dong Landmark Guide Kiosk' inside provides various information about Jungnim-dong’s attractions, popular restaurants, and local events to anyone, not just bus riders.

Moreover, CCTV and emergency bells were installed to carefully address user safety concerns.

A Jungnim-dong official stated that after monitoring users’ responses, they plan to consider additional installations.

Ms. Kim (female, 50), who used the Jungnim Smart Shelter, said, "Since it’s by the road, the air used to feel stuffy due to exhaust fumes, but inside it feels comfortable. It will be really useful during midsummer, cold winters, snow, and rain. I think it would be great if such facilities were installed at every bus stop," welcoming the shelter’s creation.

Mayor Seo Yang-ho said, "This project is an example of a community project realized from the voices of residents who had felt inconvenienced. Going forward, we will actively reflect the stories of Jung-gu’s residents, the true owners of the district, in district administration so that they can tangibly feel the changes."

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