"Don't Worry About the Harsh Winter Wind"... 11 Additional 'Seongdong-type Smart Shelters' in Operation

Operating 21 Smart Shelters with 11 Additional Locations Based on Big Data Analysis to Meet Resident Demand... Over 230,000 Users Experience 'Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter' Transformation

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that it will add 11 more “Seongdong-type Smart Shelters” and operate a total of 21 smart shelters in full swing to prepare for the winter season.

The additional installation locations were selected by analyzing big data based on residents' installation demands, choosing 11 bus stops with high boarding numbers, including in front of Muhak Girls' High School and Majang-dong Livestock Market.

The Seongdong-type Smart Shelter is a future-oriented IoT (Internet of Things) bus stop introduced for the first time in the summer of 2020, equipped with “real-time bus and subway public transportation information,” a “UV air sterilizer” that kills airborne viruses, and a “thermal imaging camera.”

It has heating and cooling facilities, allowing users to stay cool or warm depending on the season, and especially provides safe use during COVID-19, gaining worldwide attention as a smart K-quarantine case.

Accordingly, more than 230,000 residents have used the shelters over about five months since last August.

In particular, due to the recent continuous severe cold and heavy snowfall, the number of users exceeded 36,000 from the 4th to the 10th of this month, receiving great responses from residents.

To prepare for winter, the district strengthened the infectious disease response capabilities of all smart shelters. Advanced multi-recognition thermal imaging cameras were installed inside the shelters to check for feverish individuals and those not wearing masks in real time, triggering warning broadcasts.

Additionally, an AI intelligent smart screening control system was applied, equipped with a function to automatically detect abnormal behaviors such as removing masks or eating inside the shelter.

The convenience of using the smart shelters was also greatly enhanced. Responding to user feedback that the number of chairs was insufficient compared to the shelter’s capacity, the number of chairs was expanded from 3 to 8 to improve convenience.

Moreover, the indoor walls made of metal were finished with wood to improve insulation and create a more comfortable atmosphere. The number of solar panels was also increased from 3 to 4, enhancing power-saving effects.

The district plans to continue the Seongdong-type Smart Shelter installation project this year as well. By actively utilizing smart technology, it aims to protect residents and transportation-vulnerable groups from cold waves, heat waves, and infectious diseases.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “Although we face difficult circumstances with COVID-19 and severe cold arriving together, people-centered smart technology services for residents’ convenience must continue to be provided,” adding, “We will continuously strive to develop various technologies and policies that anyone can use conveniently.”

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