Seocho-gu Operates 'Outdoor Urban Heat Relief Shelter' Utilizing Bridge Underside Shade

Recycling Ice Packs into Ice Cushions and Providing Cooling Supplies like Bottled Water... Installing Lighting Under Dark Bridges to Improve Pedestrian Environment and Expect Crime Prevention Effects

Seoripul Wondumak

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seocho-gu (Mayor Eunhee Cho) has launched a comprehensive heatwave countermeasure plan, including the creation of outdoor heat relief shelters under bridges and focused management of heat-vulnerable groups, to ensure a safe and healthy summer.

First, from mid-July when heatwave warnings are expected, the district will create and operate urban rest spaces using artificial shade under bridges. (A total of 4 locations: Dongjak Station Dongjak Bridge, Yangjaecheon Yeongdong 1 Bridge, Seocho 1 Bridge, and near Yeoecheon Yangjae IC underpass.) Due to concerns about COVID-19 infection, indoor heat relief shelters are expected to be difficult to operate again this year, so outdoor heat relief shelters have been prepared as an alternative.

At the outdoor heat relief shelters, heatwave prevention items such as bottled water and ice cushions will be provided, along with dental masks to prevent COVID-19. The ice cushions are part of a project to reuse ice packs, which have surged in use recently due to increased fresh food deliveries, aiming to reduce household waste and protect the environment.

Additionally, lighting installation within the outdoor heat relief shelters improves illumination, brightening the dark and desolate areas under bridges, creating a safer walking environment and expected to help prevent crime.

Along with this, the district plans to minimize heatwave damage by focusing on managing heat-vulnerable groups (elderly, outdoor workers, homeless, etc.). Measures include ▲supporting cooling supplies for vulnerable elderly ▲intensive safety checks for elderly living alone ▲health management visits for high-risk groups ▲administrative guidance such as health prevention measures at construction sites and encouraging the provision of heatwave protective gear ▲strengthening patrols for the homeless, providing cooling supplies ▲mobile bathing services for the homeless, helping heat-vulnerable groups stay safe during the hot summer.

Also, as a resident-experience project, the district will continue the Seripul parasol rental service this year following last year. Parasols with differentiated designs are provided not only at community centers but also at health center screening clinics and the temporary screening clinic at the Express Bus Terminal, allowing residents convenient access.

Furthermore, the district will comprehensively respond to the heatwave by operating ▲Seripul Wondumak (crosswalk shade shelters) ▲sprinkler trucks on main and side roads ▲Yangjaecheon falling fountains and Banpocheon Moonlight Rainbow fountains and ground fountains ▲Seripul Oasis to mitigate urban heat island effects ▲and a comprehensive heatwave support situation room.

Local businesses will also contribute to Seocho-gu’s heatwave measures by providing bottled water at Seripul Wondumak to quench residents’ thirst.

Meanwhile, considering the ongoing COVID-19 situation, indoor heat relief shelters will be operated flexibly, and the Seocho Eco Shelter and cooling fogs installed in local parks and Yangjaecheon will have their operation periods determined based on the trend of COVID-19 spread.

Mayor Eunhee Cho said, “While paying attention to COVID-19 prevention, we have established meticulous heatwave countermeasures to ensure residents have a safe and cool summer,” adding, “We will continue to upgrade Seocho-type living administration, which sets the standard for Korea when Seocho leads.”

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