Gwangju Seo-gu Launches 'Cooling Fog' to Combat Climate Change

Published 03 May.2022 13:16(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on the 3rd that it will officially operate cooling fog (fog-type cooling water) from this month to respond to climate changes such as fine dust and heat waves.

Cooling fog is an eco-friendly outdoor cooling device that lowers the surrounding temperature by up to 10℃ as water particles sprayed at high pressure evaporate in the air. The water particles are small enough not to wet people's skin and clothing, while capturing, lowering, absorbing, and removing airborne dust and fine dust.

The cooling fog, which will be fully operated from this month, is installed in four locations: Sangmu Citizen's Park, 5·18 Memorial Park, U-Square (Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal), and the bus stop at KBC Broadcasting Station.

In particular, at Sangmu Citizen's Park and 5·18 Memorial Park, the cooling fog is installed in the form of mist poles, a pillar-type spraying device, equipped with LED lights to also serve as landscape lighting.

It operates daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a system that runs for 3 minutes and stops for 1 minute. It can be flexibly operated depending on weather conditions and temperature/humidity, and it stops operating when humidity exceeds 70%.

Seo-gu expects the cooling fog to serve as a refreshing relief for citizens using parks and buses during the hot summer.

It is also anticipated to greatly help the elderly, who are vulnerable to heat waves, to get through the summer.

A Seo-gu official said, “We expect that operating the cooling fog will alleviate the urban heat island phenomenon and improve air quality, providing residents with a pleasant urban environment. We will continue to actively respond to climate change and seek to implement various policies to protect the health of vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children, as well as the general public.”