Yongsan-gu Operates Senior Citizens' Heat Relief Centers and Safe Lodgings

109 Locations Including Senior Centers, Welfare Centers, and Community Service Centers Designated and Operated as ‘Heatwave Shelters’

‘Safe Lodging’ Operated in July and August for Low-Income, Housing-Vulnerable Seniors Aged 65 and Over

To Help Vulnerable Seniors Burdened by Cooling Costs Stay Healthy Through the Summer

Samgakji Senior Center Heat Relief Shelter

Yongsan-gu (District Mayor Park Hee-young) is operating heatwave shelters and safe lodging facilities for vulnerable seniors in preparation for the heatwave arriving earlier than usual this year.

The district has designated 109 locations, including senior centers, welfare centers, and community service centers, as heatwave shelters where seniors exhausted by the heat can comfortably visit and rest in cool environments. These shelters have been operating since May 20, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours until 9 p.m. during heatwave warnings, and are also open on weekends.

To prepare for tropical nights, safe lodging facilities for housing-vulnerable seniors susceptible to heat-related illnesses will be operated for two months, July and August.

The district signed an agreement with New World Hotel (21-13 Hangang-daero 84-gil, Yongsan-gu) on June 9 to utilize up to seven rooms as safe lodging during heatwaves. The support targets low-income, housing-vulnerable seniors aged 65 and over residing in the district.

Safe lodging can be used by applying at the local community service center, undergoing a selection process, and using the issued confirmation certificate. During heatwave warnings, usage is allowed for up to three nights, with all accommodation costs fully covered by the district.

Park Hee-young, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, “With temperatures higher than average and a nationwide surge in heat-related illnesses, we will carefully monitor and support vulnerable seniors who face increased cooling costs due to rising electricity prices to help them stay healthy through the summer.”

The district also operates 105 heatwave shade shelters at major crosswalks and traffic islands where seniors can briefly escape the heat and rest.

During heatwave warnings, the district checks on about 1,100 seniors receiving customized care services and about 200 receiving home health care services by phone, and if contact is not made, visits are conducted to ensure their safety.

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