Dongjak-gu to Create 40 'Pocket Shelters' Utilizing Sites Such as Parks

Reviving Small and Precious Idle Spaces ▲ Barefoot Dirt Path Connected Rest Area ▲ Healing Rest Area Selected as Target Sites

Dongjak-gu (Mayor Park Il-ha) is creating small and precious resting spaces called ‘Pocket Shelters’ to provide residents with a pleasant and safe urban environment where they can relax in every corner of the neighborhood.

This year, the district actively utilized idle spaces such as forests, green areas, parks, and streetsides within the region, and on the 11th, finally selected the sites suitable for ‘Pocket Shelters’ based on local location characteristics and surrounding landscapes, the district announced.

The final ‘Pocket Shelter’ sites include a total of 40 locations: ▲1 shelter remodeled as a voluntary resting space by residents ▲14 shelters linked to barefoot dirt paths ▲12 shelters utilizing spaces within parks and green belts ▲3 healing shelters in dense forest areas ▲and 10 shelters refurbishing existing old resting places.

Earlier, to build shelters in appropriate locations reflecting local residents’ needs, from late January to early March, the district conducted demand surveys by neighborhood and collected diverse opinions from residents through the Dongjak-gu Office website, blog, etc., followed by on-site investigations for final site selection.

First, in Sangdo 4-dong, next to Guksabong Mountain forest, a resting place that residents had personally created with chairs and platforms will be neatly remodeled into an official shelter.

Among the 40 barefoot dirt paths of the ‘Barefoot Dongjak’ project, 14 linked shelters will be created in locations without benches or other convenience facilities to maximize the advantages of barefoot walking trails.

Additionally, using vacant lots or leftover spaces in green areas near residential neighborhoods such as Chamsae Children’s Park, chairs and specialized tree species will be planted to transform 12 locations into attractive local environments.

In dense forest areas, benches and platforms will be installed to create 3 healing shelters where people can enjoy forest bathing with phytoncides and heal their body and mind within the city.

Furthermore, 10 spaces will be expanded by refurbishing existing old or unsightly facilities to provide safe and pleasant resting areas.

Starting in May, the district will design and begin construction of distinctive shelters tailored to each Pocket Shelter site’s status, aiming for completion in November.

After the shelters are established, the district plans to collaborate with each managing entity such as private landowners, senior centers, and welfare facilities to ensure regular park maintenance and inspections.

Park Il-ha, Mayor of Dongjak-gu, said, “We will not waste even small spaces but use them valuably to create specialized areas where residents can safely walk and comfortably rest. We will continue to develop Dongjak-gu as the best healing city where people can fully enjoy nature in the urban area by making the most of each district’s characteristics.”

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