"Dress Cool"... Gangdong-gu Allows Shorts and Sandals for Work

Improving Health and Work Efficiency Amid Heatwaves

Gangdong-gu in Seoul is implementing a simplified dress code for public officials, going beyond the 'Cool Biz' policy to allow shorts and sandals.

The district announced on July 14 that, in response to record-breaking heatwaves, it will implement a simplified dress code for public officials from this month through September to protect employees' health and create a more efficient work environment.

Public officials of Gangdong-gu are walking in front of the district office wearing shorts. Provided by Gangdong-gu.

This measure follows the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's recommendation for a simplified summer dress code for public officials. Within the boundaries of maintaining dignity and adhering to official etiquette, the district encourages employees to wear comfortable and casual attire. In particular, when there are no official duties such as civil service interactions or protocol events, shorts and sandals are permitted. Departments may also implement the policy autonomously, taking into account the specific characteristics and nature of their work.

Senior officials will take the lead in fostering an atmosphere where employees can participate more comfortably, with the aim of naturally establishing a culture of simplified dress throughout the organization.

Lee Soohee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, "We expect that lighter clothing during the ongoing heat will help lower individuals' perceived temperatures and provide practical benefits for maintaining concentration and health at work. We will continue our efforts to create a comfortable working environment and promote energy conservation."

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