A resort in Yangyang posted a notice titled 'Customer Notice Regarding the Gangneung Water Shortage Crisis' on its official website.
The upper stream of Obong Reservoir, a major water source in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, is dried up. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Gangneung is experiencing a severe drought. The government has declared a disaster situation and is implementing water rationing measures.
As a result, even the supply of domestic water is being disrupted.
The situation has become so dire that posts apologizing for doing laundry have appeared on online mom communities,
and people feel self-conscious about using even a single drop of water in their daily lives.
Amid these circumstances, news has emerged that a resort in Yangyang has extended a warm helping hand.
44,000 won → 8,000 won, Special Sauna Discount for Gangneung Citizens
The content was truly unprecedented. They offered the indoor sauna, normally priced at 44,000 won, for only 8,000 won.
There is only one condition. Anyone who is a citizen of Gangneung can enjoy this benefit by simply presenting their ID.
The event will continue until the disaster situation caused by the drought ends.
The resort stated, "We hope this can provide some comfort to the residents of Gangneung who are experiencing inconvenience,"
"Our resort operates daily with natural hot spring water and utilizes groundwater, so there is no disruption to our facilities," they added.
As soon as this news was posted on the resort's social media, it received an enthusiastic response.
"It's wonderful to see such consideration for Gangneung citizens,"
"An 80% discount from the regular price is basically free, isn't it?"
Comments like these poured in, and many people expressed their gratitude.
The Reality for Gangneung Citizens: Even Using Water Brings Guilt
Currently, Gangneung is the first place in Korea where a 'drought disaster situation' has been declared.
Obong Reservoir is a major source of drinking water, supplying about 80% of Gangneung's domestic water.
As of 6 p.m. on September 8, the reservoir's storage rate was recorded at 12.4%.
This is just one-sixth of the usual storage rate (71.0%) for this time of year.
With the situation worsening, the government and local authorities are working together to implement water-saving measures.
Amid the worst drought continuing in the Gangneung area of Gangwon Province, an apartment complex in Gangneung posted a notice stating that water will be supplied only for three hours each in the morning and afternoon daily. Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Since September 6, the Hongje Water Purification Plant has been implementing water rationing for large-scale water users in the supply area.
There are 124 large-scale users, including city hall, apartment complexes, and large accommodations, each with water tanks holding over 100 tons.
Sixty-five social welfare facilities have started using disposable plastic covers for meal trays to reduce the amount of water used for washing.
Disposable plastic covers for meal trays are being used in social welfare facilities in the Gangneung area to overcome drought conditions. Gangneung City
원본보기 아이콘On local online communities, people are posting messages asking for understanding even for everyday activities.
One citizen posted in a mom community, "I did laundry for our blankets. I'm sorry."
The post explained that, due to a mistake by their second child, they had to do laundry and felt guilty about it during these times.
It is heartbreaking to hear that families raising children cannot even do laundry without worry.
Expansion of National Support... National Fire Agency Deploys Additional Water Supply Assistance
As the situation prolonged, the National Fire Agency issued the second national fire mobilization order.
An additional 20 water tank trucks over 10,000 tons were mobilized to the Gangneung area from fire headquarters nationwide.
According to the first and second fire mobilization orders, a total of 70 fire trucks are engaged in water supply activities in Gangneung.
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Reporter Park Jisoo parkjisu09@asiae.co.kr
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Reporter Seo Jiyeong zo2zo2zo2@asiae.co.kr
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Edit Kong Sumin hyunhj@asiae.co.kr
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