The Seoul Metropolitan Government is expanding its heat relief infrastructure and strengthening summer response measures as forecasts point to another season of above-average temperatures.

The city plans to increase the number of cooling facilities across neighborhoods, including cooling fog systems, shaded rest areas and road cooling projects designed to reduce urban heat and improve comfort for residents during periods of extreme heat.

A new outdoor cooling shelter called “Happyso” will be introduced at 14 locations, including Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggye Plaza. Equipped with cooling systems, the shelters are designed to provide temporary relief for people spending time outdoors during heat waves.

Seoul will also install 35 new shade structures in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and limited natural shade, including sections of Cheonggyecheon and Ttukseom. In addition, more than 300 new roadside shade canopies will be added, bringing the citywide total to approximately 5,000.

Cooling fog systems, which spray a fine mist to lower surrounding temperatures, will expand to 235 locations across parks, plazas and pedestrian areas. The city is also increasing the use of road washing vehicles, with water spraying operations expected to run up to eight times daily during extreme heat warnings.

To further combat the urban heat island effect, Seoul will expand its cooling road network to 19 locations and apply reflective rooftop coatings at more than 200 facilities, including welfare centers and older residential buildings.

The city will operate approximately 4,000 cooling shelters this summer, including community centers, district offices and youth facilities. Local governments will conduct daily inspections during heat advisories to ensure facilities remain open and accessible.

Residents can find nearby cooling shelters and heat relief facilities through the Seoul Safety Portal at safecity.seoul.go.kr.

The city plans to increase the number of cooling facilities across neighborhoods, including cooling fog systems, shaded rest areas and road cooling projects designed to reduce urban heat and improve comfort for residents during periods of extreme heat.

A new outdoor cooling shelter called “Happyso” will be introduced at 14 locations, including Gwanghwamun Square and Cheonggye Plaza. Equipped with cooling systems, the shelters are designed to provide temporary relief for people spending time outdoors during heat waves.

Seoul will also install 35 new shade structures in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and limited natural shade, including sections of Cheonggyecheon and Ttukseom. In addition, more than 300 new roadside shade canopies will be added, bringing the citywide total to approximately 5,000.

Cooling fog systems, which spray a fine mist to lower surrounding temperatures, will expand to 235 locations across parks, plazas and pedestrian areas. The city is also increasing the use of road washing vehicles, with water spraying operations expected to run up to eight times daily during extreme heat warnings.

To further combat the urban heat island effect, Seoul will expand its cooling road network to 19 locations and apply reflective rooftop coatings at more than 200 facilities, including welfare centers and older residential buildings.

The city will operate approximately 4,000 cooling shelters this summer, including community centers, district offices and youth facilities. Local governments will conduct daily inspections during heat advisories to ensure facilities remain open and accessible.

Residents can find nearby cooling shelters and heat relief facilities through the Seoul Safety Portal at safecity.seoul.go.kr.

USAG Yongsan

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