Seoul Jung-gu Installs 'Oh! Bingo! Ethical Water Refrigerator' to Prepare for Heatwaves

On the 8th, Jung-gu, Seoul announced the installation of the 'Oh! Bingo! Ethical Water Refrigerator' as a special measure to address heatwaves during the summer.

This facility provides free cool drinking water for the elderly, disabled, low-income individuals, and residents who spend extended periods outdoors, which are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

Free cool drinking water provided

Jung-gu selected five public locations with high resident usage to place the water refrigerators.

The service has already started in four locations: the shared workshop for residents in small rooms, Cheonggu Station Rest Area, Hwanghak Ssamji Park, and Son Gijung Sports Park since the 3rd, while Dasan Children’s Park is set to begin operations in mid-July.

Various measures to protect vulnerable groups from extreme heat

The water refrigerators are available daily from 10 AM until the water runs out, with 200 bottles supplied three times a day for each refrigerator.

This year, a system that automatically dispenses one bottle every 15 seconds has been introduced. This measure is in place to prevent some users from taking multiple bottles at once.

In addition to water refrigerators, Jung-gu is operating various facilities and services to respond to heatwaves.

It has prepared 67 heat relief shelters and safe sleeping quarters, and expanded heat reduction facilities including smart shade installations and cool roofs at senior centers. Furthermore, visiting nurses directly check the health status of households in need of concentrated care, and a welfare check service utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) devices is also provided.

A Jung-gu official stated, "The risk of heat-related illnesses due to extreme heat is increasing every year," and urged residents to refrain from outdoor activities when heatwave warnings are issued and to practice heat safety measures.

Image source: Jung-gu, Oh Bingo Ethical Water Refrigerator / Jung-gu