폭염 속 오아시스 경기도 ‘생수 냉장고’…QR 찍고 무료 ‘1인 1병’

As the scorching summer heat continues, South Korea is adopting a new method to combat the high temperatures: "independent free water coolers." These automated water dispensers are gaining popularity in places where the traditional "crosswalk shade structures" once stood as the country's symbol of coping with extreme heat. According to the data released by the Gyeonggi Province on 14th, there were a total of 858 people hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses.

The record-breaking heatwave is continuing with the longest period of extreme heat and the longest number of heat alerts ever recorded.

Facing the unbearable heat, local governments in Gyeonggi Province are now installing independent free water coolers at major stations, parks, and areas experiencing high foot traffic. The city of Hwaseong has installed smart water coolers at three major stations, while the city of Bucheon has set up four "heat oasis" coolers at locations such as Bucheon Station's plaza and the central park.

Pyeongchang has also launched "cooling shelters" at 20 locations, including GTX-A Unity Central Station and Unity Lake Park, supplying up to 12,000 bottles of water per day. While the initial implementation faced issues like overuse by some users, the local governments have now introduced a "one bottle per person" smart system featuring advanced technology.

This system limits usage by requiring users to confirm their identity through a dedicated phone number or QR code, preventing multiple takeaways and wasteful consumption. The efficient collection and analysis of usage data allow for optimized water supply based on hourly demand.