Seoul to cover all sidewalks with shade by 2028 to combat heat waves

Seoul's municipal government announced an expansive urban project on August 19 to install continuous shade along all city sidewalks beginning in 2028, treating extreme heat as a significant public safety emergency. Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled the policy during a press conference at City Hall, emphasizing the critical nature of the issue.

Heatwaves are no longer mere temporary discomfort, according to Oh, as they have intensified and endured, evolving into a daily threat to citizens' lives and safety. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported that 31.4% of the 815 heat-related illness cases in Seoul between 2023 and 2025 occurred on streets. In response, the city will adopt a three-phase approach: identifying vulnerable zones, devising customized shade solutions, and connecting pedestrian routes.

The plan also includes planting additional trees and installing seasonal awnings, canopies, and small shelters in other areas. Once completed, the shaded avenues will connect residential neighborhoods to subway stations, schools, markets, hospitals, and parks. Mayor Oh stated that the city aims to make shade not just a convenience facility in select locations but a fundamental urban service safeguarding citizens' health and daily lives.

The initiative will commence with a pilot program on 10 highly-trafficked streets lasting until 2027. Upon evaluation, the shaded pedestrian network will be extended throughout Seoul in 2028.