Oasis of the City, Remembering the Summer of Busan

What Summer Rest Areas Were Operated in Busan

On August 19, the Busan Facilities Corporation designated an additional 8 locations as cool zones, including the headquarters building, underground shopping mall, Jagalchi Market, cycling track, Hanmaeum Sports Center, Children's Grand Park, and Busan Citizens Park.

Indoor spaces with air conditioning were opened for public use, and the indoor temperature was maintained between 26-28℃. Operations continued until September 30, the end of the heatwave response period, and information on operating hours and usage was provided through the National Disaster Safety Portal and facility site notices.

Chairs to rest for a moment in the heat, cool air, and clean water became immediate resources for citizens to recover their strength, especially providing practical help to vulnerable groups who engage in outdoor activities during the day.

Temporary rest areas close to residential areas were also operated by each district during the summer. Small rest spaces equipped with basic conveniences like water dispensers, fans, air conditioners, and mobile phone charging were easily accessible within short distances between home, work, markets, and hospitals. The feature was that it allowed for a 'brief rest' without needing to stay long. It functioned as a place to stop, cool off, organize calls, and continue moving.

The city of Busan provided information on 'Our Neighborhood Climate Rest Areas' in the form of a webpage map during the summer to enhance accessibility. Locations were marked by district and residential area, allowing citizens to immediately check the nearest rest area from their current location. The map service gathered key information such as address, facility name, and operating hours on one screen, and was easy to view on mobile devices, leading to high usage frequency during heatwave warnings. The quicker the information, the faster the choices, and the faster the choices, the higher the perceived safety, making it significant.

Data disclosure also continued. On June 20, Yeonje District opened data containing addresses, operating hours, and map coordinates of cool zones. This provided a basis for objectively checking where rest areas are concentrated in neighborhoods, what types of public facilities are utilized, and how closely operating hours align with citizens' daily schedules. This data will also serve as a reference for adjusting seasonal operational strategies or narrowing blind spots.

Additionally, in some areas, night cool rest areas were operated during August, when heat islands did not easily cool down at night. They remained open for citizens returning home from work, night workers, and merchants who stayed outdoors for long periods to use during nighttime. Although less crowded than during the day, the open space during the time when fatigue accumulates acted as a buffer zone for preparing for the next day.

As summer fades, the scenery of rest areas also changes. With the changing seasons, some places will close operations or adjust their scale. Nevertheless, the records of this summer remain. Location signs, guide maps, regular inspections and opening hours, and even a chair that made way all accumulate into an experience that maintains the daily rhythm of citizens.

Preparations for next summer already begin here. Decisions on how close to place them to residential areas, what time frames demand is concentrated, and what types of public facilities enhance perceived convenience can be refined based on this summer's operational data and citizens' usage experiences.

Rest areas during heatwaves prioritized being close, easy to find, and comfortable to stay in over grand facilities. The structure that can be easily found on the map, is not difficult to enter, and allows for a brief stay before moving again supported citizens' daily lives. Now that the night air has cooled, recalling those spots from midsummer is not just a simple memory. It is about preparing for safety and reassurance for next summer.