335 electric fans and 203 summer bedding sets distributed to residents of rooftop rooms, single-occupancy units and goshiwon ahead of the summer heat; tailored emergency welfare support for living expenses, medical bills and electricity arrears also available
Seoul's Seongdong-gu said it has distributed cooling supplies — including electric fans and summer bedding sets — to 538 households identified as vulnerable to extreme heat, to help residents stay healthy and safe through the summer.
This summer's temperatures are forecast to exceed the seasonal average of 23.4–24.0 degrees Celsius, with abnormal heat expected to persist from June onward. The district began surveying cooling-supply demand across its 17 neighborhoods as early as May, during the official heat-wave preparedness period.
Acting on those survey results and moving earlier than in previous years to get ahead of the heat, the district completed distribution in June — delivering 335 electric fans and 203 summer bedding sets to 538 heat-vulnerable households, including residents of rooftop rooms, single-occupancy units and goshiwon.
Last summer, the district provided 333 electric fans and 167 summer bedding sets to 500 heat-vulnerable households through Seoul's emergency welfare support program.
The district is also running tailored emergency welfare assistance for residents pushed into crisis by the heat. Households that suddenly find themselves unable to cover basic living costs can receive between 780,000 won ($507) for a single-person household and 1.99 million won for a four-person household in living-expense support. Those facing heavy medical bills from heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke can receive up to 1 million won in medical assistance. Households whose electricity has been cut — or is at risk of being cut — due to unpaid summer electricity bills can receive up to 500,000 won to cover the arrears, with support tailored to each household's circumstances.
Eligibility follows the criteria of Seoul's emergency welfare support program: households must have income at or below 100 percent of the median, assets of no more than 409 million won, and financial assets below the median-income threshold plus 10 million won. Applications are reviewed through a neighborhood case committee. Even households that slightly exceed the thresholds may still qualify if a comprehensive assessment of their hardship and living conditions confirms a genuine crisis.
"Extreme heat is a disaster that can threaten not only the health but also the livelihoods of vulnerable residents, so identifying those in need quickly and providing timely support is paramount," a district official said. "We will strengthen tailored welfare support so that no resident struggling with the heat is left behind, and actively help everyone get through the summer safely."
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