Seoul's Gangdong-gu has installed evaporative cooling systems — known as "cooling fog" — at three traditional markets: Myeongil, Gobundari and Dunchon Station. The district said the installations are aimed at protecting shoppers and vendors from the summer heat and creating a more comfortable market environment.
The project is part of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's 2026 Traditional Market Facility Modernization Project and its summer heat wave disaster safety management measures. The district said it moved quickly to roll out the systems in response to the persistent heat this summer, focusing on reducing inconvenience for market visitors and improving working conditions for vendors.
Cooling fog systems spray ultra-fine water particles in a mist to lower the surrounding temperature. The devices reduce the perceived temperature by about 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, helping prevent heat-related illness during heat waves. Because the water particles evaporate rapidly in the air, the systems also minimize wet floors.
The units operate automatically based on weather conditions such as temperature, enabling efficient management. The district said it expects the installations to not only protect visitors and vendors from heat-related illness but also encourage residents to spend more time at the markets during summer, boosting the local commercial district.
The district plans to continuously monitor the operation and safety of the cooling fog systems and to pursue a range of support projects aimed at improving market facilities and revitalizing the local economy so that traditional markets remain safe and convenient to use.
"As heat waves become a daily reality due to climate change, it is important to create an environment where people can comfortably visit traditional markets," Gangdong-gu District Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "We will bring more vitality to traditional markets through facility improvements that reflect on-the-ground feedback and a variety of support projects."
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