Gwangmyeong City Activates 'Cooling Fog' Systems to Provide Cool Resting Spaces in the City

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Yu Je-sung] Gwangmyeong City is activating evaporative cooling devices (cooling fog) to provide cool resting spaces in the urban area.

The city announced on the 30th that it will resume operations of the evaporative cooling devices on Rodeo Street in Cheolsan Commercial District starting May 1st, ahead of the full onset of the summer heat wave.

The evaporative cooling device is a heat wave mitigation facility that sprays purified tap water through specialized nozzles as fine mist approximately one hundred-millionth the size of a raindrop. The sprayed mist evaporates when it meets the hot air, lowering the surrounding temperature by approximately 3-5°C and also helping to reduce fine dust.

The city completed system inspections, water purification filter replacements, and nozzle cleaning on April 7th to ensure residents can use the facilities with confidence.

This year's operating period runs from May through September. A total of 16 cooling fog systems will be activated on the east side of Rodeo Street in Cheolsan Commercial District (in the vicinity of Cheolsan-dong 528), including 4 pillar-type units (Mist Pole) and 12 pipe-type units (Mist Bar), where there is high foot traffic.

The standard operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and when the temperature is 25°C or higher, the devices operate on a 3-minute run and 1-minute rest cycle. The city plans to flexibly adjust operating hours based on weather conditions such as heat wave warnings.

The evaporative cooling device provides immediate cooling effects without wetting clothing, making it effective in improving the walking environment and mitigating urban heat island phenomena. After installation using Gyeonggi Province's disaster management fund last year, the device received strong positive response from residents visiting Rodeo Street in Cheolsan.

Acting Mayor Choi Hye-min (Vice Mayor) said, "In summer when heat waves have become routine, I hope the evaporative cooling device becomes a cool resting space in the city for our residents," and added, "Going forward, we will continue to create a pleasant urban environment in response to the climate crisis."