Seodaemun District Installs Air Dome With Heating and Cooling for Sand Playground, Unaffected by Heatwaves

“Happy+So” Opens at Shinkihan Playground in Hongje-dong

On August 2, the Seodaemun District Office in Seoul (headed by Mayor Park Ungi) announced that it has developed and begun operating a “climate-adaptive playground” equipped with an air dome featuring both heating and cooling capabilities, installed over a sand playground.

Before and after photos of the air dome installation at Hongjedong Shingihan Playground. Seodaemun-gu explained that installing an air dome in a secret playground is the first case nationwide. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

This structure, covering the sand playground at the “Shinkihan Playground” in Hongje-dong (San 41-29), is part of the “Happy+So” project—Seoul-style outdoor heatwave shelters. The name “Happy+So” means “a pleasant space to stay, away from the sun,” and the space uses an air-inflated dome that allows use not only during heatwaves and the rainy season, but also during severe winter cold thanks to its air conditioning and heating functions.

Happy+So spans an area of 143 square meters. Construction began last month, and after completing electrical and other safety inspections, it recently opened to the public. Supported by Seoul Metropolitan Government’s “2026 Facility Installation Project for Heatwave Reduction,” the project was funded with 60 million won from the city budget.

The district also improved the play environment. “Cooling fog” and ventilation systems were installed to spray fine mist for lowering perceived temperatures and reduce sand dust, while a new water play facility, “Mul-Gil-Nori-Dae,” was built. Character-themed and rest benches were also added so parents and the elderly can relax.

Additionally, using its own budget from a local participatory budgeting initiative, the district replaced and expanded old shade structures at two sand playgrounds within its jurisdiction, enlarging the shaded areas to more than three times their previous size.

Happy+So operates from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer season (April to October) and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. in the winter season (November to March). Heating and cooling systems are mainly operated during periods of extreme heat or cold.

Mayor Park Ungi stated, “Children’s play activities should not be restricted due to the climate crisis,” adding, “Just as we have installed the nation’s first sand playground air dome, we will continue to expand safe environments where children can play freely regardless of season, making Seodaemun an ideal district for raising kids.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.