"Air Conditioning on Full Blast and Even Free"...An Unexpected 'Hot Spot' for Seniors Amid Heat Wave

Airport Offers Air Conditioning and Rest Areas:
Elderly Seek Refuge from the Heat

Record-Breaking Heat Wave...Heat Shelter Operating Hours Remain Limited

As the heat wave continues with apparent temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius, Incheon International Airport has unexpectedly become a summer refuge. The air conditioning runs all day, and there are plenty of seats and rest areas, allowing anyone to escape the heat for free. In particular, many elderly individuals, who are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, have been making their way to the airport.

Incheon International Airport. Photo courtesy of Channel A News footage

"Spacious, cool, and costs nothing"...Crowds Flock to the Airport

In fact, it is easy to spot people at Terminal 2 sitting around a bench playing janggi or lying down on mats spread out on the wooden floor. Some visitors are seen stretching out their legs with their shoes off, chatting, or sharing fruit. Many spend time perched in front of the glass-walled PR hall, watching planes take off and land. Some arrive in the morning and stay until evening.

There are several reasons why elderly people are heading to the airport. The high ceilings provide an open atmosphere, and air conditioning runs all day, keeping the inside cool. With plenty of seats and rest areas scattered throughout, it is also comfortable to spend time there.

The fact that it is affordable is another crucial reason. Those aged 65 and older do not pay for subway fare. Even if they transfer three times when traveling from the southwestern area of Seoul, there are no travel costs, and the entire route is air-conditioned. By not running an air conditioner at home, they also save on electricity bills.

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Number of Heat Shelters Increased, but Operating Hours Remain Limited

There are other factors driving the elderly to the airport. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, there are about 93,000 heat shelters operating nationwide. However, in a pre-inspection conducted ahead of the heat wave countermeasure period, approximately 1,700 shortcomings were identified, including the lack of guide signs, incorrect location information, and inconvenient facilities.

Operating hours are another hurdle. Dongjak-gu in Seoul increased the number of extended shelters from 8 to 50, but these are open only during heat advisories—on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Although local governments are expanding nighttime operations, this is still insufficient. When senior centers close in the afternoon or on weekends, there are few alternatives, prompting many elderly individuals to travel as much as three or four hours round-trip to go to the airport.

Meanwhile, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration, on August 4 most parts of the country were under a heat advisory, with maximum apparent temperatures forecast to reach around 35 degrees Celsius. Record-breaking heat continues, with nighttime temperatures not dropping below 25 degrees Celsius, resulting in ongoing tropical nights. As the risk of heat-related illness increases, the elderly, in particular, are known to be more vulnerable due to dehydration and decreased ability to regulate body temperature.

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