Gangbuk-gu Launches Pilot Operation of 'Gangbuk Oasis' Without Single-Use Water Bottles

Operation at Hwangtot-gil by Ui Stream
Providing Cold Water and Ice

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jung Changsoo), announced on September 2nd that it will trial the operation of the 'Gangbuk Oasis' along the Hwangtot-gil near Beolli Bridge by the Ui Stream. This initiative aims to address the ongoing heatwave and reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Residents are receiving cool water in personal containers at the 'Gangbuk Oasis.' Provided by Gangbuk-gu.

The Gangbuk Oasis is an eco-friendly drinking water facility where local residents visiting Ui Stream can fill their personal tumblers or reusable containers with cold water and ice. The facility is available daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. between September 1 and October 31.

Until August 31, the district had operated the facility by providing bottled water kept in refrigerators. Starting this month, however, it has shifted to using outdoor water purifiers and ice machines. By encouraging the use of reusable containers instead of disposable water bottles, the initiative aims to both combat the heat and reduce plastic waste.

The outdoor water purifiers use a non-contact system where containers do not touch the water outlet, supplying chilled water at approximately 5°C. Both the purifiers and ice machines are installed in separate booths to ensure stable operation even in rainy or hot weather, and neither bottled water nor disposable cups are provided on site.

With this operational change, the district estimates that it can save about 140 million won annually in its budget compared to the previous bottled water system, starting next year. The new system is expected to reduce single-use items and environmental impact while allowing for more efficient use of budget resources.

To ensure safe and pleasant operation, six 'Oasis Guardians'—members of the district's voluntary disaster prevention corps—will be stationed at the facility. Working in three shifts per day, they will monitor the operation of the purifiers and ice machines and maintain the booths' surroundings. They will also guide users on how to use the facility and address any inconveniences that may arise on site.

District Mayor Jung Changsoo said, "I hope the Gangbuk Oasis will help residents visiting Ui Stream cool down with refreshing water and ice during the heat. We will continue to identify and implement practical, resident-focused initiatives that bring small but meaningful changes to daily life."

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