How do Guryong residents cope with the extreme indoor temperatures?

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Guryong Village Residents Endure Extreme Heat Indoors Amidst Economic Disparities

Residents of Guryong Village, a shanty town in Seoul's affluent Gangnam district, are struggling to cope with extreme indoor heat due to their inability to afford air conditioning. With outside temperatures reaching up to 38C and indoor temperatures exceeding 40C, many are forced to seek refuge outside or rely on inadequate cooling methods. The stark contrast in living conditions highlights the significant wealth divide, where access to basic amenities like air conditioning becomes a defining factor in enduring severe weather events.
Limited Cooling Options and Financial Constraints

Many Guryong Village residents, such as a woman identified only as Jeong, cannot afford to run air conditioning in their small, one-room homes, which they share with family members, including a disabled daughter. This lack of access to essential cooling technology exacerbates the impact of the heatwave, making their living spaces nearly unbearable. The situation is further compounded by the general economic struggles within the community, where even basic necessities become a luxury.
Makeshift Solutions and Minimal Relief

For some, like 87-year-old Ko Jae-ok, the only available cooling devices are discarded battery-powered fans, which offer little to no effective relief from the oppressive heat. Another resident, Baek Su-hyun, who lost his home in a fire and is living in temporary shelter, has resorted to sleeping under a makeshift tarp outdoors because the indoor temperatures are significantly higher than the outside ambient temperature. These makeshift solutions underscore the desperate measures residents are taking to escape the sweltering conditions.
Seeking Refuge Outdoors Due to Unbearable Indoor Conditions

The extreme indoor heat forces many Guryong Village residents to abandon their homes during the day. They are often found lying outside in shaded areas, as remaining indoors is not a viable option due to the suffocating temperatures. This reliance on outdoor spaces for respite highlights the severity of the heat's impact on their living conditions and overall well-being, despite the proximity to one of Seoul's wealthiest districts.

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How do Guryong residents cope with the extreme indoor temperatures?

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