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Busan Metropolitan City Expands Mobile (Platform) Worker Shelters in Hadan, Myeongji, and Suyeong Ahead of the Cold Wave

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will establish three additional mobile (platform) worker shelters in Hadan, Myeongji, and Suyeong, and will hold an opening ceremony today (4th) at 1:30 p.m. at the Hadan Mobile (Platform) Worker Shelter in Saha-gu.

At the opening ceremony, approximately 40 participants—including Mayor Park Heong-joon, City Council Member Seong Chang-yong, Saha-gu Mayor Lee Gap-jun, and representatives of mobile (platform) workers—will attend to celebrate the opening.

In addition, BNK Busan Bank will hold a donation ceremony to provide winter safety supplies for mobile (platform) workers in preparation for the upcoming cold wave.

Mobile (platform) worker shelters are spaces created to allow mobile (platform) workers—such as substitute drivers, delivery riders, and home-study instructors—who spend long hours outdoors to take breaks during their work.

The city currently operates three hub centers (Seomyeon, Sasang, and Haeundae) and one shelter (Dongnae). With the establishment of the three new shelters (Hadan, Myeongji, and Suyeong), the total will increase to seven facilities (three hub centers and four shelters).

While “hub centers” provide not only rest areas but also vocational and safety training, psychological and legal counseling, cultural and health programs, and blood pressure monitors, the “shelters,” though relatively smaller, offer excellent accessibility through 24-hour operation.

Usage of mobile (platform) worker shelters has been steadily increasing. Last year (2024), 80,561 people used the shelters, and this year (2025), 96,993 users were recorded by October, already surpassing the previous year’s total in just 10 months. Due to rising demand, the need for additional shelters has been continuously raised.

In particular, this year’s unprecedented heatwaves driven by climate change prompted the city to temporarily expand five emergency summer shelters (including the BEXCO parking lot) during the hot season (July–September) to respond to increased demand.

Recognizing the need for more permanent shelters, the city was selected in August for the Ministry of Employment and Labor’s “Workplace Improvement Support Program for Vulnerable Workers.” Through this selection, it secured 120 million KRW in national funding to establish the three new shelters.

Based on survey results of preferred installation locations, accessibility, and field opinions, the city selected the following sites and completed construction and preparation in November:
• Hadan-dong, Saha-gu (leased building near Hadan Station on Metro Line 1)
• Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu (container facility within Neoul Park)
• Gwangan-dong, Suyeong-gu (leased space in the underground shopping mall of Suyeong Station on Metro Line 2)

The new shelters, sized between 30 and 70 square meters, include:
• Hadan (69 m², approx. 21 pyeong)
• Myeongji (30 m², approx. 9 pyeong)
• Suyeong (42 m², approx. 13 pyeong)

Each shelter operates 24 hours a day and is equipped with various convenience facilities, including heating and cooling systems, air purifiers, wireless internet, adjustable recliner chairs, and mobile phone chargers.

Any mobile (platform) worker may use the shelters freely after prior registration (fingerprint verification).

Going forward, the city plans to continue expanding tailored support to strengthen the rest and health rights of mobile (platform) workers—not only by adding more shelters but also by reviewing relocations to larger hub centers and installing additional body composition analyzers for user health management.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “These new shelters are expected to play a major role as a comprehensive labor safety net amid worsening climate crises such as heatwaves and cold waves,” adding, “Busan Metropolitan City will continue to advance customized policies to ensure rest rights and enhance the quality of life for mobile (platform) workers in challenging labor environments.”