Visitors are flocking to a repurposed abandoned mine in Boryeong, South Korea, to escape extreme summer heat in a specialized cold wind bath [1].
This facility provides a unique alternative to traditional cooling methods by leveraging the natural geothermal properties of an old mine to create a sustainable refuge during heatwaves [2].
While outside temperatures have climbed above 30°C [1], the interior of the facility maintains a steady temperature of approximately 12°C [1]. The contrast is stark enough that visitors are seen wearing long-sleeved clothing, or wrapping themselves in blankets, to maintain body heat while they relax [1].
"Yes, unlike the outside which is full of hot heat, a cool chill lingers here," said reporter Lee Sang-gon of YTN [1].
The cooling effect is driven by a consistent flow of subterranean air. According to Lee, the cold wind emerging from the underground reaches speeds of six meters per second [1]. This natural ventilation system allows the facility to operate as a high-capacity cooling center without the energy demands of industrial air conditioning [2].
Local officials developed the site to provide a refreshing resting place for summer tourists facing the region's humidity and heat [2]. The transformation of the industrial site into a tourist attraction highlights a trend in repurposing defunct mining infrastructure for public utility and tourism [2].
“"Yes, unlike the outside which is full of hot heat, a cool chill lingers here,"”
The use of abandoned mines for 'cold wind baths' demonstrates a practical application of geothermal cooling to combat urban heat islands and extreme weather. By utilizing existing subterranean voids that maintain constant year-round temperatures, municipalities can create low-energy public cooling centers that reduce the electrical grid strain caused by peak air conditioning usage during summer months.
