[News Today] Cramped room residents fear cold snap

[LEAD]
The strongest cold wave of the winter has turned city streets into what feels like a giant freezer.

For neighbors living in poor housing conditions, the cold is taking an even heavier toll.

We met residents of cramped rooms, as they struggle to get through another harsh winter day.

[REPORT]
The entire city seemed frozen solid this morning.

A harsh cold spell hit the slum area.

Cramped-room resident
I put on all the clothes I had, about 10 pieces.

This is the interior of a three-square-meter room.

Chilly air fills the tiny room, making it essential for the resident to keep his coat on even indoors.

Lee Gwang-seop / Cramped-room resident
I could catch a cold. The walls are old so I get frostbite if I don't put on socks.

They rely only on a wooden door to stop the freezing air from seeping inside.

Most of the residents live alone and many of them are ill.

Byeon Dae-hyeon / Cramped-room resident (Had laryngeal cancer surgery)
I'm still recovering so breathing in the cold air is a problem.

Charity groups get busy at times like this.

Volunteers visit each home to check on the residents.

Moon Seong-gon / Social worker
Have you eaten anything?
There's been a cold spell advisory this winter.

More items to help bear the cold weather have been provided.

Kim Woo-jun / KBS reporter
The residents receive 20,000 points every week.
The points are used like cash at this warmth warehouse to buy the things they need.

Kim Dae-won / Warmth warehouse manager
On cold days, residents buy hot soup or gloves or other items to survive the cold.

A neighborhood sauna opened its door for those who can't wash at home.

This public bathhouse operated by corporate sponsors is a warm place to rest for those exposed to dangerous cold snaps.

Jo Yeon-hwan / Bathhouse owner
Since it's not so noisy here, people come here to rest and sleep.

The Seoul city government is providing places to sleep for about 280 homeless people and care assistance to some 23,000 vulnerable people during the latest cold spell.

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