Seoul promotes itself as an accessible tourism city
Seoul, the dynamic capital of South Korea is offering barrier-free tourism and presenting itself as an accessible tourism city that is convenient for everyone to travel to and within.
Seoul Tourism Organisation operates rental services of wheelchair accessible vehicles and travel assistive devices and recommends barrier-free tourist attractions on the Seoul Danurim Accessible Tourism Centre’s website.
Under the slogan of "Accessible tourism environment plan 2018", Seoul Tourism Organisation opened the Seoul Danurim Accessible Tourism Centre in April 2019 for the disabled, elderly, parents and/or guardians of children in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Seoul Danurim Accessible Tourism Centre offers comprehensive services to ensure that the travel experience in Seoul is a convenient and safe one for all including tourists requiring assistance.
The Seoul Danurim Accessible Tourism Centre’s website offers information about 60 major tourist attractions and wheelchair accessible accommodations certified as ‘Universal Tourism Facilities’ for tourists requiring assistance.
The most recommended tourist spots include four palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, notably Gyeongbokgung Palace where BTS delivered their ‘IDOL’ performance, Dongdaemun Design Plaza full of modern inspiration, and Seoul Botanic Park heavily frequented by people as a natural healing place.
Seoul Danurim Minivans equipped with wheelchair ramps will give tourists easy access to various tourist attractions across Seoul.
Those who made a reservation for ‘recommended tours’ can use the vehicle at no cost, and enjoy a day trip throughout the city by visiting barrier-free tourist spots recommended by Seoul Tourism Organisation.
'Self-guided' tourists can rent a minivan at a reasonable price which includes fuel, parking and tolls only.Airport pickup service is also available for foreign tourists who have a flight ticket.
The capacity of the vehicle is up to 10 passengers including two to four wheelchair users, but it may vary depending on the vehicle type.
The travel assistive device rental services available free of charge offers 23 types of equipment including wheelchairs, portable ramps and wheelchair lifts. In addition, the Centre operates a door-to-door delivery service for more convenient travel experience.
Portable wheelchair ramps are in the highest demand as they can help tourists with mobility difficulties to discover the city without physical limits, especially in old downtown where wheelchair accessibility is a rarity.
The ramps are available in various sizes from 46cm to 165cm, and small-sized ramps are easy to carry on as they can be hung on the wheelchair.
Other rental equipment such as a shower wheelchair and a patient lift are also considered essentials for travelling since only few accommodations have them.
In order to make Seoul a leading city in barrier-free tourism, Seoul Tourism Organisation announced that it will continue to focus on satisfying the varying needs of all tourists through an improved tourism environment.
For more information go to Seoul Danurim Accessible Tourism Center
Images from top: Seoul Danurim Minivan equipped with wheelchair lift; Portable ramp and wheelchair for the travel assistive devices rental service; Tactile model for people with visual disabilities in Changgyeong-gung palace
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