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April 20 is a day designated to promote the awareness of the handicapped experience, as well as to promote the importance of accessibility for people with disabilities. On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we’re here to deliver any and all information that tourists with disabilities should know before booking their trip to Seoul so that they can more easily navigate their way through issues pertaining to transportation, mobility, and more. Here are some places open to everyone around the city! Traveling in an environment that lacks physical and social barriers that could potentially interfere with a visitor’s experience is called “barrier-free tourism.” With that said, what are the services in Seoul that enable barrier-free tourism to be carried out so well? It is well known that Seoul is actively making improvements on the accessibility of various facilities, such as convenience stalls, restaurants, and shopping areas, in order to create a tourist-friendly city that both the residents of Seoul and the common traveler can readily enjoy. In order to better the physical environment of the city, twenty frequented tourist facilities in the downtown area are chosen annually to increase the number of rooms and restrooms for wheelchair users, as well as to install ramps at the entrances of each facility.

Seoul Danurim Tourist Center

The Seoul Danurim Tourist Center is an information center for tourists that provides customized travel information and convenient services for people with accessibility issues, including the disabled, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with infants. Anyone in need can make reservations for lift vehicles and travel aids through the Seoul Danurim Tourism website. The website offers customized tourist recommendations alongside various themed sights across Seoul with detailed information on basic amenities, such as restrooms, nursing facilities, and more. Other content is available, such as VR and sign-language videos to better enhance the visitor’s experience at different attractions. In addition, it operates wheelchair lift vehicles, Seoul Danurim buses, and minivans for increased convenience in transportation and mobility around the city. For those who are unfamiliar with using the website, counseling is available via real-time chatting, email, and telephone to better assist those in need.

#SeoulDanurimTouristCenter #TravelForAll #TravelWithAccessibility #TravelInformation

Information

• 
  Address: 117, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (1F, Hana Insurance Building)
• Hours: Daily 09:00 - 18:00 KST, 
  Closed on Weekends and Holidays 
• Tel: +82-2-1670-0880 
• Website: http://www.seouldanurim.net/en/index

Transportation Amenities for Seoul Tourists

In Seoul, there are low-floor city buses for people in need of wheelchair access. Since April 2019, users have been able to make reservations for this specialized bus accommodation by contacting the transportation company directly at the bus stop before boarding. The program covers all 3,366 city buses operating in downtown Seoul. Subway station facilities vary from station to station, but among the basic amenities offered are elevators, wheelchair lifts, fast chargers for electric wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, and voice guided systems. In addition, there are also mobile platforms installed within stations to promote better mobility on and off the train. For assistance in the use of these amenities, please contact the Seoul Metro offices at 1577 – 1234.

#CustomizedTransportation #LowFloorCityBus #AmenitiesForThoseWithDisabilities #TravelInformation

Amid the recent difficult times, the desire to get out and travel is on the rise, and Seoul is full of beautiful places that are sure to satisfy that travel bug! On that note, let’s take a look at some barrier-free, accessible tourist destinations that are particularly striking during the spring season.

#GyeongbokgungPalace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is known as Korea's premier tourist destination! Due to the influence of Hallyu across the world, foreigners' interest in Korean history has grown, and Gyeongbokgung Palace has become recognized as the most magnificent and popular of Seoul's historic palaces. Built in the late 1300s, Gyeongbokgung Palace holds a great historical and cultural significance in Korea and was the foremost court of the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbokgung Palace is known to be equipped with amenities that provide services for people with disabilities to make their visits easier. People can rent an audio guide at the information desk, and even view a video explaining the site in sign language using a QR code. Visitors can also enjoy the Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Geunjeongjeon Hall through interactive interpretation and experience programs giving visitors a more realistic peek into the history of Korea. There are designated restrooms for people with disabilities next to the parking lot, located towards the Hyangwonjeong and Gyeonghoeru pavilions. Strollers and wheelchairs can also be rented free of charge next to Heungnyemun Gate.

#GyeongbokgungPalace #GyeongbokgungPalaceTour #GyeongbokgungPalaceAmenities #WheelchairRental

#NamdaemunMarket

Opening its doors in 1964, Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea and hosts a wide variety of vendors. The market sells over 1,600 different items, such as clothing, glasses, kitchenware, toys, and fishing goods. In addition, there are delicious food and snack options ranging from hotteok and fried odeng to delicious noodle soups in the kalguksu alley, as well as dumplings and pretzels, which are quite popular among market-goers. There are no obstacles or hindrances when using a wheelchair or a cane as the market is set on a wide, flat road. Oftentimes, wheelchair users experience difficulties when visiting restaurants or shops due to narrow spaces, but at Namdaemun Market, all visitors are free to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts while enjoying local street food.

#NamdaemunMarket #MukbangTrip #SeoulEntertainment #TravelRecommendations

#DongdaemunDesignPlaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Seoul thanks to the healthy breadth of fashion shows, local events, and various exhibitions being held on a frequent basis. It has also appeared as a backdrop for Hallyu dramas, such as the SBS drama, My Love from the Star, and the MBC drama, She Was Pretty. Barrier-free facilities can be spotted from inside the Dongdaemun Historical Park Station, which is connected to the DDP. The pathway to DDP is smooth with no bumps in the road, enabling those with physical disabilities to use exit 1 of the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. In addition, there is a DDP general information room in the station where wheelchair rentals are available. The information room is a multipurpose space with the added bonus of an elevator and a spacious ramp for convenience. Accessibility is also well established thanks to the stickers on the information board for the visually impaired, braille blocks, handrails, and handicap restrooms located near the ramp. There are restaurants and cafes at the plaza, so meals and snacks are readily available without having to visit another location. There is a vibrant design shop in the main exhibition hall with a beautiful LED rose garden that brightens up the night sky! The LED rose garden is unique in that it is made up of light-emitting diodes, providing yet another light source for the visually impaired. It functions like a braille block and is set up as a barrier-free pathway. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is truly a place where visitors can enjoy a visit and experience Korean culture in an environment that is accessible to any and every one!

#DongdaemunDesignPlaza #DDP #SeoulTouristHotSpots #RecommendedTour #BarrierFree