Gyeonggi-do Invests 1.7 Billion Won to Create a 'Barrier-Free Tourism City'

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province is expanding the "Barrier-Free Gyeonggi Tourism City Creation" project to ensure that vulnerable tourists such as people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and those accompanied by infants and young children can visit tourist sites within the province without inconvenience.

The province announced on the 17th that it will invest 1.7 billion KRW this year to carry out various projects including ▲improvement of tourist site spatial environments ▲operation of Gyeonggi Travel Enjoyment vehicles ▲awareness improvement for vulnerable tourists.

As a major project, the province will select at least three major tourist sites through a city and county public contest and support facility improvements ranging from convenience facilities such as family restrooms to accessibility features like ramps and elevator installations.

The city and county public contest for the spatial environment improvement project will be held until the 20th. Tourist sites wishing to participate can apply through their respective city or county offices.

Additionally, the province will introduce two large buses equipped for wheelchair boarding to provide convenience aimed at improving mobility for vulnerable tourists.

Furthermore, through the "Barrier-Free Gyeonggi Tourism Guidebook" published at major libraries or on the Gyeonggi Tourism Portal (ggtour.or.kr), the province offers "Barrier-Free Tourist Sites Recommended by Gyeonggi Province." This year, the province plans to add more tourist sites and produce and distribute leaflets for each site.

Last year, the province carried out facility improvement projects targeting five major tourist sites within the province, including Gimpo International Sculpture Park, Gapyeong Jarasum, Yangju Jangheung Tourist Site, Yongin Rural Theme Park, and Yangpyeong Yongmunsan Tourist Site. It also operated specially equipped vehicles capable of carrying wheelchairs, providing tourism opportunities to over 3,500 people.

Jang Young-geun, Director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of Gyeonggi Province, emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province has a variety of tourist sites full of attractions and things to enjoy, but there are many barriers that are difficult for vulnerable tourists to overcome, making it hard for everyone to enjoy equally. This year as well, we will strive to create an environment where everyone, including the elderly, infants, and people with disabilities, can comfortably enjoy tourism."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.