"My Guide Dog Is Not a Pet, It's My Eyes"... Is It Uncomfortable to Accompany a Guide Dog?

40th Disabled Persons Day, Harsh Views Toward Guide Dogs Accompanying Visually Impaired
Some Restaurants and Taxis Still Do Not Allow Accompaniment
Experts: "Guide Dogs Are the Eyes of the Visually Impaired... Must Recognize They Are Different from Pets"

A guide dog for a visually impaired person is resting among people. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] "Seeing people shout loudly because of dog hair made me reluctant to take the subway."

On the 20th, marking the 40th anniversary of Disabled Persons Day, established to abolish discrimination against people with disabilities, concerns remain about blind spots in the treatment of disabled individuals. Among these, conflicts continue over the refusal of entry to some visually impaired people accompanied by guide dogs in general restaurants and public transportation.

According to the current Disabled Welfare Act, the entry of disabled persons accompanied by assistance dogs such as guide dogs cannot be refused without valid reasons, and violators may be fined up to 3 million KRW. Nevertheless, some places still refuse entry to visually impaired people with guide dogs, citing reasons such as 'allergy to dog hair' or 'causing inconvenience to others.'

In February, Mr. A, a visually impaired person living in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, said, "I tend to go only to familiar restaurants. I hesitate to even try because I fear being denied entry," adding, "It is frustrating to hear a flat 'no' every time."

Mr. A added, "Not only at restaurants but also when using taxis, it is rare to get a ride on the first try. The reason given is that animals are not allowed on board," and "Although things have improved compared to before, I still expect rejection and cold treatment whenever I go out."

On October 15 last year, a guide dog was seen with a visually impaired person at the 40th White Cane Day National Welfare Conference for the Visually Impaired held at the AW Convention Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Another visually impaired person, Mr. B, said, "When using public transportation, sometimes people ask, 'Can I just touch it once?' and I don't know how to respond," adding, "Many people seem to think guide dogs are just ordinary pets."

Especially, Mr. B revealed, "Once, when I took the subway, someone who did not notice the guide dog was startled and shouted loudly about dog hair flying around. Since then, I try to avoid going out during busy times like commuting hours."

As discrimination against visually impaired people continues, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) has ruled that refusing entry to restaurants for guide dogs constitutes discriminatory behavior.

In October last year, the NHRCK stated that refusing entry based on vague prejudices that guide dogs cause inconvenience to other customers and disrupt business is discrimination.

Accordingly, it is reported that the NHRCK recommended the relevant city mayor, who supervises the problematic restaurant, to impose fines according to regulations and to reflect such cases in regular training for food service establishments.

On the morning of the 13th, Joy, the guide dog of Kim Ye-ji, a proportional representation candidate, attended the Future Korea Party's election countermeasures committee meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Recently, Kim Ye-ji, a visually impaired pianist and proportional representative of the Mirae Korea Party, criticized the refusal to allow her guide dog 'Joy' into the National Assembly plenary session, stating, "Guide dogs are living companions, not harmful objects or food."

Until now, the National Assembly has blocked the entry of guide dogs. Although there is no clause in the current National Assembly Act banning animals, Article 148 of the Act states that "members shall not bring objects or food that interfere with the progress of meetings into the plenary or committee rooms."

On the 18th, Ms. Kim posted on her Facebook, "Guide dogs are the eyes of visually impaired people," and said, "I cannot help but raise concerns about the controversy over allowing guide dogs into the National Assembly plenary session."

She added, "In the National Assembly, the hall of popular sovereignty, 'barrier-free' should not be limited to installing related facilities," and "It is necessary for all members of the National Assembly to share the awareness that barrier-free is not a courtesy but an obligation."

Before the general election, Ms. Kim also worked as a spokesperson for the Mirae Korea Party's election committee, actively participating with her guide dog 'Joy.'

Experts emphasize the need for a change in public perception regarding guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Lee Yeon-ju, policy team leader at the Korea Blind Union, pointed out, "Rejection of guide dogs accompanying visually impaired people has existed for over 30 years. Although it has decreased compared to before, guide dogs are still treated like ordinary pets in small businesses and general facilities."

Ms. Lee explained, "Due to accidents caused by pets, perceptions of guide dogs have been slow to change, but guide dogs differ from pets in that they undergo specialized training before being assigned."

She continued, "Refusing entry to guide dogs under the Disabled Welfare Act will not change simply by increasing fines," adding, "A change in public awareness is essential."

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