Seoul Universal Design Center Holds Policy Forum with Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers

Discussing the Current Status of Universal Design Systems Domestically and Internationally and Exploring Legalization Measures

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Universal Design Center jointly hosted a "Policy Forum for the Creation and Expansion of Universal Design" with ruling and opposition party lawmakers on the 7th at the Nurihall of the Yeouido Irum Center.

Recently, although local governments have been enacting universal design ordinances and gradually promoting related policies, difficulties in the field have continuously been raised due to the absence of higher-level laws and conflicts with existing similar systems.

Accordingly, based on the Seoul city ordinance, the Seoul Universal Design Center, established last June as the first universal design research and implementation institution among local governments, prepared a forum to discuss with lawmakers and experts who agree on the major direction of establishing legal and policy foundations related to universal design by reflecting voices from the field.

The forum was attended by lawmakers Park Jumin (Democratic Party), Choi Hyeyoung (Democratic Party), Jang Kyungtae (Democratic Party), and Lee Jongsung (People Power Party), along with domestic universal design experts such as Professor Park Gwangjae of Korea Welfare University and Choi Seongho, president of the Korean Public Design Association, who served as presenters and discussants.

Professor Park Gwangjae, who gave a presentation, emphasized the development of universal design-related systems, comparison between BF and universal design, the current status of domestic and international systems and policies, and the importance of central-level legal system reform and legislation for integrated maintenance of universal design.

Following this, Song Hanbi, team leader of the Universal Design Team at the Seoul City Design Policy Division, presented the direction and specific cases of Seoul's universal design policies pursued over the past decade, the application procedures for universal design in Seoul, the targets of Seoul's universal design, and upcoming universal design policies.

The second presenter, Choi Seongho, president of the Korean Public Design Association, emphasized the importance of legislation and institutionalization of universal design centered on the Public Design Act and the creation of new cities through securing quality public design that is convenient for all.

Lawmaker Park Jumin, co-host of the forum, stated in his welcoming remarks that improving generality, which remains like prejudice in various parts of society, into universality can create a discrimination-free society. Lawmaker Choi Hyeyoung emphasized that each contact point of the urban environment must be organically connected through universal design.

Lawmaker Jang Kyungtae demanded the development of systems applying universal design through integrated maintenance of various related laws such as architecture, industry, employment, education, and services, and cooperation among administrative departments. Lawmaker Lee Jongsung stated that true social integration can be achieved through universal design.

Center Director Choi Ryeong said, "We will continue to hold a series of planned forums to promote Seoul's efforts and achievements," and added, "We intend to continuously seek interest and support for the maintenance of various related laws on universal design so that everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, or nationality, can equally enjoy a safe and convenient life."

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