Wanju County Hosts 'Barrier-Free Tourism Package' Fam Tour for Mobility-Impaired Individuals

"Expanding Mobility and Travel Rights for Tourism-Vulnerable Groups"

Wanju County in Jeonbuk recently operated a pilot fam tour of the "Barrier-Free Tourism Package," targeting about 50 wheelchair users and mobility-impaired individuals from three organizations, including the Welfare Center for the Disabled and the International Rehabilitation Center (Gosan-myeon).

Wanju County, Jeonbuk recently operated a pilot fam tour of the "Barrier-Free Tourism Product" targeting about 50 wheelchair users and mobility-impaired individuals. Provided by Wanju County

According to the county on November 14, this program was implemented to expand the mobility and travel rights of tourism-vulnerable groups. It was planned in consideration of the proportion of tourism-vulnerable individuals in the region, including the elderly population (26%) and registered persons with disabilities (8%).

The pilot fam tour was conducted in cooperation with the social value company Moving Trip Co., Ltd., comprehensively reviewing the movement routes and accessibility for wheelchair users. The itinerary included visits to major tourist attractions in the county, such as the Jeonbuk Provincial Art Museum, Andeok Health Healing Village (mugwort moxibustion experience), Songgwangsa Temple, and Changpo Village (iris soap making).

Vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts were provided for participant transportation, allowing for a direct assessment of accessibility at tourist sites. Participants expressed satisfaction with the improvement in travel convenience and highlighted the need for itineraries that allow for individual experiences, such as art museum visits, healing activities, and traditional culture experiences.

A 68-year-old female wheelchair user who joined the tour said, "After I started using a wheelchair, I never imagined I could go on a trip like this. Thanks to this program, I was able to experience mugwort moxibustion and truly felt like I was traveling."

A caregiver who accompanied her mother also shared, "I am truly happy because it feels like my mother actually went on a 'trip.' What impressed me the most was that we could comfortably visit the art museum and participate in experiences 'together' even with a wheelchair."

County Governor Yoo Heetae stated, "Tourism should be accessible to everyone. We will create an environment where tourism-vulnerable groups can travel comfortably by reflecting the improvements identified through the pilot fam tour."

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