"I Want to Fly on an Airplane"... The Wish of the Underprivileged Fulfilled Through Community Support

Baekdu Mountain Expedition Successfully Completed by Developmentally Disabled Individuals from Yeonggwang Daycare Center

Supported by Kim Wonman, Chairman of Saehan Group

"Inspired Confidence: 'We Can Do It Too'"

The small wish of an underprivileged individual to "fly on an airplane" was fulfilled through support from the local community and the Gwangju and Jeonnam Community Chest of Korea.

Last month, Kim Wonman, Chairman of Saehan Group, successfully concluded the project supporting the climbing of Baekdusan by people with developmental disabilities at the Yeonggwang Daycare Center for the Disabled. Provided by Gwangju Community Chest of Korea

On May 11, the Gwangju Community Chest of Korea announced that last month, the project supported by Kim Wonman, Chairman of Saehan Group, for developmentally disabled individuals at the Yeonggwang Daycare Center for the Disabled to climb Baekdu Mountain, was successfully completed.

This initiative was made possible through the sponsorship of Chairman Kim Wonman of Saehan Group via the Gwangju Community Chest of Korea and additional support from the Jeonnam Community Chest of Korea.

The journey began with the small wish of a developmentally disabled individual at the center who said, "I want to fly on an airplane." While air travel may be routine for non-disabled individuals, it is a significant challenge for those with developmental disabilities who require care. The center planned the Baekdu Mountain expedition not just as an experience, but as an opportunity to encounter a broader world.

Over 20 participants—including developmentally disabled individuals aged from 13 to 77 and teachers—joined the trip, making the experience especially meaningful as it was the first-ever flight and first overseas trip for all participants. Teachers accompanied the group throughout the journey, maintaining a 1:2 care ratio and providing careful support to ensure a safe trip.

Prior to the main trip, the center conducted a one-night, two-day cultural experience in Yeosu as a preparatory check. Through group living, participants developed adaptability, teamwork, and safety response skills. This preparation served as a crucial foundation that boosted their confidence for the main journey.

On the first day of the Baekdu Mountain itinerary, participants shared their excitement by taking a walk along the Tumen River. On the second day, the planned ascent to Heaven Lake was canceled due to heavy snowfall, but the group adjusted the schedule for safety and spent time walking in the park and resting.

On the third day, even though access to Heaven Lake was restricted, the group climbed along the gently sloping North Slope course, reaching near the Changbai Waterfall and personally experiencing the grandeur of Baekdu Mountain's natural scenery. The trip concluded with a tour of the Baeksansu water bottling plant and a visit to the Yongdure Well.

Despite unexpected circumstances, participants encouraged one another and completed the journey together, experiencing firsthand the values of challenge, achievement, and cooperation—beyond simply taking a trip.

Oh Seheon, Director of the Yeonggwang Daycare Center for the Disabled, said, "More than just letting them board an airplane, I wanted to show them a bigger world." He added, "I hope this journey will give developmentally disabled individuals the confidence that 'I can do it too' and serve as an opportunity for them to venture into a wider world."

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