"Wheelchairs Blocked by Coastal Walkway Steps"... Human Rights Commission Recommends Accessibility Improvements

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has recommended comprehensive improvements to facilities along a coastal walkway in Jeju, where access for wheelchair users is restricted.

National Human Rights Commission of Korea, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

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On April 17, the Commission announced that it had advised the Governor of Jeju Province to enhance the accessibility of a coastal walkway with level differences so that wheelchair users can access and use the site safely. The recommendation emphasizes the need to ensure overall accessibility of the facilities without damaging the natural terrain and to designate a responsible department for this purpose.

This complaint was raised by individuals with severe disabilities who use wheelchairs, along with the head of a local guesthouse and disability rights activists. They reported to the Commission that, during their use of the walkway in October of last year, they faced limited access and use of the tourist site due to level differences of 4 to 6 centimeters, narrow and steep slopes, and restrooms for people with disabilities that failed to meet standards.

The Commission’s Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities determined that, due to structural and environmental limitations, the walkway and related facilities do not sufficiently ensure safe mobility for wheelchair users. As a result, individuals with disabilities face greater difficulty than non-disabled people in using the facilities and are also restricted from participating in tourism activities.

A representative of the Commission stated, “Reasonable accommodations for the participation of people with disabilities have not been adequately provided,” adding, “A systematic plan should be established to ensure wheelchair accessibility during the construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities in the future.”

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