Mayor Jin Kyohun of Gangseo Leads Disability Awareness Efforts at Welfare Expo

by Kim Minjin

Published 19 Apr.2026 06:27(KST)

Gangseo District in Seoul, led by Mayor Jin Kyohun, has rolled up its sleeves to build a community where people with and without disabilities live together in harmony.

On April 18, Gangseo District announced that it had held the "Adding Value to Welfare Expo in Gangseo" at Magok Square. The event featured a variety of programs, including a disability awareness improvement experience program, an exhibition of works by artists with disabilities, and promotions for products made at vocational rehabilitation facilities for people with disabilities. More than 900 local residents, both with and without disabilities, participated in the event.

Jin Gyohun, Mayor of Gangseo District Office (left), is taking a disability awareness quiz at the “Adding Value to Welfare Fair” held on the 18th at Magok Square. Courtesy of Gangseo District Office.

Mayor Jin Kyohun personally toured the event booths and took the lead in awareness-raising activities by participating in various programs. He learned how to express personal characteristics using sign names, wrote his name using finger spelling, and spent time with the deaf community. He also wore simulation goggles to experience firsthand the blurred vision that elderly people with disabilities face due to conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Throughout the venue, he greeted people with disabilities and readily accepted requests for photos. When taking pictures with wheelchair users, he thoughtfully knelt down to meet them at eye level. In response to a disability awareness question, he drew a large circle above his head and emphasized, "People with developmental disabilities can also live independently."

Mayor Jin stated, "We must guarantee the rights of people with disabilities and expand opportunities for their participation in society," adding, "We will create a society where people with and without disabilities are equally respected, free from discrimination based on disability."