Disabled Accessibility    

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Access to subways and buses in most areas of Korea for the disabled, elderly, strollers, young children, etc. is somewhat limited. However, Seoul Metropolitan Government has inititated a number of projects to improve the situation.

Bus System:
Wheelchair/Stroller Access: By 2012, 32,000 of the city's buses (50% of the fleet) will be wheelchair (and stroller)accessible - meaning they will have no steps. As of February 2009, 751 buses no longer have the extremely high step that makes it especially difficult for many riders to get on or off. The more accessible buses are intended for routes that are frequently used by the elderly and the disabled, including welfare facilities and hospitals.
 
Access for the Blind: Bus information in Braille will be made available in 20 stations (K4E note: no list of stations available yet) to improve accessibility to bus stations for the blind. Special pedestrian blocks will be put into place such as those on subway platforms and on some sidewals. As well, 202 additional traffic lights with voice guidance will be set up around the city.
Estimated bus arrival times and other information will be available real time through voice and electronic text service. Seoul is pilot testing Bus Information System and plans to install them in 150 bus stations by the end of 2009.

Rough Rides: Bus rides can be pretty rough at times with drivers seeminly oblivious to the fact that they are not in a car and that there are a number of people standing, trying to keep their balance behind them as they speed up to make the light and stop suddenly as they get through the intersection. Moreover, drivers have to deal with the difficulties of Seoul traffic, which can also result in frequent quick stops, etc. Making bus rides smoother (and safer) for the elderly, disabled and people carrying children remains a challenge for the city.

Subway Access:
Wheelchair/Stroller Access: Elevators have been installed at almost all subway stations in Seoul from street to ticket level, and from ticket level to platforms. This are intended for the use of people in wheelchairs, those with strollers as well as the disabled and elderly. Others must use the stairs, of which there are many or the escalators, if they are running in stations where they are available. (Escalators are frequently turned, ostensibly to save energy).

Access for the Blind: Subway information will be available in Braille at ticket counters and subway station entrances. A total of 1,182 voice guide units that guide the blind to the platform will be installed throughout 2009.

Obstacle-free Zones: Areas where the elderly and the disabled frequent as well as areas around welfare centers and hospitals will be transformed into obstacle-free zones.

Taxis/Shuttle Services:
Call taxis for the disabled, errands centers, and free shuttle services that currently serve specific communities will be integrated into one system.

For more information, please contact the Seoul Global Center at (82-2)1688-0120 or email the city at hotline@seoul.go.kr.


K4E Notes:

Braille and voice assistance will not necessarily be in any language other than Korean.

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