South Korean initiatives expand mobility support for people with disabilities

Various initiatives are underway in South Korea to improve mobility and support for individuals with disabilities. In Gapyeong County, the local government has invested approximately 210 million won to expand transportation options for welfare center users. This includes replacing aging buses with a new 23-seater eco-friendly electric bus and introducing a 7-seater slope vehicle designed to navigate narrow village roads and facilitate wheelchair boarding.

In Ulsan, Hyundai Motor Company and its labor union, in partnership with UNICEF Korea, have launched the ‘Wish on Wheels’ campaign. The initiative provided customized assistive devices—such as stroller-type wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and posture support tools—to 48 children with various disabilities. The program, funded by 205 million won in employee donations and corporate social responsibility funds, also includes a planned ‘barrier-free’ family trip to Jeju Island this September.