Seodaemun-gu Provides District News via 'Mobile, Braille, and Audio Description'

Monthly 50-page 'Braille Newsletter' Published and Sent to Interested Residents... 'Video Newsletter' with Audio Commentary, First Produced by Seoul District... Mobile District Newsletter (Seodaemun Madang) Accessibility and Functionality Enhanced

Mobile Seodaemun Madang

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) has expanded its monthly newsletter "Seodaemun Madang," which was previously published only in print, to include braille and audio description this month, while also improving accessibility to the existing mobile newsletter.

The district issues a braille newsletter every month to enhance information access rights for vulnerable groups. Spanning a total of 50 pages, it contains planned features, cultural events, neighborhood news, and administrative information, and is mailed to 30 visually impaired residents in the area who request it.

Additionally, the district produces a monthly "Seodaemun Madang in Sound" for visually impaired and low-vision residents who cannot read braille.

By searching "Seodaemun Madang" on YouTube or visiting the Seodaemun-gu website (District News → Seodaemun Media) on a PC or smartphone, one can access video newsletters with audio description.

This type of newsletter production is the first among Seoul's autonomous districts. "Audio description" refers to a live video describer narrating actions, costumes, gestures, and situations appearing in the video.

Furthermore, starting this month, Seodaemun-gu has enhanced the accessibility and functionality of the "Mobile Seodaemun Madang."

Previously, users had to install a dedicated app on their smartphones, but now they can view the e-book format of "Seodaemun Madang" via the Seodaemun-gu mobile website or blog.

By tapping phone numbers here, users can connect directly to the responsible departments and conveniently share articles via mobile.

Mayor Moon Seok-jin of Seodaemun-gu stated, "We have diversified the ways to provide Seodaemun Madang so that more residents can easily access district news," adding, "We will continue to strengthen communication with residents through information sharing."