Gyeonggi-do Invests 2.5 Billion Won to Promote 'Universal Design' at Anyang Myeonghak Park and Others

Current Status of Universal Design Projects Promoted by Gyeonggi Province for Transportation-Disadvantaged People This Year

Gyeonggi Province will invest 2.5 billion KRW this year to implement a 'Universal Design for Transportation Vulnerable Groups' project at five locations, including Myeonghak Park in Anyang City.

Universal Design is a project that designs urban spaces or environments that can be safely and conveniently used by everyone regardless of nationality, gender, age, or disability.

The province has set the main policy direction this year to focus on spaces and facilities that ensure the mobility safety and convenience of all, especially transportation vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and caregivers with infants and young children.

Accordingly, the province received applications for the 'Universal Design for Transportation Vulnerable Groups' project from 31 cities and counties, and finally selected five locations: Myeonghak Park in Anyang City; around Gwangju City Health Center and Public Stadium; Shinjang 2-dong Neighborhood Park in Hanam City; around Guri City Health Center; and Pocheon Tourist Information Center at Sanjeong Lake in Pocheon City.

The province will support these five selected sites with a total project budget of 2.5 billion KRW, allocating 500 million KRW per site.

Previously, in 2013, the province became the first metropolitan local government to enact a Universal Design ordinance and has been promoting Universal Design projects annually for all residents, including socially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

A provincial official explained, "In May this year, Gyeonggi Province established the '2nd Gyeonggi Province Universal Design Basic Plan,' presenting policies and basic directions for Universal Design. We plan to revise ordinances to apply Universal Design to public institutions and expand it to the private sector. Through this, we will actively promote the spread of Universal Design policies and projects across the 31 cities and counties in the province."