Seocho-gu Provides 2 Million KRW Support for 'Barrier-Free Kiosk' Installation... First Among Local Governments Nationwide

Mandatory Under the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Disabled Persons
Device Costs 2 to 3 Times Higher, Increasing Burden on Small Business Owners

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) has introduced a policy to alleviate the financial burden on small business owners who face difficulties due to the mandatory introduction of barrier-free kiosks in accordance with the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Disabled Persons.

Barrier-free kiosk installation store view. Provided by Seocho-gu.

Seocho-gu announced on the 4th that it will be the first local government in the country to support up to 2 million KRW for related service costs when introducing new barrier-free kiosks in small restaurants.

A barrier-free kiosk is an unmanned payment device designed for socially vulnerable groups, equipped with features such as voice output, braille, and height adjustment to be easily used by people with disabilities and the elderly. According to the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Disabled Persons, from January 28 of this year, barrier-free kiosks are mandatory for small businesses with an area of 50㎡ or more and fewer than 100 employees, and must be replaced within one year. However, they are 2 to 3 times more expensive than regular kiosks, and all related programs must be replaced, resulting in a significant financial burden.

This barrier-free solution service support project, promoted as part of the 'Making Smart Restaurants' initiative starting this year, targets small general and rest restaurants with an area of 100㎡ or less, recruiting a total of 15 establishments. The application period is until the 10th of this month, and selected restaurants will receive customized food hygiene education and kiosk usage training once a month after installing the barrier-free kiosks.

The district expects that this 'barrier-free kiosk' installation support project will contribute to creating a hygienic kitchen environment by preemptively blocking food safety hazards that may occur during the food ordering process, and significantly reduce the economic burden on small restaurant owners. Additionally, it is anticipated to strengthen consideration for socially vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities and the elderly, providing an opportunity for them to visit restaurants with greater peace of mind. Detailed information can be found in the announcements on the Seocho-gu Office and Seocho-gu Public Health Center websites.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su said, “I hope this barrier-free kiosk support will help ease the economic burden on small restaurant owners even a little,” and added, “We will continue to do our best to create a dining culture that residents can trust and feel safe in.”