"Dining Hall Was Empty"... Raw Fish Restaurant Gave Visually Impaired Guest a Dark, Secluded Corner

Visually Impaired YouTuber Faces Cold Treatment at Busan Raw Fish Restaurant
Denied Proper Seating for Bringing a Guide Dog
"We Experience This Every Trip... It's Disheartening"

A video showing a visually impaired YouTuber experiencing discrimination after bringing a guide dog to a raw fish restaurant in Busan has sparked public outrage.

On May 18, Heo Wooryoung (27, female) uploaded a travel vlog titled "Everything Was Wonderful in Busan, But... I Hope This Never Happens Again" to her YouTube channel. Heo is a YouTuber with over 180,000 subscribers and has also worked as a member of the 7th class of visually impaired announcers for KBS News 12.

A visually impaired YouTuber sparked public outrage by revealing a video in which they were treated coldly and eventually asked to leave a raw fish restaurant in Busan simply for bringing a guide dog. YouTube channel 'Wooryoung's Udio'

In the video, Heo visits a raw fish restaurant in Gwangalli, famous for its ocean view, with excitement. Despite the dining hall being nearly empty at the time, the staff led her to a secluded corner. The view from the window was of a building, not the ocean, and the lights were off. Heo's companion expressed disappointment, saying, "They could at least turn on the lights. This feels like a storage room." Heo also remarked, "I can't see Gwangalli. We wanted to enjoy the ocean view too," expressing her regret.

After hearing from her companion that there were many available seats with an ocean view, Heo asked the restaurant staff to change seats. However, the staff refused, saying, "You can't because of the dog." Heo explained, "Guide dogs are allowed everywhere." In fact, guide dogs undergo special training to assist the visually impaired and are entirely different from pets. According to Article 40 of the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act, it is prohibited to deny access to assistance dogs for the disabled in public transportation, restaurants, accommodations, and public facilities without just cause.

A visually impaired YouTuber sparked public outrage by revealing a video in which they were treated coldly and eventually asked to leave a raw fish restaurant in Busan for bringing a guide dog. YouTube channel 'Wooryoung's Udio'

Nevertheless, the restaurant again refused, stating, "There are people who don't like dogs, so you can't eat there." Even when Heo's companion asked, "No customers have said they dislike guide dogs. Can't you ask if they're okay with it?" the restaurant responded, "It's just a hassle if customers get up or complain while eating."

Heo's companion continued to protest, saying, "This feels like a storage room and the lights aren't even on," but the restaurant ultimately did not allow them to change seats. In the end, the two decided to take their food to go. Heo and her companion expressed their frustration, saying, "This makes us want to cry. We can't eat here feeling like this." After leaving the restaurant, Heo said, "We always have to eat in a secluded corner, and this time they told us to eat out of sight because there might be customers who don't like dogs. It's disappointing that incidents like this happen so frequently when traveling."

A visually impaired YouTuber sparked public outrage by revealing a video in which they were treated coldly and eventually asked to leave a raw fish restaurant in Busan for bringing a guide dog. YouTube channel 'Wooryoung's Udio'

Viewers who saw the video reacted with anger, leaving comments such as, "How could they do that when the hall was empty?" "Not even turning on the lights?what is that?" "Blaming other customers is the most annoying excuse," "Refusing customers without reason is illegal," "I'm crying too," "It's so hard for people with disabilities to live in this country," "Guide dogs are the eyes of the visually impaired. Please don't treat them this way," "Guide dogs are well-trained and cause no problems," "As someone from Busan, I apologize on behalf of the city," and "I'm so angry I can't sleep."

Meanwhile, according to Article 40 of the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act, it is prohibited to deny access to assistance dogs for the disabled in public transportation, restaurants, accommodations, and public facilities without just cause. The law also applies to dogs in training with appropriate identification, and violations can result in fines of up to 3 million won. Separating or treating disabled persons unfavorably compared to other customers without just cause can also be considered discriminatory under the Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. While there have not been many criminal convictions for such violations, the law stipulates that those found guilty of discrimination can face up to three years in prison.