An Chiyoung of Chungcheong Regional Council Urges Barrier-Free Facilities in Tourism Business

Emphasizing a Tourism Environment Accessible to People with Disabilities and the Elderly through Free Speech

An Chiyoung, a member of the Chungcheong Regional Council, urged the introduction of barrier-free facilities in the tourism industry through a 5-minute free speech. Photo by Council Secretariat

An Chiyoung, a member of the Chungcheong Regional Council (Chungbuk, Democratic Party of Korea), urged the active introduction of barrier-free facilities in the Chungcheong Regional Council’s tourism business during a 5-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 5th extraordinary meeting held on July 2, 2025.

An emphasized that “only 15% of major tourist sites in the Chungcheong region have received barrier-free certification, which means that people with disabilities and the elderly are unable to fully enjoy local tourism resources,” and added, “Tourism is a basic right that should be guaranteed equally to everyone.”

He further stated, “Since the UN World Tourism Organization has also identified ‘Tourism for All’ as a core value, the Chungcheong Regional Council should take the lead in creating a barrier-free tourism environment.”

He then proposed three major policy initiatives: establishing a five-year plan and a dedicated organization for creating a barrier-free tourism environment; making the installation of barrier-free facilities mandatory and enacting related ordinances; and developing a Chungcheong region barrier-free tourism brand along with building an accessibility information platform.

He said, “Barrier-free tourism is more than just welfare; it is a strategic investment to revitalize the local economy and enhance tourism competitiveness,” and stressed, “The council and the executive branch must work together to ensure that the Chungcheong region becomes a leading area for barrier-free tourism in Korea.”