Seongheon Lee, Mayor of Seodaemun District, Wins Grand Prize at 'Sanggok Human Rights Award' for Contributions to Disability Welfare Improvement

Recognized for Fostering Community Culture and Achievements

Seodaemun District in Seoul announced on the 12th that Mayor Seongheon Lee has received the Grand Prize of the 'Sanggok Human Rights Award' in recognition of his contributions to improving the rights and welfare of people with disabilities. The award ceremony was held on the 11th at the HW Convention Center in Jongno District during the 25th National Physically Disabled Persons Festival.

Seongheon Lee, Mayor of Seodaemun District (center in photo), is taking a commemorative photo with the relevant department staff after receiving the Grand Prize of the Disabled 'Sanggok Human Rights Award' at the 25th National Physically Disabled Persons Conference. Provided by Seodaemun District Office.

This festival is a nationwide event hosted by the Korea Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities and supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. It recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed to the advancement of disability rights and the improvement of human rights.

Mayor Lee was highly praised for promoting events commemorating the Day of Persons with Disabilities and disability awareness programs in cooperation with disability organizations, as well as for fostering a community culture where people with and without disabilities come together. In addition, his efforts to address practical inconveniences-such as introducing a mobile electronic notification system for fines imposed for violations of parking spaces designated for people with disabilities-were cited as reasons for the award.

The district is also working to establish the 'Seodaemun Vision Center for People with Brain Lesions,' a dedicated rehabilitation and self-reliance complex. To improve mobility for transportation-vulnerable groups, the district has been installing ramps, providing assistive devices, and creating barrier-free public office environments.

Seodaemun District was previously selected as an excellent local government in the 'Demand-Oriented Welfare Support System for Persons with Disabilities Project' led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. It was also designated by the Ministry of Education as the only 'Specialized Institution for Lifelong Learning for People with Disabilities' among Seoul's 25 districts.

Mayor Seongheon Lee stated, "This award is the result of efforts made together by Seodaemun District and the local community," adding, "We will continue to work even harder to improve the rights and welfare of people with disabilities."

Meanwhile, Seodaemun District has allocated a budget of 43.5 billion won for disability welfare this year, an increase of 15% compared to 2024 and 55% compared to 2022, thereby further strengthening the foundation for related policies.