Korea Tourism Organization Selects Suwon as 2026 Barrier-Free Tourism Project Site

The 1st "Barrier-Free Tourism Governance General Assembly" Held

The 1st Barrier-Free Tourism Governance General Assembly and Forum. Provided by Korea Tourism Organization

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced on December 17 that Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province has been selected as the target site for the 2026 Barrier-Free Tourism Connectivity Enhancement Project.

The Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization confirmed Suwon City as the project site during the 1st Barrier-Free Tourism Governance General Assembly and Forum, which was held the previous day at The Westin Josun Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul.

Over the next three years, Suwon City will receive up to 4 billion won in national funding, matched 1:1 with local funds, creating a budget of up to 8 billion won to establish a barrier-free tourism zone. The project will include expanding wheelchair-accessible transportation, improving accessibility at private facilities, and providing integrated information on barrier-free tourism.

For the Barrier-Free Tourist Destination Development Project, 30 tourist sites across 13 local governments nationwide were selected. The newly established 'Barrier-Free Tourist Destination Plus' category this year includes five sites: Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung, Cheongju Zoo, Asan Oeam Folk Village, Andong Wollyeonggyo Bridge, and Sancheong Donguibogam Village. These sites will enhance interpretation and experiential programs for visitors with visual and hearing impairments, in addition to improving existing facilities.

Approximately 200 people attended the General Assembly, including managers of barrier-free tourist destinations, experts, related organizations, and academics. At the forum, Professor Lee Hoon of Hanyang University delivered the keynote speech, and Gangneung and Chuncheon cities presented their cases of barrier-free tourism. Heo Woori-young, a former KBS anchor who is visually impaired, explained the necessity of barrier-free tourism policies based on personal travel experiences.

On this day, the Korea Tourism Organization signed business agreements with Suwon City and other local governments designated for the Barrier-Free Tourist Destination Development Project, and presented the President’s Award of the organization to local governments that achieved outstanding results in the development and monitoring of barrier-free tourist destinations.

Seo Youngchung, Acting President of the Korea Tourism Organization, stated, "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Barrier-Free Tourist Destination Project and serves as a turning point in connecting barrier-free tourism policies nationwide. In 2026, we will expand initiatives such as the Barrier-Free Travel Week so that citizens can experience the impact firsthand, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of barrier-free tourism."