- Expansion to 30 locations in 2024 to foster accessible tourism

 - Selected favorite tourist destinations for everyone, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and rail biking

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) in collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization (CEO KIM Jang Sil, KTO) has chosen 30 tourist destinations across 12 tourism zones for the “2024 Barrier-Free Tourist Destination Project.” This marks a 150% increase in scale compared to the 20 sites selected last year.

The “Barrier-Free Tourist Destination Project” aims to enhance safe travel for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and families with young children. It involves constructing and renovating pedestrian paths, ramps, and convenient facilities at tourist sites. In addition, it supports the development of accessible experiential content. Since 2015, 132 sites have been designated as Barrier-Free Tourist Destinations, covering various experiences such as camping, water sports, hiking, and stargazing.

To expedite the creation of a more accessible tourism environment, the MCST initiated this year’s competition earlier than in previous years. A record-breaking 28 local governments and 67 tourist sites participated, marking the highest application rate in history. After a thorough selection process—a qualification review, document assessment, and an on-site evaluation—30 sites were selected, including UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites and popular tourist activities such as rail biking, catering to diverse preferences.

The selected tourist destinations will undergo tailored consultations from Barrier-Free[1] experts, leading to the development of site-specific improvement plans. Next year, comprehensive facility upgrades and the expansion of tourist content tailored to various vulnerable groups will be implemented.

Furthermore, the MCST actively promotes completed Barrier-Free Tourist Destinations through online and offline channels, including the Accessible Tourism Information Platform access.visitkorea.or.kr and shared travel programs will be consistently operated, allowing vulnerable groups to visit the designated sites directly, aimed at turning these sites into preferred destinations for all citizens. Plans are also in motion to support the effective management of open tourism sites through inspections and consultations involving accessibility experts and demand groups such as persons with disabilities.

PARK Jong Taek, Director-General of the MCST Tourism Policy Bureau, emphasized that “the tourism environment for vulnerable groups remains poor.” He outlined plans to significantly expand accessible tourism sites and accelerate various policies, including accessibility education, expanding information on accessible tourism, and supporting accessible travel products. These efforts are geared toward creating a more accessible tourism environment.

<Results of Selection of Barrier-Free Tourist Destinations in 2024>