Seo-gu Councilor Choi Jeongae: "BF Certification Should Also Be Mandatory for Natural Parks"
Sponsored a Resolution Urging Passage of an Amendment to the Act on the Promotion of Convenience for Persons with Disabilities, Older Persons, Pregnant Women, and Others
The Seo-gu Council of Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City has urged the National Assembly to promptly pass a bill requiring natural parks to obtain Barrier Free (BF) certification.
Rep. Choi Jeongae (Hwajeong 3 and 4-dong and Pungam-dong) sponsored a resolution urging the swift passage of the "Partial Amendment to the Act on the Promotion of Convenience for Persons with Disabilities, Older Persons, Pregnant Women, and Others" at the third plenary session of the 344th extraordinary session on October 23.
The proposal aims to address gaps in the certification system so that persons with disabilities, older persons, and pregnant women can safely use park amenities.
The amendment would add natural parks and park facilities covered by the Natural Parks Act to the list of facilities required to obtain BF certification. It would also require certification when park pedestrian routes, amenities, and other facilities are installed or modified. The bill was referred to the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee on September 1.
Rep. Choi said, "Parks are among the places in daily life where residents enjoy a variety of leisure activities," adding that the law should be amended to ensure that all residents can conveniently use parks.
According to the 2023 survey on the lives of persons with disabilities cited by Rep. Choi, about 42% of people with disabilities experienced difficulties when engaging in activities outside the home. The most common reason for these difficulties was a lack of amenities for persons with disabilities, at about 52%. About 88% of disabilities were caused by acquired illnesses or accidents.
Rep. Choi emphasized, "Since anyone can experience disability at some point in life, society as a whole must be prepared." She added that extending the certification requirement to natural parks and modifications to park facilities is necessary to make the BF certification system more effective.
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Meanwhile, all Seo-gu council members called on the National Assembly to pass the amendment swiftly through the resolution. They urged the government to improve policies and strengthen administrative support in light of the characteristics and usage environments of urban and natural parks. They also asked Seo-gu to inspect the condition of facilities under its jurisdiction, including parks, and improve their usability.
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