South Korea is not the best equipped for accessible travel. However, in Seoul and other major cities, this is changing, albeit slowly. Most subway stations in Seoul now have elevators and public restrooms with wheelchair access and handrails. And there's a plan to have half of Seoul's buses equipped with wheelchair ramps by the end of 2012. Most of the high-end hotels are accessible, but sidewalks and certain attractions are not. Many tourist attractions, especially those run by the government, offer discounts (and sometimes free entry) to people with disabilities. Some even provide a wheelchair (a passport is required) or an assistant. An accessible map of Seoul is available from the KTO offices and more info is available at www.easyaccess.or.kr.
At Busan's Gimhae airport, Braille maps are provided on the first floor of both terminals for visually impaired travelers and all toilets are wheelchair accessible. Lifts are available in both terminals.
Organizations that offer a vast range of resources and assistance to travelers with disabilities include MossRehab (tel. 800/CALL-MOSS [225-5667]; www.mossresourcenet.org); the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB; tel. 800/232-5463; www.afb.org); and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality; tel. 212/447-7284; www.sath.org). Access-Able Travel Source (tel. 303/232-2979; www.access-able.com) offers a comprehensive database on travel agents with experience in accessible travel. Travel agencies such as Flying Wheels Travel (tel. 507/451-5005; www.flyingwheelstravel.com) and Accessible Journeys (tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339; www.disabilitytravel.com) offer customized tours and itineraries.
Mobility-Advisor (www.mobility-advisor.com) offers a variety of travel resources to persons with disabilities. Flying with Disability (www.flying-with-disability.org) is a comprehensive information source on airplane travel. Avis Rent a Car (tel. 888/879-4273) has an Avis Cares program that offers services for customers with special travel needs.
British travelers should contact Holiday Care (tel. 0845/124-9971 in U.K. only; www.holidaycare.org.uk) to access a wide range of travel information for those with disabilities and elderly people.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
