Disability rights group's bus protest in Seoul ends without major disruption

Activists from the National Federation of Persons with Disabilities (Jangyeonyeon) staged a bus boarding protest at Seoul Station on Tuesday morning, demanding improved mobility rights. The demonstration, which involved around 30 activists, aimed to push for the revision of the Mobility for Persons with Disabilities Act and the increased adoption of low-floor buses.

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Open the door

The protest began around 8 a.m. at bus platform 4 of the Seoul Station Bus Transfer Center. Activists attempted to board five different bus routes, including the 151, 507, 502, 752, and 162. While most buses accommodated the activists by lowering their rear lifts for wheelchair users, a brief confrontation occurred on the 507 bus.

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Do not refuse boarding

On the 507 bus, the driver initially closed the doors, refusing boarding. Activists lay down in front of the bus, chanting, "Open the door" and "Do not refuse boarding." This led to a delay of approximately four minutes before the driver eventually opened the rear door and lowered the lift, allowing the activists to board. No other significant altercations were reported with other buses.

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The disabled should also be able to board low-floor buses, and Seoul City must introduce them.

Jangyeonyeon announced it would suspend its planned daily subway boarding protests. The group stated this decision was made to provide an opportunity for dialogue with the Minister of Health and Welfare and the Minister of Economy and Finance regarding disability rights budgets. The activists successfully completed their bus boarding demonstration, disembarking at the next stop, Gwalldong.

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We cancel the subway boarding protest that was announced to be held daily. We canceled it to give the Minister of Health and Welfare and the Minister of Economy and Finance an opportunity to engage in dialogue.