Their 20 years of 'barrier-free travel' in wheelchairs: 'Travel is the starting point and endpoint of independent living'

For nearly two decades, we—Lee Kyung-hee, Cha Mi-kyung, Ha Seok-mi, and Jeon Yoon-sun—have embarked on journeys together, bound by our shared experience of using electric wheelchairs. Our travels began in 2007, and since then, we've explored various corners of South Korea, prioritizing one crucial factor above all else: accessibility. While others might seek breathtaking scenery or culinary delights, our primary concern is whether a place can be reached by wheelchair.

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The standard for restaurants now includes whether they have a multi-purpose restroom.

This focus often leads us to major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, where subway systems offer extensive reach. However, even in these urban centers, challenges persist. Traveling together requires meticulous planning. We often have to split into two groups, taking different KTX trains because each train can only accommodate two wheelchairs. Upon arrival, we need to book four separate accessible taxis, which can lead to significant delays, sometimes with the last person reaching our accommodation close to midnight.

Our advocacy has led to some improvements. We've persistently contacted local governments and media outlets, resulting in more low-floor shuttle buses at tourist destinations like the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, which we were once unable to access due to a high-floor shuttle bus. While these efforts are rewarding, the reality is that 'barrier-free' travel, as we call it, remains a significant hurdle for many disabled individuals in Korea. Statistics show that a vast majority of disabled people did not travel in 2021, a stark contrast to the general population's travel rate.

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For us, the biggest criterion for a 'good travel destination' is not how much there is to see, but whether we can go there by wheelchair.

We don't see ourselves as activists on a grand mission; we simply want to enjoy travel like anyone else. However, the persistent lack of accessibility means we can't always switch off our critical awareness. Our travels are not just about leisure; they are a testament to our pursuit of independent living. As Cha Mi-kyung shared, before traveling with us, she relied on family for transportation and rarely ventured out. Through these journeys, she discovered a freedom she never thought possible, choosing her destinations and times without needing assistance.

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Even if I successfully book an accessible taxi at 7 p.m. to go to the accommodation, the last person often doesn't arrive until almost midnight.

We believe that improving information accessibility for 'barrier-free travel' is crucial. Many disabled individuals hesitate to travel, assuming it requires overnight stays. However, day trips to places with ocean views are entirely feasible using the subway. We hope that information about accessible routes and destinations reachable by public transport becomes more widely available. We are scheduled to share our experiences at the '2026 Crusher Day' event, hoping our story inspires others to imagine a more inclusive world.

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We are not traveling with a great mission. We just want to think about enjoyable things when we are at a travel destination, just like everyone else, but it's hard to completely ignore the issues.