Eight salons designated as disability-friendly for the first time this year; signing ceremony held Thursday
Wheelchair ramps, low-noise equipment and oversized capes provided to improve access to grooming services
Songpa-gu in Seoul has designated eight hair salons as disability-friendly for the first time this year, making it easier for people with disabilities to access grooming services near their homes.
Wheelchair users have long faced barriers at salon entrances due to raised thresholds, while people with sensory sensitivities have struggled with the noise of hair dryers and other equipment.
In response, the district launched the disability-friendly salon program to reduce everyday inconveniences for people with disabilities. Originally targeting at least one salon in each of the district's five zones, the program ultimately selected eight participating businesses and held a signing ceremony with them on Thursday.
The eight designated salons are Haengbokan Hair Salon (Jamsil-bondong), Keullio Hair Salon (Geoyeo 1-dong), New Skin Hair (Macheon 1-dong), M Hair (Bangi 1-dong), U-Turn Hair (Garak 2-dong), Hair Artist M Ogeum (Ogeum-dong), Samjeon Hair Salon (Samjeon-dong) and Woo Seon-hee Hair (Songpa 1-dong).
Each selected salon will receive facility improvements and equipment tailored to the needs of people with disabilities — including wheelchair-accessible ramps, low-noise styling tools for those sensitive to sound, and oversized capes. A dedicated "disability-friendly salon" sign will also be displayed at each location for easy identification.
The first sign was installed Monday at New Skin Hair in Macheon 1-dong. A representative of the salon said they were glad to take part in building a society where people with and without disabilities are treated equally, adding that they hoped their small gesture of care would make a meaningful difference.
Songpa-gu District Mayor Seo Gang-seok said it was important to start by addressing the small everyday inconveniences that people with disabilities face. "We will continue working to build Songpa as a city of inclusion — one where people with disabilities are never left behind and everyone can live comfortably," he said.
People with disabilities who wish to use the salons are advised to make a reservation in advance. For more information, contact the Songpa-gu Office's disability welfare division.
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